Surgical Technology San Angelo

The goal of the Surgical Technology Program at Howard College in San Angelo is to prepare entry-level surgical technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

Program Learning Outcomes

· Communication: the ability to effectively, efficiently, and thoroughly communicate with peers, faculty, and the community to function within the role(s) of the profession.

· Skills Competencies: the ability to perform functions, demonstrate skills, and comprehend material specific to the profession of study based on a standardized outcome.

· Critical Thinking: the utilization of creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.

· Professional Growth/Development: the advancement of communication, skills competencies, and critical thinking to succeed in the profession as a practitioner in the area of study

Surgical Rotation Case Requirements

* Solo: The student in the first scrub role performs more than 90% of the case with proficiency at their level of education and expertise (includes all perioperative duties).

** Of the 90 solos from other surgical specialties, there must be at least four different specialties that must have, at a minimum, 10 solos. Students are limited to 10 solos in cataracts and 10 solos in pain management cases; neither cataracts nor pain management cases can be counted towards the required four different specialties. All remaining solos can come from any specialty, other than general surgery.

Surgical Specialties

· General Surgery

· Obstetric and Gynecologic Surgery

· Genitourinary Surgery

· Otorhinolaryngology

· Orthopedic Surgery

· Neurosurgery

· Peripheral Vascular Surgery

· Cardiothoracic Surgery

· Ophthalmic

· Plastic and Reconstructive

· Oral and Maxillofacial

Certification Examination Requirement

Successful completion of the NBSTSA examination is required for program completion.

Student Work Policy

All student activities associated with the curriculum, especially while students are completing clinical rotations, will be educational in nature. Students will not be substituted for hired staff personnel within the clinical institution, in the capacity of a surgical technologist.

Admission Criteria and Prerequisite Course Requirements

1.Apply to Howard College

· Complete the application process and meet all general admission requirements

· Click here to complete application requirements for Howard College

2. Students must be in good status with Howard College or transfer institutions (Academic and Disciplinary)

3. View the Howard College Health Professions Orientation video.

4. Prerequisite Courses

Applicants must successfully complete the required prerequisite courses with a final grade of “C” or above by the application deadline:

• BIOL 2101/2301 – Anatomy & Physiology I (Lecture & Lab)
• BIOL 2102/2302 – Anatomy & Physiology II (Lecture & Lab)
• BIOL 2120/2320 – Microbiology for Non-Science Majors (Lecture & Lab)
• HPRS 1206 – Medical Terminology

Note: Students should note that course timing may impact financial aid eligibility while enrolled in program classes.

5. Students seeking admission to the Surgical Technology program must take the Manual Dexterity Test. An appointment must be made with the Program Chair, Carah Dickinson via email at CDickinson@howardcollege.edu between February 1st-June 1st

6. Successful completion of a criminal background check. (Completed at time of application through Castlebranch)

Application Process

· Submit a completed Health Professions Application for the desired program online, along with unofficial transcripts from each college/university attended. (Incomplete applications will not be prioritized for review)

· Fall Semester Application Deadline: June 5th

· Immunization Compliant

• Hepatitis B (2 or 3 shot series OR a positive titer)
• MMR (2 shot series OR a positive titer)
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis – one shot within the last 10 years)
• Varicella (2 shot series OR a positive titer).
• Tuberculosis Screening test (required annually)
• Influenza (required seasonally)

Selection Process

At this time, the Howard College Surgical Technology Program is limited to 12 students per cohort. One cohort begins every fall semester. The selection process is completed using a point system and includes:

· Maximum of 12 points from grades in prerequisite courses (A earns 3 points, C earns 1 point).

· Maximum of 10 points from the manual dexterity test.

· Maximum of 10 points from a panel interview.

Interviews will be offered only to applicants with the highest combined scores on the manual dexterity test and prerequisite coursework. Not all applicants will advance to the interview stage.

Requirements After Acceptance

· Successfully take and pass the approved American Heart Association or Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers class.

· Pass a ten-panel drug test (prior to beginning clinical rotations—a due date will be provided by your instructor).

· Provide documented proof of health insurance.

· Pass a physical exam (form to be completed will be provided).

· Provide documentation of all immunizations (or exemption if accepted by clinical facilities)

Technical Standards

Technical standards are nonacademic abilities and characteristics established to meet the essential functions of the Surgical Technology program at Howard College in San Angelo.

In the case of a qualified individual with a documented disability*, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless to do so would fundamentally alter the essential instructional and training elements, cause undue hardship, or compromise safety in the classroom, lab, clinical, and/or field environment.

*Howard College and Southwest College for the Deaf strive to ensure the accessibility of programs, classes, and services to students with disabilities. If a student has a question as to their ability to meet the minimal technical standards listed below, they should contact the ADA and Student Disability Services Coordinator at https://howardcollege.edu/come-to-howard-college/disability-services for contact information as well as a description of our accommodation process.

Occupational Risks: Surgical Technology Program and Profession

Surgical technologists work in environments that present unique occupational risks and exposures. Hazards include bloodborne pathogens, surgical smoke, sharp instruments, and prolonged standing in high-stress settings. Additionally, the potential exposure to physical, chemical, and biological agents require strict adherence to safety protocols and infection control measures.

This disclosure summarizes the potential risks and safety considerations inherent in the surgical technologist role, to ensure individuals entering the program and profession are fully informed and prepared to mitigate these risks through proper training and protective practices.

Biological Hazards

• Bloodborne Pathogens: Risk of exposure to HIV, Hepatitis B & C, MRSA, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases through blood, bodily fluids, and contaminated instruments.

• Sharps Injuries: Accidental cuts or punctures from scalpels, needles, and other sharp instruments.

• Surgical Smoke Plume: Inhalation of toxic by-products (e.g., hydrogen cyanide, benzene,

formaldehyde) from electrosurgical and laser procedures.

Chemical and Radiation Exposure

• Hazardous Chemicals: Contact with anesthetic gases, sterilants (e.g., ethylene oxide, glutaraldehyde),

bone cement, formalin, and cleaning agents.

• Radiation: Exposure to ionizing radiation and radioactive substances during

fluoroscopy or X-ray procedures.

• Hormonal Agents & Teratogens: Exposure to prostaglandins, progesterone, and

cytotoxic compounds.

Physical and Ergonomic Risks

• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Resulting from prolonged standing, lifting, pulling, and repetitive tasks.

• Electrical & Fire Hazards: Risks from electrosurgical units, lasers, and other powered equipment.

• Latex Allergies: Reactions from frequent use of latex gloves and products.

• Unpleasant Sensory Conditions: Exposure to loud noises and strong odors in the operating room.

Psychological and Emotional Stress

• High-Stress Environment: Pressure from life-or-death situations, long hours, and the need for constant

focus can lead to burnout and emotional fatigue.

*The Surgical Technology program equips students with the knowledge and skills to safely navigate theoccupational hazards of the operating room. Through comprehensive training aligned with OSHA guidelines, students learn to properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), handle hazardous materials, and maintain a sterile and safe environment. The curriculum emphasizes risk awareness, infection control, and safety protocols, fostering a culture of safety that helps mitigate the risks of occupational hazards and exposures.

Class of 2026

Class of 2025

Class of 2024

These expenses in addition to tuition and fees are approximate only and are subject to change. Tuition and Fees for each semester can be found in the Howard College Catalog .

Admission-Related Expenses

· Background Check –Variable (~$35)

Additional Program Expenses

· Basic Life Support Class for Health Care Providers (CPR) – (~$60)

· Physical Exam – Variable depending on health insurance

· Immunizations – Variable

· 10-Panel Drug Test through Castle Branch –Variable

· Health Insurance – Variable

· TB Test (PPD) – Variable

· Flu Shot –Variable

Uniforms

· One pair of black scrubs– Variable (~$60)

· One white knee-length lab coat– Variable (~$40)

Textbooks

· Variable (~$200)

For questions or additional information regarding this program, contact one of the following team members.

Carah Dickinson, MA, BS, CST

Program Chair – Surgical Technology
St. John’s Campus, Office HC-1023
Phone: 325-481-8371, ext. 3432
Email: cdickinson@howardcollege.edu

Tracey Riddle

Health Professions Coordinator
Phone: 325-481-8371, ext. 3435
Fax: 325-481-8373
Email: triddle@howardcollege.edu