Surgical Technology, Certificate Level I

(Note: A criminal background clearance is required before acceptance into this program and a 10 panel drug screening is required prior to clinicals.) Program based at San Angelo Campus.

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 prepares 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.

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 a Certificate Level I program, which is CAAHEP approved and fully credentialed. 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 in the counseling office or through the program director’s office.

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 into the program. Program application deadline is June 1st of each year.

BIOL 2401  or BIOL 2301  & BIOL 2101  (must complete by June 1)
BIOL 2402  or BIOL 2302  & BIOL 2102  (must complete by June 1)
BIOL 2420  or BIOL 2320  & BIOL 2120  (must complete by June 1)

Program acceptance is based upon the criteria outlined in the admission packet, regarding the above Prerequisite requirements, and admission interviews. Students with the highest scores will be admitted into the program. Program admission will be limited to 10 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.

Pretesting Criteria

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Testing: The Surgical Technology Program itself is a TSI-Waived program; however, applicants will be asked to take the THEA or Pre-THEA reading exam, or an acceptable exam in order to take the Prerequisite academic courses.

Admission Requirements

Submit to the surgical technology department (San Angelo campus only):

1. Completed surgical technology application for admission.
2. Two official transcripts indicating high school graduation or proof of GED. One transcript is for the surgical technology department office and one for the Admissions Office.
3. One official transcript from Howard College with all Prerequisite course grade information.
4. Manual dexterity test results.
5. All of the above information must be received into the Surgical Technologist Directors office by June 1 in order to be considered for admission into the program.
6. A personal interview may also be required.
7. Student must attend Health Professions Orientation.

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

1. A physical examination form (completed after June 1 of the year of admission)
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.
3. Current CPR certification (Provider American Heart Association).
4. Successful completion of a criminal background clearance.

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the NBSTSA Self-Assessment 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.

Prerequisite Courses (prior to program application)