This program prepares graduates to assist the surgeon and other members of the operating room team. Duties may include such tasks as setting up sterile trays and equipment for procedures; scrubbing for procedures with the surgeon; draping patients, passing instruments, and holding retractors; sterilizing instruments and supplies; and maintaining stock inventory. The program consists of theory and practical experience in the operating room setting. Courses must be taken sequentially and include summer school. Graduates are qualified to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting national certification examination.
In order to be granted an associates degree in surgical technology, a student must maintain an NMU cumulative GPA of 2.00, receive no less than a "C" in any ST or CLS course, and pass a final comprehensive exam prior to graduation.
For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Clinical Sciences, School of department page.
For related information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm
| Total Credits Required | 64 |
| General Education | 16 |
| EN 111 College Composition I [EFFC] | 4 |
| EN 211 College Composition II [EFFC] | 4 |
| Chemistry Course above CH 100 | 4 |
| Social Responsibility in a Diverse World Elective | 4 |
| Required Courses in Major | 32 |
| CLS 204 Clinical Microbiology | 2 |
| ST 101 Clinical Assisting | 1 |
| ST 111 Basic Surgical Concepts and Techniques | 3 |
| ST 211 General Surgical Procedures | 4 |
| ST 212 Specialty Surgical Proc and Pharmacology | 4 |
| ST 220 Issues and Seminar for Surgical Technology | 2 |
| ST 250 Clinical Practice | 2 |
| ST 260 Surgical Technology Practicum | 14 |
| Other Required Courses | 16 |
| BI 207 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 4 |
| BI 208 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 4 |
| CLS 109 Introduction to Diagnostic Sciences | 1 |
| CLS 171 Medical Terminology | 4 |
| HL 125 Emergency Care for the Health Professional | 3 |
Note: Students who score below a predictive "C" on Northern Michigan University's mathematics placement test for MA 104 are required to take MA 100. Students who score a "C" or higher are exempt from the mathematics requirement.
The Surgical Technology Program implemented the 2013 Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology, 6e [CCST,6e] on January 7, 2013.
Bulletin Year:
2018 - 2019 Undergraduate Bulletin
| View the current NMU Catalog.