The Surgical Technology program at Sinclair Community College has been CAAHEP approved since 1998 and offers the opportunity to prepare for a career as a member of a surgical team. A surgical technologist works together with the surgeon, registered nurse, and anesthesiologist as a member of the surgical team. To ensure proper surgical case management, the surgical technologist prepares and passes all sterile instruments during the surgical procedure while maintaining the sterile field and anticipating the needs of the surgeon. The surgical technologist helps to meet the needs of patients in the operating rooms of hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, physician offices, diagnostic facilities and other agencies where surgery is performed. The Surgical Technology program is designed to be completed in five (5) semesters on a full-time basis. The degree program consists of open enrollment courses (general education and division specific) and program specific courses with limited enrollment. The open enrollment courses may be taken prior to entry into the limited enrollment courses. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required, as well as a grade of C or higher in all program courses. The program includes both didactic instruction and supervised clinical practice in all areas required by the ARC/STSA (in collaboration with CAAHEP). Supervised clinical practice in area operating rooms include participating in procedures in general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, plastic surgery, urology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, cardiovascular, and peripheral vascular surgery. Note: For students under age 18 there may be restrictions on participating in certain Health Sciences programs. Any student under age 18 must contact the program director/department chair to discuss whether he or she may enroll.