Surgical Technology San Angelo

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

SURGICAL ROTATION CASE REQUIREMENTS

Specialties Include:  Ortho, GU, ENT, Ophthalmology, GYN, Neuro, Vascular, Cardiothoracic, Plastics, Oral / Maxillofacial

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 pre, intra, and post op duties).

First and Second Scrub Role and Observation Descriptions
a) First Scrub Role: The student in the first scrub role performs less than 90% of the case independently (includes pre, intra, and post op duties).

Successful completion of the NBSTSA Examination is also 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 & Course Requirements (prior to application submission)

      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, posted on the Health Professions San Angelo homepage. Completion is mandatory for all applicants to San Angelo Health Professions programs.

4. Course Requirements

   • • 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 are required to complete additional courses for program completion. Due to the intensive nature of the program, students are encouraged to complete as many of these courses as possible prior to application. 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 This must be scheduled anytime AFTER February 1^st.

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 5^th
• 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 9 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—due date provided).
• 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)

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.

Fees Associated with Admission:
* Immunizations – Variable
* Background Check –Variable

In addition to tuition/fees assessed from the college, the following approximate additional fees are the responsibility of the student and are subject to change:
* Basic Life Support Class for Health Care Providers (CPR) – $56 depending on where you take it.
* Physical Exam – Variable depending on health insurance
* 10-Panel Drug Test through Castle Branch –Variable
* Health Insurance – Variable
* TB Test (PPD) – Variable
* Flu Shot –Variable

Uniforms:
* Scrubs– $60 each set (each student will need at least 2 sets of scrubs) (variable)
* Lab coats– $40 (variable)

Textbooks:
* Prices are variable

For questions or additional information regarding this program, please contact the Program Chair:

Carah Dunagan, MA, BS, CST
Program Chair – Surgical Technology
St. John’s – Office HC-1023
(325) 481-8371 ext. 3432
cdunagan@howardcollege.edu

Kelli Rowe
Assistant to Health Professions Division
(325) 481-8371 ext. 3435
(325) 481-8373 Fax
krowe@howardcollege.edu