CERTIFICATE OF TECHNICAL STUDIES PROGRAM
DIVISION: ALLIED HEALTH
Surgical technologists serve primarily as members of the surgical team. They work with surgeons, anesthetists, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care and providing a safe environment. The surgical technologist assumes appropriate responsibilities before, during, and after surgery. Surgical technologists may also work in other patient service areas such as the emergency room or hold career-related positions such as central service manager, educator, preservation technologist, research assistant, materials manager, or medical salesperson.
The Surgical Technology program is a 14-month certificate program and is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Through a selective admission process, two classes are admitted each year (one in January and one in August). Upon completion of the program, the student will be qualified to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology/Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Enrollment in the program is limited and is governed by the number of clinical positions available in affiliate hospitals. The Admissions Committee for the Surgical Technology Program reviews and evaluates each application on an impartial basis. The most qualified applicants with the greatest potential for contributing to the profession are selected. All prospective students must contact the Allied Health Division to initiate the application process.
The deadlines for application are October 30 for the January class and March 31 for the August class.
To be eligible to apply to the Surgical Technology Program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Score on the ACT, SAT or Delgado College Placement test sufficient to place the student at college level courses: (ENGL 101 or ENGL 110 , MATH 120 , and no remedial reading.)
- Successfully complete the eligibility course requirements (BIOL 211 , BIOL 161 /163 , and HESC 111 ).
- Possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all college courses.
- Be able to meet the program’s technical standards.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the Surgical Technology Certificate of Technical Studies program, the learner will be able to:
- Master didactic and clinical skills required to function as a surgical technologist (SLO # 1)
- Prioritize the basic skills acquired to perform surgical procedure set up of sterile instruments, single-use devices, and equipment (SLO # 2)
- Discuss basic knowledge of principles and practices of aseptic technique, OSHA guidelines, HIPAA laws, and sterilization process (SLO # 3)
- Use interpersonal communication skills as a team member to secure patient safety and successful patient outcome (SLO # 4)
- Combine a comprehensive background in the basic sciences learned with a mastery of aseptic technique and basic surgical skills to keenly develop a surgical conscience (SLO # 5)
