Program Director: Grant Wilson, M.Ed., CST, FAST
grant.wilson@calhoun.edu 256-306-2950
Additional information is on the Surgical Technology Program website:
www.calhoun.edu/health-sciences/surgical-technology/
CAREER
Surgical technologists prepare the operating room, including the sterile field, setting up surgical equipment, supplies and solutions. During surgery, surgical technologists pass instruments, fluids and supplies to the surgeon and prepare and manage surgical equipment. Surgical technologists simultaneously manage the sterile field and specimens. Surgical technologists perform a count of sponges and supplies to prevent foreign retained objects.
ACCREDITATION
The CCC surgical technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 9355 113th Street North, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, Tel. 727-210-2350 www.caahep.org. upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) 19751 East Mainstreet, Suite #339 Parker, CO 80138 www.arcstsa.org
CERTIFICATION
Though certification is not required in Alabama, employers prefer candidates with the certified surgical technologist (CST) credential which demonstrates knowledge attainment and a commitment to the profession and lifelong learning. Graduates of the CCC ST program are eligible to sit for the CST certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
After completing the general education coursework, the ST program is designed to be completed in 3 terms. The coursework is sequential, requiring a grade of 75% or higher in each ST course to progress and a “C” or higher in general education courses. Applications are accepted twice yearly and students begin the program in the fall or spring semester. Graduates are awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
A new class of ST students is enrolled twice a year and begin the program in either the fall or spring semester. Applicants must minimally:
- Meet all admission requirements of CCC
- Have transcripts of all coursework taken at other colleges attended sent to the CCC Admissions Office for evaluation at least one month before the application deadline
- Have completed ENG 101, MTH 100, and BIO 201 with a grade of C or higher.
- Submit the online program application
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Class size is limited and there is a selective application process. An application and the selection criteria can be found on the ST webpage.
ST Program Policy - Transfer Credit / Credit for Experience
Individuals who have previously completed a Surgical Technology certificate program may apply for admission to the associate degree program in order to complete the degree-level General Education Core Courses and Essential Technical Courses. Applicants must submit transcripts showing successful completion of a program accredited in Surgical Technology by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), proof of current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification, and proof of current employment as a surgical technologist or a surgical technology educator.
Individuals who completed a program before March 1, 2000 may submit a letter requesting special consideration if they provide proof of current CST and related employment. A minimum of 25% of program requirements must be completed at Calhoun Community College in order to earn the Surgical Technology AAS Degree.
Transfer credit will only be considered for surgical technology courses completed within the previous 12 months at a CAAHEP-accredited program. Students wishing to receive transfer credit must pass, with a 75% or higher, the CCC final didactic and skills exams for the courses that transfer credit is being considered. The student should contact the surgical technology program director for more information and to schedule a time to take the exams.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Students enrolled in the surgical technology program are required to successfully complete both academic and clinical requirements. The purpose of the ST Eligibility Criteria, found on the ST webpage, is to delineate the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills deemed minimally necessary for admission, progression, and graduation, and for the provision of safe and effective client care. Safety is paramount in all health programs. The College endorses the Americans’ with Disabilities Act. If a student cannot meet the Eligibility Criteria it is their responsibility to request appropriate reasonable accommodations through the Student Disability Services Office.
HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS REQUIREMENTS
- Retain reliable transportation to and from the campus and assigned clinical education facilities.
- Comply with a dress code that includes an assigned uniform
- Undergo a health examination, TB screening, and validate immunity to infectious diseases
- Submit proof of current certification in basic life support at the healthcare provider level
- Purchase low-cost malpractice insurance through the CCC health sciences division
- Submit to a background check by a designated vendor
- Undergo drug and alcohol testing by a designated vendor
In the interest of the patients they will serve, every health science student is obligated to complete the above requirements. Policies for the background check and drug testing are provided upon enrollment. Results may prohibit a student from participating in clinical education and necessitate withdrawal or course failure.
COST
In addition to tuition, health students will have expenses related to the listed requirements, books, and associated supplies. Approximated costs are discussed in information sessions and program orientation.
POLICIES
Additional ST program information including policies on application, readmission, and transfer students are available on the ST webpage or by contacting the program director. The curriculum plan and policies of the ST program are subject to change. Written notice will be given to students enrolled in the program prior to implementation.