surgical technology - flathead valley community college · surgical technology application packet...

Revised: August 17th, 2018

Surgical Technology

Application Packet

For spring 2019

Application Deadline: October 5, 2018

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Dear Applicant,

Flathead Valley Community College is very excited that you are interested in our Surgical

Technology Program! All of our Healthcare Programs here are exceptional, but I am positive

that you have chosen the best one to apply to (okay I might be a little biased). Our Surgical

Technology Program is challenging, I’m not going to sugarcoat it for you. However, it is also

very exciting and prepares you for employment in a wide variety of settings.

As a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), you will be directly involved in patient care. You

will be part of a team effort in the operating room by getting the instruments, supplies and

equipment ready to assist the surgeon and nurses in giving the best care and outcome for your

surgical patient.

It will be your responsibility to make the most out of this program. It will require that you do a

substantial amount of studying and practicing outside of the class and clinical rotations in order

to be successful. You will need to be able to multi-task, stand or sit for long periods of time,

have good hand-eye coordination, distinguish colors and changes in variation, see objects 20

inches to more than 20 feet away, hear activities/commands given within 20 feet, cope with

unexpected situations and emotions, complete forms accurately, read lists, tables and schedules,

accurately recall information, interpret information, detect odors, provide emotional support to

others, sustain repetitive movements, and apply knowledge from one situation to another.

During the course of this program, it is our goal to provide you with a solid foundation of

professionalism, dedication, integrity and mutual respect between instructors and students.

This program is accredited, which means upon completion of the coursework, you will be

eligible to sit for the national certifying exam. Graduates find a sense of pride in their

certification, as they have accomplished a challenging period in their life that has helped shape

them as a professional.

Thank you for applying to the program! Surgical Technology is one of the fastest growing

professions not only here in the Flathead Valley, but also nationwide. I look forward to meeting

with you and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Patty Lincoln, AAS, CST

Program Director for Surgical Technology

406-756-4414

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Our Program

The Flathead Valley Community College Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science

(AAS) degree is a 70-credit program designed to develop skills in all phases of operating room

procedures and techniques, including clinical experience in the operating room.

In addition to operating room techniques, surgical procedures, surgical instruments and

equipment, students study surgical microbiology, surgical pharmacology, medical terminology,

anatomy and physiology, asepsis (sterile technique), preparation of the patient for surgery and

the physical conditions that make it necessary for a person to have surgery.

A new class of ST students begins each year in January. A maximum of 8 students are accepted

each year with 2 put on a wait list. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds available

spaces, not all qualified applicants will be accepted.

Program Application Deadline

Applications may be obtained via the FVCC Surgical Technology website or picked up in the

Program Directors office, BC 123A anytime and must be returned no later than the first Friday in

October for spring admission. Once applicants have met all the program criteria, selected

students will be interviewed by Surgical Technology faculty, objectively assessed on a rubric,

and then notified of their admission status into the program by mid-November.

Applicants should be sure to obtain the most current information and application packet for the

Surgical Technology Program either from the FVCC website, Program Director’s office or from

the FVCC Admissions and Records Office. Please be sure to use the most current application as

updates are made for each application session.

Program Accreditation and Approvals

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied

Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation

Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)

(arcstsa.org).

Upon successful completion of the Surgical Technology Program, students will sit for the national

certification exam as administered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical

Assisting (www.nbstsa.org)

Demands of the Profession The Surgical Technology student should have the maturity, individual motivation, conscience, good

interpersonal skills, and manual dexterity combined with a solid academic science background to

assume the professional responsibilities of the Surgical Technologist. Demands include but are not

limited to:

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Assist in lifting and positioning patients weighing as much as 350+ pounds, repeatedly lift trays

of instruments weighing 25 pounds, stand, bend, stoop, and/or sit for long periods of time in one

location with minimum or no breaks, refrain from nourishment or restroom breaks for periods up

to 6 hours, maneuver large pieces of surgical equipment.

Adapt to frequent changes in the work environment (from calm to extremely stressful),

concentrate and attend to detail amidst a variety of environmental distractions, process

information accurately, thoroughly, and quickly, carry out complex sequences of instructions,

prioritize tasks quickly, demonstrate sufficient peripheral vision to function while in the sterile

surgical environment, demonstrate positive coping skills in a stressful environment, learn and

apply new information regarding new procedures on an on-going basis, demonstrate prior

learning, demonstrate critical thinking skills, demonstrate professional behaviors and

accountability and manipulate and account for placement of very fine (11-0) suture with needle

holder (finer than a strand of hair).

Disability Statement

Upon admission, a candidate who requests accommodations due to a disability may be asked to

provide documentation of his or her disability for the purpose of determining appropriate and

reasonable accommodations. To continue in the curriculum, the candidate must be able to

perform all of the essential functions. Request for accommodations should be directed to Tracy

Sullivan, Disability Services Coordinator at 406-756-3376.

Class Schedule & Clinical Rotations

Surgical Technology course work is offered days only. Students should be available M-F from

8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

During clinical rotations, students are expected to work the schedule they are assigned by the

FVCC Clinical Coordinator which could vary according to patient care and student needs.

Weekend and evening call shifts will be required during a student’s last clinical rotation. Clinical

sites are local (within a 100-mile radius of FVCC).

Program Curriculum

Pre-Surgical Technology Courses

These classes must be completed, or be currently enrolled in to apply.

AHMS 144 Medical Terminology 3 Credits

AHST 101 Introduction to Surgical Technology 3 Credits

BIOH 201NL* Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4 Credits

BIOH 211NL* Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4 Credits

COMX 115 Interpersonal Relations/Communication 3 Credits

Or

COMX 111C Introduction to Public Speaking 3 Credits

M 120* Mathematics w/ Healthcare Application 3 Credits

PSYX 100A Introduction to Psychology 4 Credits

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WRIT 101W* College Writing 3 Credits

27 Total Semester Credits

Spring Semester AHST 116* Surgical Techniques I w/ Lab 6 Credits

AHST 201* Surgical Procedures I 4 Credits

BIOM 250NL* Microbiology for Health Sciences 4 Credits


Fall Semester AHST 202* Surgical Procedures II 5 Credits

AHST 216* Surgical Techniques II 3 Credits

AHST 250* Surgical Clinical I 4 Credits

BIOH 113* Human Form & Function II 4 Credits


Spring Semester AHST 207* Professional Development & Leadership 3 Credits

AHST 255* Advanced Surgical Clinical 10 Credits


70 Total Program Credits *Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed. **Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in all Pre-Surgical Technology classes with an overall GPA of at

least a 2.75.

Students are presumed to possess basic computer skills with the use of word processing and presentation software and the ability to use the internet and send/receive email. Students should enroll in the CAPP 131 computer class if they need introductory coursework in a computer class.

Program Costs

Costs are subject to change. Costs listed are estimates only. Costs include specific technical

courses and requirements after formal acceptance into the Surgical Technology program. It does

not include costs associated with obtaining pre-requisite courses and/or courses taken during the

Surgical Technology program that are for a “second degree”. Transportation costs, room and

board, relocation costs to the Flathead Valley for class and other locations for clinical

experiences are not included in the below costs. Uniform, textbooks, background check, CPR,

immunizations, etc. are all estimations from area facilities. There may be other costs not included

in this list.

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Estimated Program Costs

In-District Out-of-District Out-of-State

Program: Spring Semester – 14 credits Course Tuition and Fees $2,404.00 $3,090.00 $5,974.00

Course Lab Fees2 $225.00 $225.00 $225.00

Textbooks (approximate cost) $794.00 $794.00 $794.00

Uniform¹ $210.00 $210.00 $210.00

Immunizations (This price varies depending on facility) $200.00 $200.00 $200.00

BLS Healthcare Provider (CPR) $10.00 $10.00 $10.00

Background Check & Compliance Tracker $87.00 $87.00 $87.00

Program: Fall Semester – 16 credits

Course Tuition and Fees $2,404.00 $3,090.00 $5,974.00

Course Lab Fees² $322.00 $322.00 $322.00

Program: Spring Semester – 13 credits

Course Tuition and Fees $2,235.50 $2,872.50 $5,550.50

Course Lab Fees2 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00

Total Program Tuition and Fees $8,921.50 $10,930.50 $19,376.50

¹ The uniform price is going to vary based on the dealer you choose. The uniform consists of: 2 - Plain Black Scrub Pants, 2 - Plain

Black Scrub Tops, 1 - Plain Black Scrub Jacket, 1 - Pair of Operating Room Shoes (Non-marking athletic shoes or close-toed "Dansko's") and 2 - Surgical Technology Patches (purchased in the college Bookstore). Patches are to be sewn on the right sleeve of scrub tops.

² Course Lab Fees encompass costs for laboratory supplies, NBSTSA Certification Exam, Exam Review Book and AST membership for 1 year.

Based on the published FVCC 2018-2019 Tuition and Fee Schedule at:

https://www.fvcc.edu/pay-for-college/tuition-fees/

Admission Guidelines and Criteria

Surgical Technology applicants must complete the Flathead Valley Community College

Application for Admission (degree seeking) and follow the steps for enrolling at FVCC.

Admission to FVCC does not guarantee acceptance into the Surgical Technology Program.

Students entering FVCC with the intent to become a Surgical Technology Program student may

declare an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology upon admission, but are not accepted

into the Surgical Technology Program until after a formal application, interview and selection

process occurs. All candidates who meet application requirements will be considered for

acceptance.

Page 1-6 can be kept for information for students. Pages 7-15 should be submitted with application materials and

students should make a copy of these pages as well for their own records.

https://www.fvcc.edu/pay-for-college/tuition-fees/

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FVCC Surgical Technology Application 2018-2019

Please return your completed and signed application by October, 5th 2018 with all requested

materials in a sealed envelope to the following address:

FVCC Admissions Office/Surgical Technology Program

777 Grandview Drive

Kalispell, MT 59901

All applications will be date stamped upon receipt. Contact information will be entered into the

tracking system. It is the individual’s responsibility to contact the Surgical Technology Program

Director with changes in address or phone number.

Please carefully read the application and review it for completeness before signing. It is

recommended to organize your application in a way that allows for easy identification and

review of content (separate tabs and/or table of contents are both very helpful for ease of content

review). DO NOT rush the application process; incomplete applications will be denied.

AN INCOMPLETE AND/OR UNSIGNED APPLICATION WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.

Please Print

______________________________________________________________________________ Last Name First Name MI DOB Student ID #

______________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address **Notification of acceptance/non-acceptance will be sent to this address**

______________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Telephone Number Email

*PLEASE INCLUDE EACH REQUIREMENT BELOW AND INITIAL EACH ITEM

SIGN YOUR NAME ONCE COMPLETED

I have applied to Flathead Valley Community College Admissions Office as a degree

seeking student with all records required on file.

I understand that I will be notified by mid-November whether or not I have received

placement in the Surgical Technology Program for spring 2019. Students will need to respond to

the FVCC Surgical Technology Program Director in writing of their choice (email or letter) to

accept or decline admission into the program. Students who are put on the waiting list will be

offered a placement assignment if and only if an opening occurs. The wait list is maintained only

until the first week of spring 2019. Students who are not accepted may reapply for placement into

a following year program during the open application process.

I understand that all placements in the Flathead Valley Community College Surgical

Technology Program are dependent upon sufficient financial, faculty and clinical resources.

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Please list college/universities you have attended:

Name of Institution Dates of Attendance (month/year) Degrees earned (if applicable)

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

I have submitted transcripts from all colleges/universities listed above (including FVCC

classes). If official copies of transcripts are on file in the FVCC Admission Office, photocopies

are acceptable to include with this application. These are available to download and print from

your Student Portal. Official transcripts must be on file in the FVCC registrar’s office for transfer

of credit to be considered.

I have evaluated my transcript(s) and academic standing and I am confident that I can

complete or have completed, with a grade of “C” or higher, all of the required prerequisite courses

for the Surgical Technology Program placement by the end of fall 2018. My selective GPA in

these courses is at least 2.75 (on 4.0 scale).

All prerequisite courses must be completed within 15 years with exception of Human

Anatomy and Physiology I & II.

Completion of Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II must be within five (5) years of

admission date and must contain a lab component. Unless approved by the program

director.

Credits are accepted for prerequisites only if a letter grade appears on the official college

transcript. If a college grade is not assigned to the course, the course needs to be

completed prior to being able to start the Surgical Technology program.

The highest grade will be used for courses that have been taken more than once.

Students who have taken a higher level course than the prerequisite course requirement

may utilize the grade for that course for admission purposes, if the grade is higher than

that of the required course and approved by the Program Director.

The FVCC Surgical Technology program assumes that students applying for the program

have had experience with basic computer skills and keyboarding. Students are

responsible for obtaining these skills independently if they do not meet this technical

requirement.

I have provided proof of current professional certifications (if applicable) such as Certified

Nursing Assistant (C.N.A), Emergency Medical Technician, Certified Medical Assistant, etc.

Professional certifications will need to be approved by the program director as related to the health

profession prior to submission.

I have included my completed Surgical Observation Form. To schedule an observation,

students must contact Patricia Lincoln at [email protected] or call 406-756-4414 to coordinate a

time to observe one surgery.

I have included my Biographical Essay (no more than 3 pages, double spaced, minimum

of 11-point font). Applicants will be graded upon the following content areas:

mailto:[email protected]

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Content Includes: 1) Interests/goals in pursuing a career as a Surgical Technologist, 2)

Experiences in any health care field or in your life which directly relates to your knowledge

of and interest in Surgical Technology; can be employment or volunteer experience 3)

Personal strengths which will allow you to function effectively as a CST, and 4) List 5

reasons why you won’t quit.

Structure - spelling, grammar, punctuation & outline

Composition - theme, thought process, & expression

I have included my two Professional Recommendation forms which are unopened, sealed

in a standard letter-size envelope, and signed across the seal by the person who completed the

recommendation form.

I understand that upon withdrawal from the program for any reason, re-entry into the

program is not guaranteed.

I understand an objective point procedure using a rubric will be utilized to determine if I

am selected for an interview. Application and interview performance will determine final

placement into the program.

IMPORTANT: I understand that my final admission to the program is contingent upon

completing a successful criminal background check and all immunizations required for clinical

rotations be facility partners.

After initial acceptance in the program, during the first spring semester students will be

given instructions for creating a CastleBranch account. Cost is $87.00 and responsibility

of the student.

Through CastleBranch a criminal background check will be conducted. Clinical facilities

require backgrounds check for security purposes on individuals who provide services

within the facility and especially those who supervise care and render treatment. Clinical

rotations are an essential part of the program. Students who cannot participate in clinical

rotation due to criminal or other adverse activities that are revealed in a background check

are unable to fulfill the requirements of the program. This decision is made solely by the

healthcare facility partner and not Flathead Valley Community College.

CastleBranch will prompt students to submit ALL of the following required immunizations

and documents for clinical rotations:

o 2 MMR’s or Titers

o Hep B Titer with Positive results (titers are done after receiving three doses of vaccine

to check for immunity). If negative must have booster followed by another titer.

Students can choose to sign a declination form.

o 2 Varicella vaccines or Titer. Official physician documented history of chickenpox

may also be accepted.

o Tdap – Must be current within the last 10 years. Cannot be Dtap, TD, or any other

combination.

o Flu shot during flu season (usually starts in October). This is not optional.

o Record of two negative TB skin tests within the last 12 months. After first test is read

the second must be read within 7-21days. If not completed properly in this timeframe,

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the two steps must be redone. The other option is to have a Quantiferon TB blood test

done within the last 12 months. Results must be negative.

o Proof of current (infant through adult) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider

CPR certification that will not expire prior to completion of program.

o Students taking more than 6 credits have the option to utilize the Student Health

Clinic and can contact them at 406-756-4331 for information on costs, billing, and

appointments.

Once background and immunizations are complete, students will be given further

instructions for reading through policies, procedures, and orientation manual of facility

partners where clinical rotations will be completed. Students will have to submit their

contact information to the facility and upload a photo in order to receive an access badge

to be permitted into surgeries.

I have retained a copy of this application for my records (it is my responsibility to

make my own copy).

Student Signature _________________________________________Date__________________

Printed Name of Applicant _______________________________________________________

* Any discrepancies in application criteria must be discussed and signed off with the Program Director

prior to assumption of meeting admission criteria.

If you have any questions regarding the Surgical Technology Admission process or forms, please contact

Patricia Lincoln at (406)-756-4414 or [email protected]

Application Deadline: October 5th, 2018

NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

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Surgical Technology Observation Form

Student Name_______________________________________ Date__________________

Surgeon Name ______________________________________

Surgical Procedure_____________________________________________

What type of surgery is it?

Describe what you observed before the procedure:

Describe what you observed during the procedure? What was the Surgical Tech doing?

Describe what you observed after the procedure:

Student Signature_______________________________________________________Date_______________

Hospital Staff Signature__________________________________________________Date_______________

Circle One

Orthopedic

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Neurosurgery

General

Cardio/Thoracic

Ear, Nose and Throat

Ophthalmic

Urologic

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Professional Reference for Surgical Technology Program Applicant

Name of applicant _______________________________________ Date_________

The above named applicant is a candidate for admission to the Flathead Valley Community

College Surgical Technology Program. Please answer the following questions to the best of your

ability and submit the reference to the applicant in a signed and sealed envelope. After sealing

the envelope please sign your name across the seal to ensure confidentiality. Feel free to use

additional paper if you require extra space.

1. How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?

2. Describe the applicant’s ability to perform effectively in stressful and emergency situations.

Please give an example.

3. Describe the applicant’s ability to perform effectively and harmoniously as a team member.

4. Describe the applicant’s leadership qualities.

5. Do you endorse this applicant as a suitable candidate for this program? Please comment

6. Do you have any other information you feel would be relevant to an employer (program)?

Printed Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________

Signature: _______________________________________________

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Professional Reference from an Academic Instructor

Name of Applicant _____________________________Date_________

The above named applicant is a candidate for admission to the FVCC Surgical Technology

Program. Please answer to the best of your ability and submit the reference to the applicant in a

signed and sealed envelope. After sealing the envelope please sign your name across the seal to

ensure confidentiality. Please feel free to use additional paper if you require extra space.

1. Would you describe this student as someone who works best as part of a team or

independently?_______________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________.

2. How would rate this student’s communication skills?________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________.

3. Does this student get along with their classmates and instructors?______________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________.

4. Comment on this student’s attendance and punctuality:_______________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________.

5. How well does this student manage under pressure or stressful situations?________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________.

6. Is this student easily distracted or discouraged?_____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________.

7. Do you think this student will be a good candidate for the Surgical Technology Program?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________.

8. How would you rate this student overall on a scale from 1-10 (10 being the highest)?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Printed Name:____________________________________________

Signature:_______________________________________________

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