Program Overview

Introduction to the Surgical Technology Program

The Surgical Technology program at Missoula College, University of Montana, is designed to prepare students for employment as surgical technologists. These professionals are integral to the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. They work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures.

Program Description

Surgical technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique. They combine knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation of instrumentation and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Accreditation

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA).

Applying to the Program

Students first apply to the Missoula College campus of the University of Montana and enter as Associate of Arts (AA) General Studies majors with an emphasis in Pre-Surgical Technology. They then meet with their assigned academic advisor to establish a plan for completing the program prerequisite courses. Applications to the Surgical Technology Program are accepted once per year, with a usual submission deadline of October 1st for spring semester program admission.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisite Courses

• AHMS 144: Medical Technology (3 credits)
• BIOH 201N/202N: Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (4 credits)
• M 105: Contemporary Math (3 credits)
• PSYX 100S or COMX 115S: Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Interpersonal Communications (3 credits)
• WRIT 101 or WRIT 121: College Writing I or Introduction to Technical Writing (3 credits) Total Credits: 16

Specific Course Requirements

• Course Repeat Limit: All prerequisite courses may be taken a maximum of 2 times only.
• Course Age Limit: If prerequisite courses were taken ten years (or more) ago, consult with the Program Director.
• Grade/Acceptance for BIOH 201N/202N, Human Anatomy and Physiology I: Must be completed with a minimum grade of "B" (3.0 GPA). Note: Online Anatomy & Physiology courses will not be accepted without prior approval.
• Grade Requirements for All Other Courses: Must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" (2.0 GPA). Note: A grade of "C-" will not satisfy requirements.

Skills/Standards Required

Technical & Health Standards for Surgical Technologists

Every student in the Surgical Technologist program must possess the physical, mental, and emotional capabilities required to successfully complete the program and gain employment in the field. These standards include:

• Critical Thinking: Possess critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.
• Health Standards: Able to stand, bend, stoop, and/or sit for long periods, lift a minimum of 20 pounds, demonstrate sufficient peripheral vision, and refrain from nourishment or restroom breaks for periods up to 6 hours.
• Technical Standards: Able to manipulate instruments, supplies, and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good hand-eye coordination.
• Communication Standards: Communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing.
• Interpersonal Standards: Make appropriate judgment decisions, demonstrate the use of positive coping skills under stress, and exhibit positive interpersonal skills during patient, staff, and faculty interactions.
• Immunizations/Misc.: Be free from chemical abuse and demonstrate or proof of immunity to certain diseases.

Program Requirements

Once accepted to the program, a student must complete each Surgical Technology-specific course with a minimum grade of 'C' (80%) to continue in the ST program. All other required courses must also be passed with a grade of "C". If a student does not pass the required courses, they will not be able to continue in the program and will need to apply for readmission.

Program Outreach

The University of Montana Missoula College Surgical Technology Program has discontinued its satellite programs in Butte and Billings for the present time. Interested students can still apply for a spot in the Missoula-based program.

Program Outcomes

Surgical Technology Program Outcomes Trends

• Student Retention: 80% (2024), 75% (2023), 100% (2022)
• Employer Survey Return Rate: N/A (2024), 63% (2023), 50% (2022)
• CST Exam Participation Rate: 100% (2024, 2023, 2022)
• CST Exam Pass Rate: 100% (2024), 78% (2023), 73% (2022)
• Graduate Placement: 100% (2024), 89% (2023), 91% (2022)
• Graduate Satisfaction Rate: 100% (2024, 2023, 2022)

Established ARC/STSA Thresholds

• Student Graduation Rate: 70% for all graduates
• CST Exam Participation: 100% for all graduates
• CST Pass Rate: 70% for all graduates
• Graduate Job Placement: 80% for all graduates
• Employer Survey Return Rate: 50% for all surveys sent to employers
• Employer Satisfaction Rate: 85% for all employers who return the survey
• Graduate Survey Return Rate: 50% for all surveys sent to graduates
• Graduate Satisfaction: 85% for all graduates who return the survey

Curriculum

U.S. Department of Education Notice

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all programs leading to State Licensure or National Certification must disclose whether or not their program meets the requirements of Licensure in each state. The Surgical Technology Program at Missoula College -- UM has not yet made a determination regarding whether its curriculum meets requirements for licensure by examination in states outside of Montana.

Degree-specific Requirements

The University of Montana catalog details degree-specific credits and course requirements. The Surgical Technology program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree.