Introduction to Surgical Technology Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Course Information

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

SRGT-1505-001 Introduction to Surgical Technology

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Admission to Surgical Technology program

Course Description

Orientation to surgical technology theory, surgical pharmacology and anesthesia, technology sciences and patient care concepts.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(4 sem hrs 3 lec 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The Surgical Technology Program utilizes the same required textbooks, workbooks, study guides, and supplemental learning resources throughout the curriculum. Students are expected to retain these materials for the duration of the program, as they will be used across multiple Surgical Technology (SRGT) courses in both the classroom and laboratory settings.

The following textbooks are required for this course: 

• Flashcards for Differentiating Surgical Instruments. Colleen J. Rutherford. F.A. Davis.
  ISBN: 978-0803628977.
• Operating Room Skills: Fundamentals for the Surgical Technologist, 2nd Edition. Nancy N. Dankanich. Pearson.
  ISBN: 0135204038.
• Surgical Equipment and Supplies, 3rd Edition. Colleen J. Rutherford. F.A. Davis.
  ISBN: 9781719648417.
• Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist Printed Workbook, 7th Edition. Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). Cengage.
  ISBN: 9780357625750. 
• Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice for Surgical Technologists, 8th Edition. Joanna Fuller. Elsevier/Evolve.
• Surgical Instrumentation. Renee Nimits. Elsevier/Evolve.
  ISBN: 9780323776936.
• Surgical Technology Clinical Notebook. Angela Vaughan. Surgical Technology Department.
  (Printed by the Amarillo College Bookstore.)

Supplies

Students must have regular access to a computer for online videos and research related to class content. Course assignments, discussions, instructional videos, and additional resources will be available through Blackboard. Students must also have a printer or reliable access to printing services. 

Student Performance

The student will know that goals have been successfully met when he/she earns a final course grade of “C” or higher as evaluated by the faculty in the department.

Statement of Purpose

SRGT 1505 prepares students to enter the surgical environment with the foundational knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors expected of an entry-level surgical technologist. Emphasis is placed on patient care, perioperative case management, aseptic technique, communication, legal and ethical responsibilities, pharmacology, anesthesia, and the development of professional competencies required for safe surgical practice.

End-of-Course Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate professional behavior, ethical decision-making, effective communication, and teamwork within the surgical environment.
2. Apply principles of aseptic technique and safely perform fundamental perioperative skills in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings.
3. Explain the roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist and other members of the surgical team.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of patient care, legal and ethical responsibilities, documentation, and risk management in the perioperative setting.
5. Identify common surgical instruments, equipment, anesthesia concepts, and pharmacologic principles used during surgical procedures.
6. Apply principles of safety, infection prevention, environmental controls, and emergency preparedness in the operating room.
7. Successfully complete required laboratory competencies demonstrating readiness for supervised clinical practice.

Course Topics

Professionalism and Communication

• Professional responsibilities and characteristics of the surgical technologist
• Professional organizations and credentialing
• Communication skills and interpersonal relationships
• Teamwork and collaboration within the surgical team
• Conflict resolution and workplace professionalism

Perioperative Case Management

• Preoperative case preparation
• Surgical hand antisepsis
• Sterile gowning and gloving
• Establishing and maintaining the sterile field
• Surgical counts
• Patient positioning and draping
• First and second scrub responsibilities
• Postoperative case management
• Patient transfer and room turnover

Clinical Education

• Observation and scrub role expectations
• Professional behavior in the clinical setting
• Surgical case documentation
• Completion of required clinical competencies
• Minimum clinical case requirements

Documentation, Ethics, and Legal Responsibilities

• Perioperative documentation
• Informed consent
• Patient confidentiality (HIPAA)
• Ethical decision-making
• Legal principles and risk management
• Standards of professional conduct

Healthcare Systems

• Healthcare facility organization
• Roles of the perioperative team
• Chain of command
• Regulatory and accrediting agencies

Patient Care

• Physical, psychological, cultural, and emotional needs of surgical patients
• Care of vulnerable populations
• Death, dying, organ donation, and end-of-life considerations

Operating Room Environment

• Surgical suite design
• Environmental controls
• Safety standards
• Infection prevention
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster response and triage

Surgical Technology and Equipment

• Principles of electricity
• Electrosurgical units
• Laser safety and applications

Anesthesia and Pharmacology

• Principles of anesthesia
• Types of anesthetic agents
• Anesthesia monitoring
• Medication safety
• Drug classifications
• Dosage calculations and medication conversions

Laboratory Skills

Students will develop competency in:

• Surgical hand scrub
• Sterile gowning and gloving
• Sterile technique
• Opening sterile supplies
• Creating and maintaining the sterile field
• Surgical counts
• Patient draping
• Instrument handling
• First and second scrub techniques
• Postoperative room turnover

Instrument Identification

Students will begin learning surgical instrumentation during this course. The instrument chapter in Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice for Surgical Technologists and the required flashcards will be used throughout the semester to develop instrument recognition, identification, and proper handling. Students will also utilize the Clinical Skills Manual during laboratory instruction to reinforce perioperative skills.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

It is the responsibility of the student to access the course on a regular basis, participate and complete required Homework assignments, Study Guides, Activities, Exam Reviews, Quizzes, Major exams, and the Final Exam.

This course includes weekly laboratory experiences designed to reinforce classroom instruction through hands-on practice. Students will develop fundamental technical skills, demonstrate safe patient care and equipment handling, and apply aseptic technique in a simulated surgical setting. Professional conduct, punctuality, adherence to safety standards, and demonstration of a surgical conscience are expected at all times. Students must successfully complete both the lecture and laboratory components to advance in the program.

WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE:

It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw from a course. Failure to officially withdraw will result in the student receiving a grade of "F" in the course.

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline. For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Students are not automatically dropped from their class roles as a result of non-attendance.

COURSE DROP DATE: 

The last day to withdraw or drop from this class is November,24 2026.  The student is encouraged to discuss the decision with the instructor prior to dropping out of the course.

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:

A student who has a problem with the course or the course instructor should make every attempt to resolve the problem with the course instructor. If that is not successful, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the Program Director Angela Vaughan 806-356-3663, Dean (Kim Boyd 806-354-6060). If situation is not resolved issue will be brought before a committee. Please refer to the Online Amarillo College catalog for complete explanation of the grievance procedures.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:

Academic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Amarillo College board policies.  Academic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.

Lab Attire:
Students must wear appropriate clothing to safely perform duties in the lab setting. Jeans, short-sleeve T-shirts, and closed-toe shoes are permitted. Tennis shoes are strongly recommended for comfort and safety.

The following are not allowed in lab:

• Fake fingernails
• Long or artificial eyelashes that interfere with goggles or masks
• Slippers, flip-flops, or open-toed shoes
• Spaghetti straps or revealing clothing

Lab activities involve bending, stooping, lifting, and simulating work in a surgical environment. Students are expected to dress appropriately to ensure safety, professionalism, and full participation.

Grading Criteria

This course will include lectures, PowerPoint presentations, videos, demonstrations and return demonstrations, group activities, projects, along with reading and written assignments. Students will be evaluated through major exams, numerous quizzes and worksheets, laboratory assignments/quizzes, and a final exam.

MAJOR EXAMS:

The course will include six to seven chapter exams. Major exams will assess material covered since the preceding exam and will be announced in advance. For exams taken in the testing center, students must remain there until the exam is finished. Leaving the testing center before completing the exam will result in an “F” for that exam.

The Final exam will be comprehensive and will cover material from the entire course.

Instrument Examinations, Laboratory Preparation, and Assignments

Instrument identification is a critical competency in the Surgical Technology Program and an essential skill for safe patient care in the operating room. Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency through instrument examinations.

• A minimum score of 90% is considered passing on all instrument examinations.
• If a student does not achieve a 90% on the first attempt, one additional attempt will be provided for remediation purposes. The original exam score will remain the recorded grade.
• Repeated failure to demonstrate competency on instrument examinations may result in academic intervention and may lead to dismissal from the Surgical Technology Program in accordance with program policies.

Students are expected to arrive prepared for all classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences. Failure to prepare for laboratory activities or clinical assignments may compromise patient safety and is inconsistent with the expectations of the profession.

All assignments are due by the published deadline or if stated at the beginning of class. Late assignments will be accepted with a 20-point deduction from the grade.

The goal of instrument examinations, laboratory instruction, and operating room orientation is to develop the knowledge, technical skills, and professional competence necessary for students to safely enter the clinical environment and provide quality patient care.

Incompletes “I” are granted only for emergency situations such as hospitalization of the student, serious injury, etc. Incompletes “I” will not be granted for situations involving vacation plans, appointments, job, computer problems, etc.

Quizzes:

Quizzes will cover recent lecture material, may be announced or unannounced, and will be given during class time. 

GRADING:

         Major examinations = 40%

         Laboratory/Lab quizzes and practicals = 20 %

         Assignments/Quizzes/Worksheets = 15%

         Attendance = 5%

         Final Exam = 20%

The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

            A= 90 –100

            B= 80 – 89

            C= 75-79

            F= less than 74.9

***NOTE:  A grade of “D” is NOT possible in this course.

MAKE-UP POLICY:

If a student is absent for a quiz, a grade of zero will be recorded for the missed quiz. No make-up quizzes will be offered for classroom material. 

Students who arrive late for a major exam will not be admitted to the testing area or classroom.

If a student is absent on the day of a major exam, they must arrange a make-up exam within five (5) days of the original exam date. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor the day of the exam and schedule the make-up exam. Make-up exams will not be taken during class, lab, or clinical times. Any approved make-up exam will result in a 20-point deduction from the exam score.

Exam and Quiz Remediation Policy

Students who earn a score of 74.9% or lower on any exam or quiz are required to complete a remediation process. After remediation, the student must retake the exam or quiz and achieve a score of 75% or higher to demonstrate competency. The original exam or quiz grade will remain the recorded grade; the retake score is for remediation purposes only and will not replace or increase the original grade.

If additional academic support is deemed necessary, the student may be required to complete tutoring or other remediation activities before being eligible to retake the exam or quiz. The instructor will provide specific instructions and requirements at that time.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for successful completion of this course. Students are expected to attend all class sessions, arrive on time, and actively participate. Students are responsible for all material presented in class and for completing all assigned work on the dates they are due, regardless of attendance.

If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to obtain any missed information, assignments, or announcements. Three tardies equal one (1) absence with a maximum of two (2) absences per semester is allowed. If a student exceeds two absences (including accumulation of tardies), a three-point (3) deduction will be applied to the final course grade for each additional day.

Calendar

Additional Information

Academic Probation

Probation is a formal trial period during which a student must demonstrate improvement to remain in the Surgical Technology Program. The Program Director may place a student on probation for any of the following reasons:

1. Academic deficiency or failure.
2. Unsatisfactory clinical performance.
3. Unsafe or unprofessional conduct.
4. Inability to maintain the physical or mental health necessary to meet program requirements.
5. Excessive absences or failure to meet attendance requirements.

Probation Process

Probation is initiated following a conference with the student. Participants may include the Program Director, Department Head, clinical instructor, Amarillo College counselor, and/or another college faculty member, as appropriate. During the conference, the terms of probation, required corrective actions, and timelines for improvement will be reviewed. An Amarillo College Probation Status Form will be completed and signed by all participants.

The policies in this syllabus may be modified due to extenuating circumstances. Individual exceptions may be granted at the director’s discretion based on specific circumstances and do not establish a precedent.

The goal of this program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to gain employment as entry level surgical technologist and become contributing members of the health care team. This will be accomplished by preparing competent graduates in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains and meeting or exceeding the criteria set forth in the current CAAHEP standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Surgical Technology.”

Amarillo College Surgical Technology is accredited by CAAHEP - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Mailing address:

9355 - 113th St. N, #7709

Seminole, FL 33775-7709

P: 727-210-2350
F: 727-210-2354
E: mail@caahep.org