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.
PREREQUISITES / Prerequisite Courses for Program AdmissionGENERAL EDUCATION PRE-REQUISITES
SS95+ / ENG 121 / English Composition I / 3
BIO 111 / General College Biology I with Lab / 5
BIO 111, RC 80+, SS 95+,EA 61+ / BIO 201*Ŧ / Human Anatomy and Physiology I / 4
BIO 111 EA 61+, and ENG 121 / BIO 202*Ŧ / Human Anatomy and Physiology II / 4
BIO 201 or 202, ENG 121, and EA 61+ / BIO 204*Ŧ / Microbiology / 4
See College Catalog / HPR 178 Ŧ / Medical Terminology (2 credit course) / 2
*Within five (5) years of application - Ŧ Must be completed prior to final admission
CORE REQUIREMENTS – 1ST YEAR
Semester 1 - Fall
Program Admittance / STE 102 / Introduction to Surgical Technology / 6
Program Admittance / STE 103 / Introduction to Surgical Technology Lab / 4
Program Admittance / STE 130 / Surgical Instruments, Supplies, & Equipment I / 3
Program Admittance / STE 140 / Surgical Case Studies I / 2
Semester 2 - Spring
STE 102 / STE 111 / Surgical Procedures & Case Management / 6
STE 103 / STE 112 / Surgical Procedures & Case Management Lab / 4
STE 130 / STE 131 / Surgical Instruments, Supplies, & Equipment II / 3
STE 140 / STE 141 / Surgical Case Studies II / 2
Semester 3 - Summer
STE 111, STE112, STE 131, STE 141 / STE 281 / Surgical Technology Internship I / 6
CORE REQUIREMENTS – 2ND YEAR
Semester 4 – Fall
STE 281 / STE 282 / Surgical Technology Internship II / 6
STE 281 / STE 279 / CST Exam Review Course / 3
Semester 5 – Spring
STE 282, STE 279 / STE 283 / Surgical Technology Internship III / 6
STE 282, STE 279 / STE 289 / Surgical Technology Capstone / 3
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
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION / DEFINITIONAge specific / To serve all demographic patients
Critical Thinking / Critical thinking ability for safe and effective practice. Perform tasks such as, but not limited to, mentally tracking surgical supplies and performing anticipation skills intraoperatively.
Mental/Emotional Requirements / Ability to use positive coping skills to manage stress appropriately. To make decisions and judgments and decisions under pressure. To handle multiple priorities and demonstrate calm and effective responses, especially in emergency situations
Interpersonal Skills / Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with physicians, staff, faculty, individuals, families, and patients from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds
Communication Ability / Communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing
Physical Endurance / Remain continuously on task for several hours with the majority of time standing, bending, or sitting for long periods of time in one location with minimal or no breaks. Refrain from nourishment or rest room breaks for periods up to 8 hours. Work days, nights, weekends and call. Able to lift up to 50 lbs. and assist with and/or lift, move, position, and manipulate with or without assistive devices, the patient who is unconscious
Mobility / Physical abilities sufficient to move and maneuver in small spaces without assistive devices. Demonstrates a full range of motion; manual and finger dexterity, and hand-eye coordination
Motor Skills / Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to manipulate instruments, supplies, and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good eye-hand coordination while providing safe and effective patient care with a variety of modalities
Hearing Ability / Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess the surgeon and surgical team’s concerns, hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator’s mouth/lips. Hear activation/warning signals on equipment
Visual Ability / Normal or corrected visual ability sufficient for observation of a patient and surgical procedure. Demonstrate sufficient visual and tactile ability to load a fine (10-0) suture onto needles and needle holders with/without corrective lenses and while wearing safety glasses
Olfactory Ability / Olfactory senses (smell) sufficient to detect odors to maintain environmental and patient safety and address patient needs
Professional Attitude and Demeanor / Ability to present professional appearance and implement measures to maintain own physical and mental health, and emotional stability. Ability to demonstrate emotional health required for the utilization of intellectual abilities and exercise good judgment. Exhibit positive interpersonal skills in patient, staff, and faculty interactions.
Environment Safety / Ability to recognize and protect self, patients and others from environmental risks and hazards
Health Safety / Be free of reportable communicable diseases and chemical abuse. Demonstrate immunity to rubella, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B, or be vaccinated against these diseases, or be willing to sign a waiver or release of liability with regard to these diseases
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.