Career Opportunities As an Occupational Therapy

Surgical Technology Program

Fall 2017 Application

Application Deadline is June 16, 2017

Welcome students and thank you for choosing Surgical Technology as your career path.

Surgical technology is one of the fastest growing professions in the country. At PCC, the Surgical Technology Program prepares you for a career in a variety of settings including hospital surgery departments, labor and delivery, cardiac catheterization labs, ambulatory surgery centers, central supply, and sterile processing.

A Surgical Technologist is a vital member of the operating room team and requires extensive commitment for those who practice in this profession. As an experienced surgical technologist, you can choose to specialize in such areas as General, OB/GYN, Endoscopy, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Oral and Maxillofacial, Plastic and Reconstructive, Genitourinary, Orthopedic, Cardiothoracic, Peripheral Vascular, Neurological Surgery or organ transplant and procurement. Graduates of our CAAHEP Accredited Surgical Technology Program are eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam given by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Upon passing, a surgical technologist can practice under the prestigious title of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

You have completed pre-requisite courses to increase your understanding of human anatomy and physiology, microbiology and medical terminology which is necessary to enter into the Surgical Technology Program. The Surgical Technologist serves the patient’s interest primarily by providing assistance to the surgeon by anticipating the intraoperative needs of the surgeon and surgical patient. To accomplish this primary task efficiently and effectively, the surgical technologist must learn to apply critical thinking skills and “think like the surgeon”. This requires the surgical technologist to be well grounded in the basic sciences, especially anatomy, microbiology and pathophysiology. The surgical technologist must have a mental image of normal anatomy and make a mental comparison of the normal anatomy with the actual anatomy of a specific patient. They must know the operative procedure used to correct the pathological conditions and make adjustments in instrumentation, supplies, and equipment according to variations in the pathology and the surgeon’s needs.

Upon acceptance into the Surgical Technology Program, you will gain classroom and hands-on experience in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective behavior learning domains. The Curriculum includes topics like the principles of patient preparation and care, preparing the operating room, creating and maintaining a sterile field, scrubbing, gowning, and gloving, draping the surgical patient and equipment, and providing effective surgical case management before, during, and after surgery. Throughout the learning experience you will also discover how to apply hemostasis, how to load and use sutures, needles, and stapling devices, how to handle specimens, and understand surgical pharmacology and anesthesia including calculating and preparing controlled medications and drugs appropriately. Additionally, you will learn how to apply wound care and dressing applications and utilize the principles of asepsis. You will be taught how to handle sharps safely, pass surgical instrumentation, supplies, and equipment during surgical procedures, perform surgical counts, execute room turnover and terminal cleaning processes, and carry out the necessary skills needed to process and sterilize instrumentation and supplies competently. Finally, you will receive extensive clinical experience working with surgeons and OR staff within a real operating room environment.

If you are punctual and can demonstrate consistent attendance, work quickly and accurately, pay attention to details, multitask, prioritize and work well under pressure; you are a good candidate for the Surgical Technology Program. If you are able to problem solve and critically think, cope with change and communicate effectively while working both independently and as a team member; you are a good candidate for the Surgical Technology Program. Please proceed with the application process.

I look forward to meeting you soon.

Diana L. Montoya, CST, BSHCM

Department Chair of Surgical Technology and Program Director

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Student Application Check List:

I wish to be considered as a candidate for admission into the Surgical Technology Program

I have previously obtained a degree: Associates _____ Bachelors _____ None______

Full name of your degree:______

Year Completed:______

I have attached copies of “Unofficial” transcript(s) from every prior school listed on my application. Please note: If I do not receive a transcript for each school listed, your application will not continue through the application process.

I have completed all the required BIO pre-requisites within the last 5 years: BIO201, BIO202, & BIO204 at a C or above:

You may still apply for the program even if you are completing a prerequisite course in the summer semester, just make a note below.

ENG121: Grade:______Year ______

BIO201: Grade:______Year ______

BIO202: Grade:______Year______

BIO204: Grade:______Year ______

HPR178: Grade: ______Year ______

I have completed the “Demographic Information” form

I have signed the Surgical Technology Course Curriculum Schedule Acknowledgement Page

I have signed the “Essential Functions” Acknowledgement Page

I have attached two (2) Letters of Recommendation forms from a non-related acquaintance

Each letter has been placed “in a sealed envelope and the recommender’s name is signed across the seal” according to the instructions found within the application.

I have attached the Work / Volunteer History Form

I have researched the Association of Surgical Technologists website at http://www.AST.org and attached a copy of the Surgical Technologist Job Description for a Scrub Surgical Technologist, Second Circulating Surgical Technologist, and Second Assistant Surgical Technologist (one document).

Demographic Information:

Surgical Technology Program Application

Name ______

S#______

Current Address:

______

Street City State Zip

Phone: (Home) ______

Phone: (Cell) ______

(Personal E-mail)______

(Student E-mail)______

(D2L E-mail)______

Emergency Contact:______

It is the student's responsibility to see that all the application materials have been received and an advising appointment has been arranged with the Program Chair if needed.

How do I apply?

1.  Complete the Surgical Technology Program Application Packet by the due date

2.  Please note if you are completing a prerequisite course in the summer semester – you may still apply for the program pending completion of that course with a C or better.

What Should I Expect After I Apply?

1.  The Surgical Technology Program’s Admission Committee will review your application. You will be notified by phone on Monday, June 19, 2017 if you are eligible for an interview. ** Please make sure you have included a correct contact phone number and are available to take the call. We will try contacting applicants up to two times.

2.  Interviews will be the week of June 26, 2017. We will start scheduling on Monday and continuing through the week until all interviews have been scheduled. Interviews are conducted in person and NO telephone interviews will be permitted. Applicants are responsible for all expenses incurred.

If Accepted, What Should I Expect After I Interview?

1.  Following your interview, you will be notified via an official email letter based on a conditional acceptance into the Surgical Technology Program.

2.  Within the “Conditionally Accepted” letter, you will be given information with definitive deadlines to complete a background check and a drug screen. You will also receive information on purchasing Surgical Technology Program uniforms and receive a copy of the Surgical Technology Program Handbook for you to review in preparation for Orientation. Please do not do the background check or drug screen prior to conditional acceptance notification due to test time sensitivity. During the Fall semester, you will be required to obtain specific immunizations. In the Spring semester you will be required to take a CPR Certification course at your cost.

3.  You must return the “Conditional Acceptance” form by the date indicated in the letter to “reserve” your place for the Fall 2017 term.

What Happens If I Am Not Conditionally Accepted?

1.  An alternate list will be established once the Surgical Technology Program is full. Candidates will be notified if vacancies occur up through the first week of Fall semester classes.

2.  Students must apply annually for admission to the Surgical Technology Program – including any student placed on an alternate list who did not receive final acceptance.

3.  It is the student’s responsibility to keep applications current and complete as outlined above. Unaccepted applications are shredded following the start of the fall semester.

The Surgical Technology Program has a selective admissions policy due to lab space and the limited number of clinical sites available to the program. A maximum of sixteen (16) applicants will be chosen for the Fall Semester. A list of alternates will be maintained and students will be notified of any vacancy up through the first week of Fall Semester classes. Final admission of all applicants will be awarded at the discretion of the Surgical Technology Admissions Committee.

ASSOCIATE of APPLIED SCIENCE in SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

Entrance Requirements: This is a limited-entry admission program. Students must complete prerequisite biology courses within the last 5 years with a “C” or higher to be admitted to the Surgical Technology program.

I have reviewed and addressed all my questions and concerns regarding the Surgical Technology Program and I acknowledge that I agree to the Curriculum Schedule for the Surgical Technology Program.

______

Student Name S# Date

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

All students in the Surgical Technology Program must be able to perform these essential functions. Examples of activities are not all inclusive.