| Program
Description
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an
integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical
care to patients in a variety of settings. The surgical technologist
works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective
conduct of invasive surgical procedures. A surgical technologist
possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and
aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical
procedures, and implementation of tools and technologies to facilitate
a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic
procedures.
The Surgical Technology Program combines classroom instruction and
clinical experience in a variety of subjects ranging from the basics
in anatomy, physiology, pathology and microbiology to the study
of surgical patient care, identification and preparation of surgical
equipment, instrumentation and supplies, creation and maintenance
of the sterile field, and surgical case preparation and procedures.
Graduates are competent as entry-level surgical technologists qualified
to provide services in hospitals (operating and delivery rooms,
emergency and sterile processing departments, and ambulatory care
areas), clinics and same-day surgery centers, physicians’
offices and in-home health care. Graduates are eligible to sit for
the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification examination to become Certified Surgical Technologists
(CST). A graduate with experience and additional education may become
a Certified First Assistant (CFA) to the surgeon.
Prior to beginning the clinical phase of training, all surgical technology students must submit a criminal background check, drug screen, medical records, tuberculin skin test, and other medical information.
In compliance with OSHA standards, Valdosta Tech requires that each
student receive the HB vaccination series or sign a waiver declining
the vaccination. This series must be completed prior to clinical
experience or externship experience.
The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Program Requirements
Applicants must meet general admissions requirements, and must also:
- Present official documentation of an acceptable accredited high
school diploma, GED, or acceptable college credit.
- Present acceptable COMPASS/ASSET scores taken within the last
five years, or SAT, ACT or CPE scores taken within the last seven
years.
Technical Standards for Surgical Technology
The Surgical Technology faculty have specified the following nonacademic criteria (technical standards) which all applicants and enrolled students are expected to meet in order to participate in the Surgical Technology program and professional practice.
1. Ability to work in a clinical setting eight to ten hours a day performing physical tasks requiring physical energy without jeopardizing patient, self, or colleague safety.*
2. Ability to frequently reach, lift, and use manual dexterity in the manipulation and operation of equipment, accessories, and instrumentation as well as for the use/creation of immobilization devices.*
3. Ability to assist in the transporting, moving, lifting and transferring of patients weighing up to 450 pounds from a wheelchair or stretcher, to and from beds, treatment tables, chairs, etc.*
4. Ability to lift devices (weighing up to 50 pounds).
5. Ability to stand for long periods of time.
6. Ability to communicate clearly, to monitor and instruct patients before, during, and after procedures (documented by satisfactory completion of general education requirements).
7. Possess sufficient visual and aural acuity. This is necessary to report visual observations of patients and equipment operations as well as to read patients’ medical records and medical information. Visual acuity must be adequate enough to distinguish between colors, shades, and brightness during minimal invasive procedures. Aural acuity must be adequate enough to hear the patient during all phases of care as well as to perceive and interpret equipment signals.*
8. Have sufficient critical thinking skills for clinical judgment to include problem-solving, prioritizing, measuring, calculating, reasoning, analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing with the ability to perform these skills in a timely fashion (documented by meeting program admission status).
9. The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions. Professional demeanor and behaviors are to be displayed at all times. Prior felony convictions may affect a student’s ability to participate in the clinical portion of the program and in board certification. All students with a criminal conviction must make an appointment with the program coordinator to discuss their eligibility to participate in the program prior to applying for admission to the program
* Documented by physical exam.
Curriculum
Credits required for graduation: 89
» * The student's actual curriculum
may vary somewhat from the outline above.
|
