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Surgical Technology Basics

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Surgical Technology Basics

This course is part of Sterile Processing/Surgical Technology Fundamentals Specialization

Instructor: Jennifer Zabel

Included with Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explore the skills and knowledge for the competent, entry-level Surgical Technologist
Describe the instrumentation and equipment used in the operating room
Develop a strong surgical conscience, accountability, and understanding of actions

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Sterile Processing/Surgical Technology Fundamentals Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

The Surgical Technology Basics course introduces students to the foundational skills needed to succeed as a Surgical Technologist in the perioperative and intraoperative environment. First, students explore workplace hazards and the principles of sterile technique and infection control that form the basis of safe surgical practice.

Then, the course covers essential surgical instrumentation and the fundamentals of perioperative pharmacology, giving the technical knowledge needed to support surgeons and surgical teams during procedures. Students then examine the full continuum of patient care, including proper techniques for moving, handling and positioning patients, skin preparation and draping, case planning, and the responsibilities involved during the intraoperative and immediate postoperative periods. The course concludes with an overview of surgical procedure types, including general surgery, minimally invasive surgery and robotic-assisted procedures – introducing evolving techniques and technologies shaping modern surgical care. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in surgical technology, preparing students with the core knowledge to work in the perioperative setting.

This lesson explores workplace hazards and the principles of sterile technique and infection control that form the basis of safe surgical practice.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment4 plugins

6 videosTotal 25 minutes

Human Factors Contributing to Risk3 minutes
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries3 minutes
The Process of Infection in the Surgical Patient5 minutes
Surgical Attire and Hand Antisepsis/with 3D Animation7 minutes
Preparing the Sterile Field3 minutes
Maintaining the Sterile Field4 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Lesson 1 - Safety, Sterile Technique, and Infection Control30 minutes

4 pluginsTotal 60 minutes

Components of Fire and Chemical Spills15 minutes
Preventing Hazards15 minutes
Infection Control in the Perioperative Environment15 minutes
Preparing the Sterile Field15 minutes

This lesson covers essential surgical instrumentation and the fundamentals of perioperative pharmacology, giving the technical knowledge needed to support surgeons and surgical teams during procedures.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment2 plugins

6 videosTotal 36 minutes

Differentiating Instruments 5 minutes
Tissue Type and Appropriate Instruments6 minutes
Specific Passing Techniques9 minutes
Medication Labels3 minutes
Surgical Pharmacology 9 minutes
Medication Process for the Surgical Technologist4 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Lesson 2 - Surgical Instrumentation and Perioperative Pharmacology30 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 30 minutes

Instrument Safety and Integrity15 minutes
Patient Safety and Medication Handling15 minutes

This lesson examines the full continuum of patient care, including proper techniques for moving, handling and positioning patients, skin preparation and draping, case planning, and the responsibilities involved during the intraoperative and immediate postoperative periods.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment4 plugins

6 videosTotal 30 minutes

Basic Surgical Positions and Tables5 minutes
Moving the Patient5 minutes
Preparation Techniques for the Surgical Site7 minutes
Features of a Surgical Case Plan3 minutes
Handling Surgical Specimens6 minutes
End Case Responsibilities4 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Lesson 3 - Preoperative, Interoperative, and Postoperative Care30 minutes

4 pluginsTotal 60 minutes

Table Accessories and Positioning Devices15 minutes
Moving the Patient15 minutes
Skin Prep and Draping 15 minutes
Suture Materials and Procedures15 minutes

This lesson provides an overview of surgical procedure types, including general surgery, minimally invasive surgery and robotic-assisted procedures – introducing evolving techniques and technologies shaping modern surgical care.

What's included

6 videos1 reading2 assignments3 plugins

6 videosTotal 21 minutes

General Abdominal Procedures and Case Planning6 minutes
Other Open and Closed Procedures and Case Planning5 minutes
The Tower3 minutes
Basic MIS Setup4 minutes
Benefits of a RAS System3 minutes
Role of the Surgical Technologist1 minute

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Project Instructions10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 150 minutes

Lesson 4 - General, Minimally Invasive, and Robotic Surgeries30 minutes
Surgical Technologist/Sterile Processing Roles120 minutes

3 pluginsTotal 45 minutes

General Instrument Tray15 minutes
RAS Room Layout15 minutes
The Role of the Surgical Technologist15 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Jennifer Zabel

MedCerts

22 Courses150,798 learners

Offered by

MedCerts

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Frequently asked questions

No. This course is considered an introduction to MedCerts career and certification training. It does not fully prepare students to test for national certification. To prepare for a national certification, students have the option to enroll in a more comprehensive program at MedCerts, where certification and job-readiness is the intent.

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.