Our Curriculum

Overview

The Surgical Technology Program extends for 18 months. Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences curriculum is designed to provide theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. The curriculum is further designed to meet the needs of nontraditional students by varying the time frame in which courses are offered throughout the Program. Therefore, the Program starts by providing the biological sciences in the evening on a part-time basis, and progresses to full-time day courses that include a clinical component.

Level I

The first two semesters are scheduled in the evening with classes from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m for completing biological science coursework.

The 3rd semester classes and clinical experiences are scheduled Monday through Friday and range from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Level II

For the remainder of the program, classes and clinical experiences are scheduled Monday through Friday, and range from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Courses

BIO 107/117 – Anatomy and Physiology I  4 credits

BIO 108/118 - Anatomy and Pysiology II   4 credits

BIO 220 - Clinical Microbiology  4 credits

COM 101 - Composition and Research  3 credits

 ST 100– Foundations of Surgical Technology

This course will provide the student with detailed instruction in a variety of subjects related to the study of surgical technology. These include: microbiology, pharmacology, anesthesia, metric system review, surgical skin preparation, care of surgical specimens, disinfection, sterilization, aseptic technique, surgical terminology, wound healing and wound closure, and instrumentation. Basic physics, computer competency, and surgical robotics are also taught. This course includes approximately 90 hours of clinical practice.

ST 101- Introduction to Patient Care 

This course is designed to provide the student with the information necessary to assist the nursing staff in delivering quality care to the surgical patient. It includes lectures on pharmacology, anesthesia, metric system review, surgical skin preparation, care of surgical specimens, positioning of the surgical patient, monitoring of vital signs, and urinary catheterization. Care of the patient through the life span and cultural concerns affecting health care are also discussed.

ST 102 - Surgical Specialties I 

Surgical Specialties I will provide the student with in-depth information about the surgical specialties including anatomy review, pathophysiology, instrumentation and supplies, patient preparation, procedure descriptions, complications, and specialty medications. The specialty services covered in this course include general, gynecologic, orthopaedic, plastic, urologic, ophthalmic, otolaryngologic surgery. This course includes approximately 131 clinical hours.

ST 200- Surgical Specialties II 

A continuation of Surgical Specialties I. The specialty services covered in Surgical Specialties II include cardiovascular, thoracic, and neurologic surgery. This course includes approximately 456 clinical hours.

ST 201 - Surgical Specialties III 

This course allows the student to continue to integrate information learned in previous courses through hands-on application. In addition, interview and job research skills are taught in order to prepare the student to enter the job market. Course review is provided to prepare for the national certification examination. This course includes approximately 312 clinical hours.