Physical Requirements
Students entering the surgical technology curriculum must be able to demonstrate the following physical standards:
1. Strength and Flexibility – Student must:
- Be able to stand, bend, and stoop, and/or sit within a confined area for prolonged periods of time, up to 6 to 8 hours.
- Be able to function without nourishment or medication for a period of time extending to 6 to 8 hours.
- Be able to lift, move, position and manipulate a patient who is unconscious; may be required to independently lift 25 pounds.
2. Manual Dexterity - Student must:
- Demonstrate threading a needle with either hand, manipulate instruments, supplies, and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good eye-hand coordination.
- Be able to move/ambulate around without assistive devices.
- Be able to reach heights of at least 6 feet 10 inches, with a minimum physical height requirement of 5 feet.
3. Vision – Student must:
- Be able to read small print on medications from a 1 foot distance.
- Demonstrate sufficient visual ability to thread a needle with a thread that may be smaller than a human hair with or without corrective lenses while wearing safety glasses.
- Demonstrate sufficient peripheral vision to anticipate and function while in the sterile surgical environment.
- Be able to consistently identify and communicate colors used in color-coding.
4. Hearing – Student must:
- Hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator’s mouth/lips within 20 feet.
- Hear activation/warning signals on equipment.
5. Other Standards – Student must:
- Have the ability to remain alert and conscious at all times.
- Have the ability to reach or extend across the operating table.
- Have the ability to smell.
- Have the ability to adapt to temperature variations.
