Surgical Technology
Certificate
Purpose: The one year certificate program is designed to provide the community with individuals who can function as surgical technologists. This program of study will provide students with an entrance into the health care field that is rewarding, in demand, and provides an opportunity for career advancement.
Program Philosophy: The surgical technology program is organized around the belief that as a member of the surgical team, surgical technologists assist in the promotion of optimal health for persons with acute or chronic illnesses throughout the life span.
Surgical technology education is a balance of the humanities, sciences, ethical principles, and technical skill ability. The curriculum is designed to support the personal and career development of students as they develop their highest potential in a challenging environment. The surgical technology program values the diversity of our students' age, life experiences, and culture as this diversity reflects the society they will serve.
With today's rapidly changing, information expanding health care system, students must develop skills and appreciation for life-long learning. For the surgical technology certificate graduate this may include further acquisition of technical skills and knowledge within the work setting and/or pursuit of additional formal education.
Occupational Objectives: The three semester surgical technology certificate program will prepare individuals to perform selected activities in the operating room as an entry level member of the surgical team The certificate curriculum is designed to provide graduates the opportunity to become nationally certified as a surgical technologist.
Admission Requirements:
- Completion of a PVCC application.
- Completion of assessment testing in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Completion of any necessary developmental courses in English and math by May 1 as identified by the assessment testing.
- Completion of high school or College biology and chemistry or NAS 2.
- Completion of a surgical technology program application by May 1.
- Submission of official transcripts from high school and all prior College course work to the admissions and records office by May 1.
Operating Room Visit: Applicants who have met the above admission requirements will be scheduled to attend a short operating room visit. The purpose of this visit is to allow applicants an opportunity to observe an actual operating room situation prior to admission.
Other Requirements: Applicants must not have had legal action against them nor have pending legal action against them which would prevent employment in a health care setting. Students will also be required to have criminal background checks and drug screening performed prior to entering clinical settings.
Students accepted into the program must provide the College with a health record as evidence of good physical and mental health and must be free of any condition which adversely affects performance as a surgical technologist.
Transfer: Transfer credits earned at another institution will be evaluated by the registrar. Assessment testing and/or remedial work may be required to facilitate appropriate placement within the surgical technology curriculum. Students wishing to transfer from other Colleges must apply in writing by May 1.
Re-Admission: Students who fail to complete the program for academic or personal reasons must apply for readmission in writing to the program head by March 1 for Summer Term and October 1 for spring semester. In the letter, students are encouraged to state why they believe they will be successful upon re- admission and describe any actions they have taken to remedy previous difficulties. Students seeking readmission to any of the first semester courses must follow the same admission procedure as new applicants. All applicants will be screened by the admissions committee.
Re-admission will be made on the basis of past performance in the theoretical and clinical components of the surgical technology courses, curricular GPA, science GPA, and fulfillment of any contingencies outlined at the time of withdrawal. Readmission is based on space availability.
Curriculum Requirements: Students must receive a grade of C or better in the required science and surgical technology courses. Because the surgical technology curriculum is cumulative, students must successfully complete all courses outlined in semester one before proceeding to semester two surgical technology courses and all semester two courses prior to advancing to the third semester. Satisfactory performance of each laboratory and clinical component is necessary in all surgical technology courses.
Attendance at all scheduled clinical experiences or faculty approved make-up time is mandatory. The College policy for classroom attendance is followed. In addition, surgical technology faculty reserve the right to take corrective action which may include withdrawal from the program for any student engaging in unprofessional or disruptive conduct in the classroom or clinical setting.
Students are responsible for transportation to and from the College and assigned clinical agencies used for laboratory and clinical experiences. Additional costs may include, but may not be limited to: lab coat, lab supplies, books, criminal background check, drug screening and assessment tests.
Part-Time Study: Students may elect to complete some or all of the general education requirements for the surgical technology certificate prior to seeking admission to the surgical technology course sequence.
Program Requirements: Students enrolled in the one-year certificate program in surgical technology will complete 44 credit hours as outlined below.
For more information, contact:
Allen Duff, Instructor of Surgical Technology
434.961.5398
pduff@pvcc.edu
