Surgical Technology students, images courtesy of College of Southern Nevada (CSN).
Surgical technicians are integral staff members on surgical teams, and this dynamic career can now begin at Truckee Meadows Community College in the new associate degree program partnership of TMCC and College of Southern Nevada (CSN).
This summer, another prerequisite course, SRGT 101B: Introduction to Surgical Technology is being launched at TMCC. The in-person, one-credit class starts on June 8 for eight weeks, meeting from 2:30–4:20 on Thursdays.
“Students don’t have to go to southern Nevada to take this prerequisite course,” said Toni Hippert, liaison to CSN, and TMCC administrative assistant. “The rest of the prerequisites and courses for the major can also be completed in Reno, with CSN instructor-led classes and labs, interactive videoconferencing seminars and clinical rotations at medical facilities in our region.”
The eight-week summer class in Reno introduces students to the new Surgical Technology AAS degree program, and the roles and responsibilities of a surgical technologist. Students must apply and be admitted to CSN to take the class, and enroll at CSN’s MyCSN site.
Hands-on demonstrations are planned for the SRGT 101B course, such as presentations and handling of actual surgical instruments, sterile gowns and gloves. Students will also be familiarized with the educational requirements of the program, certifications for technologists, and job outlook for the occupation.
“This class is to explain to those who are interested what the profession is like and what our program is like,” said Cris Aguilar, CSN Program Director, Surgical Technology Program Instructor. “Students will not be learning about technique or in-depth anatomy yet.”
No books are required for the introductory class.
The Surgical Technologist Career Path
Surgical Technologists are responsible to create, maintain and protect a sterile field within the surgical environment. The other main functions are handing instruments to the surgeon and retracting tissue during the surgery. CSN has produced a video showcasing the program.
Upon completion of their associate degree, graduates are prepared to take the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. It is given in Las Vegas.
Upon certification, graduates will be prepared with entry-level skills to work in the following areas, including:
- Operating Room
- Labor and Delivery Suite
- Endoscopy Unit
- Outpatient Surgical Suite
- Emergency Room
- Sterile processing
- Ophthalmologists' offices
- Physicians' and dentists' offices
Job Outlook and Information
The job outlook appears promising in this career field, and the Nevada Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey estimated in 2015 that the annual salary for the occupation in Nevada is about $57,500.
The new introductory class will also be offered at TMCC as an eight-week section in the Fall Semester, starting August 31.
For more information about the TMCC and CSN partnership, contact the TMCC Surgical Technologist Program at 775-674-7657.