Surgical Technology, AAS

This program is based in San Angelo.

Note: A criminal background clearance is required before acceptance into this program and a 10 panel drug screening is required prior to clinicals.

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is an integral member of the operative team, which includes the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and Registered Nurse. Their role is to perform duties during the pre, intra, and postoperative phases of surgical care. The primary responsibility of the CST is to create and maintain the surgical field integrity, and under the direction of the surgeon, prepare instrumentation and suture material as needed in the operative field. All surgical technologists who graduate from a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) approved program are eligible to sit for the certification exam to become a CST.

Technology

Some courses are hybrid courses, meaning they have a huge online component. The surgical technology student is expected to have access to a computer and a printer on a daily basis.

ALL NON-SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY COURSES MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE FALL OF THE SOPHOMORE YEAR.

Due to the intense nature of the clinical component of the program in the second year, all non-surgical technology courses must be completed prior to the fall semester.

Clinical

Clinical experiences provide detailed education, training, and work-based experience in direct patient/client care at a clinical site which focuses on surgical procedures. All clinical experiences are unpaid external learning experiences that are required for program completion. Students may not be substituted for staff personnel while performing clinical program requirements. Students and faculty provided by Howard College are not and will not be acting as servant agents or employees of a medical facility during program clinical rotation.

Admission Criteria Specific to the Surgical Technology Program

Howard College’s Surgical Technology Program is CAAHEP approved and fully accredited. Program applicants who have met the criteria for admission to Howard College will be evaluated according to specific program criteria outlined for admission into the surgical technology program. All admission criteria are outlined in the Surgical Technology admission packet and may be obtained at a Health Professions Orientation or through the program director’s office. College entrance exam passing test scores are required in order to gain entrance into academic courses.

Completion of the following is required prior to application into the program. A grade of “C” or better is required in all prerequisite courses in order to apply for the program. Program application deadline is due in June (please reach out to the program chair for a specific due date each year).

BIOL 2401  or  BIOL 2301   & BIOL 2101   
BIOL 2402   or BIOL 2302   & BIOL 2102  
BIOL 2420   or BIOL 2320   & BIOL 2120  
HPRS 1206  

 

Program acceptance is based upon the criteria: 

• Letter grades in prerequisite courses (A= 3pts, B= 2 pts, C= 1 pt, D and F not accepted, 12 pt cap)
• Manual dexterity test score (9 pt cap)
• Panel interview (10 pt cap)

Students with the highest scores will be admitted into the program. Program admission will be limited to 12 students per year. If admitted into the program, a grade of “C” or better is required in all course work in order to progress in the program.

Admission Requirements

1. Apply to Howard College in San Angelo (only if not a current student)
2. Complete required prerequisite courses. (A&P I, A&P II, Micro, Med Term)
3. Complete manual dexterity test.
4. Apply to the Surgical Technology Program (between April and June -ask the program chair for specific dates). This will include the successful completion of a criminal background clearance through Castlebranch.
5. Attend panel interview (if invited)

Final acceptance into the Surgical Technologist Program will require that prior to the first day of class the student will have completed the following:

1. A physical examination form 
2. Applicant must provide proof of immunizations required by the Texas Health Department, Rule 97.64. Additional immunizations may be required by some clinical facilities. (see program chair for specifics)
3. Current CPR certification (Provider American Heart Association)

Graduation Requirements

Clinical Case Requirement for Successful Completion of the Program:

• General Surgery:  Minimum of 30 Solos
• Other Surgical Specialties:  Minimum of 90 solos
  • Four specialties must have minimum of 10 solos
  • Only 10 cataracts and 10 pain management cases can go towards the 90 solos
  • The remaining solos can come from any other specialty, other than general                                                       

Specialties Include:  Ortho, GU, ENT, Ophthalmology, GYN, Neuro, Vascular, Cardiothoracic, Plastics, Oral / Maxillofacial

Solo:  The student in the first scrub role performs more than 90% of the case with proficiency at their level of education and expertise (includes pre, intra, and post op duties).

First Scrub Role:  The student in the first scrub role performs less than 90% of the case independently (includes pre, intra, and post op duties).

Successful completion of the NBSTSA Examination is required for program completion.

Health Insurance

Students enrolled in the Surgical Technology program are required to purchase health insurance prior to the beginning of their clinical experiences and to maintain the insurance for the duration of their enrollment.

Information

ARC/STSA 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite #110 Littleton, CO  80120 Phone:  (303) 741-3655 info@arcstsa.org

NBSTSA 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite #100 Littleton, CO  80120 Phone: (800) 707-0057 (Toll-Free) Fax:  (303) 325-2536 mail@nbstsa.org