As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate effectively; think creatively, solve problems, and make decisions; and interact with each other and the technologies in the workplace. Vocational-technical programs must also adopt these practices in order to provide graduates who can enter and advance in the changing work world. The curriculum framework in this document reflects these changes in the workplace and a number of other factors that impact local vocational-technical programs. Surgical Technology is an instructional program that prepares an individual to serve as a member of the surgical team to work with surgeons, anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during, and after surgery. This program includes the education of all aspects of surgical technology including the role of second assistant and circulator. Graduates of the 12-month program will be awarded the Certificate of Surgical Technology. The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology will be awarded to the successful graduate of the 24-month program. Qualified graduates will be required to apply to the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (formerly the LCC-ST) to become a Certified Surgical Technologist. Industry standards are based on the "Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology." Appended are: (1) Standards Based on the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology; (2) Related Academic Standards; and (3) 21st Century Skills. A list of suggested references is provided for each unit. (Contains 3 footnotes.)