Surgical Technology

The Associates Degree Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
(CAAHEP) and approved by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students may sit for the national certification exam by taking a nationally administered written exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

Surgical technologists are highly skilled members of the surgical team qualified by classroom education and supervised clinical experience. They work closely with the surgeon, anesthesiologist, registered nurse, and other surgical personnel to deliver the highest level of care for the surgical patient before, during, and after surgery. Duties include passing instruments and assisting the surgeon during surgery. With advance training, surgical technologists may become first assistants and assist in complex surgical procedures such as open-heart surgery. With additional education, they may become surgical nurses or instructors. Some surgical technologists assume management positions in hospital central supply departments or business firms such as sterile-supply services and operating-room equipment distributors. The Surgical Technology program includes classroom courses in liberal arts, basic sciences, and surgical technology, along with clinical laboratory and supervised clinical experiences in modern operating rooms. Students may enroll in Liberal Arts and Science courses prior to admission in the Surgical Technology program. Students admitted into the Surgical Technology program must take surgical technology courses in sequence. Students must be able to complete and successfully pass Competency Based Objectives embedded within Surgical Technology courses in order to continue with the program. They must achieve a minimum of “C” in all major theory courses and a "Pass" in all clinical courses in order to continue in the program. All surgical technology students must be CPR certified by the time of their first clinical practicum and maintain certification throughout their senior year. Hospital regulations may restrict candidates from attending clinical practice who have been involved in civil or criminal legal proceedings. Questions may be directed to the student's assigned clinical site.

Technical Standards
The successful surgical technologist is emotionally and psychologically secure in themselves. He/She is sensitive to the needs of the patient and other team members, is able to set priorities and perform in emergency situations in a quick, accurate detail-oriented manner, be flexible, and possess manual dexterity and physical stamina. The program is physically and mentally strenuous and requires some heavy lifting. Individuals who cannot meet the mental and physical demands may have difficulty meeting course objectives.

Admission Criteria
Because of increased interest in the program, completion of the application process by April 1st is encouraged. Applications after April 1st will be accepted until the program is filled.

Admissions Requirements:
1. Complete an application to the program.
2. Provide an official copy of high school transcripts or GED.
3. Provide two professional references (forms provided by College).
4. Satisfactory completion of high school biology, algebra, and chemistry or equivalent with a grade of "C" or greater or proof of current enrollment. Computer background strongly recommended.
5. A personal interview with the program director is required.
6. Pass the College Accuplacer Exams for Math 131, English 110 and Reading unless the student has successfully completed a college-level English, writing or math course at another college.
7. Upon acceptance, applicants must participate in an operating room tour at a hospital affiliated with the program. This experience will be under the supervision of the program director and will occur prior to the start of the fall semester. Specific dates will be provided to each student.
8. Upon acceptance, applicants must submit a report of a current physical examination including all required health screenings and immunizations.
9. Prior to clinical rotation, applicants must:
a. Possess and maintain professional liability insurance (available at the College).
b. Certify in American Heart Association CPR Healthcare Provider or Red Cross equivalent.
c. An applicant needs to have eye exams before first and after last clinical rotation.
10. Possess/maintain health/accident insurance.
11. Have a criminal background check.

Advanced Placement or Transfer:
In addition to the general admission criteria, students seeking advanced placement or transfer must have completed and passed with a C grade or
better all prerequisite coursework by examination, challenge or transfer credit. In addition to NHCTC Stratham & Portsmouth transfer credit policies there is a 10-year limitation on accepting the course equivalencies of BIOL 110 and BIOL 120 or by determination of the program director. Students applying to the Surgical Technology Program will be required to have a personal interview with the program director.

Students accepted for advanced placement into the senior year are required to complete a minimum of 25% of the program requirements through NHCTC. At least half of these courses must be surgical technology.

Advanced Placement or Transfer Admission Requirements:
After acceptance and prior to registration, all students must:

1. Submit a report of a current physical examination, including all required health screening and immunizations.
2. Prior to clinical rotation, applicants must:
a. Possess and maintain professional liability insurance (available at the College).
b. Certify or show certification in American Heart Association CPR Healthcare Provider or Red Cross equivalent.
c. An applicant needs to have eye exams before first and after last clinical rotation or a signed wavier.
3. Possess/maintain health/accident insurance.
4. Have a criminal background check.
5. Provide documentation that they received the Hepatitis B vaccine or a signed waiver.

Travel policy: transportation to and from the practicum site is the responsibility of the student.

Students are encouraged to take Introduction to Computers (CIS110) before entering the program.