Surgical Technology (51.0909)

Surgical Technology A.A.S. (51.0909) Uvalde Campus

Faculty and Staff

Purpose

The Surgical Technology Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as a competent Surgical Technologist in the cognitive, psycho-motor, and affective learning domains to enter the profession.  The surgical technology student will demonstrate the following:
 

1. Knowledge and practice of basic patient-care concepts.
2. Application of aseptic technique in the operating room.
3. Perform tasks in the first scrub, second scrub, and non-sterile roles to include and not limited to transporting patients, patient positioning, skin prep, case preparation, surgical draping, surgical assisting, holding retractors, passing instruments, passing suture, preparing medications, performing counts, tissue/specimen management, applying dressings, disinfection, decontamination, and sterilization of instruments/equipment.
4. Responsible behavior as a health care professional.

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to the Surgical Technology Program through the regular college admission procedures (see Admission Regulations section) and program specific requirements. Students will receive an A.A.S. degree upon satisfactory completion of the program of study and upon making formal application for graduation (see Curricula section). Students who wish to pursue the A.A.S. degree must meet all Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements.

Application Process

1. Fulfill admission requirements and be admitted to SWTX
2. Must have high school diploma/GED
3. Must hold a valid social security card
4. Must hold a State issued I.D. card or a driver’s license (DL). Name registered on State issued ID or DL must match name as listed on social security card.
5. Evidence of required immunizations in writing, as required by the Texas Department of Health
6. Pass a criminal background check. Students with any criminal conviction/pending cases will meet with the Program Director to discuss acceptance into the program.
7. Pass drug screen. Students need to show a valid/current prescription for some medications.
8. Health insurance and Needle Stick Insurance is highly recommended. SWTX will supply insurance during clinicals.

*Cost of immunizations, drug screen, security background check, and health insurance are not covered by SWTX. Additional health insurance will be made available during clinicals.
*Clinical institutions may need other immunizations.
*There are medical and religious exemptions for COVID vaccination, it will be up to the clinical institution whether to accept or deny a student’s exemption.
*Clinic sites can request a new drug screen(s) and background check(s) before starting/during clinicals.

Surgical Technology Specific Admission Requirements/Process

1. Applicants must attend a Surgical Technology Program Information Session
2. Complete a questionnaire and turn into Program Director;
3. Complete a resume and turn into Program Director
4. Complete medical exam and turn in medical exam form to Program Director
5. Clinical and Immunization Acknowledgement Form
6. Pregnancy Policy
7. Health Insurance/Needle Stick Insurance is recommended
8. Pass a criminal background check
9. Pass drug screen. Students need to show a valid/current prescription for some medications
10. Interview with Program Director

Surgical Technology Program Information Session will be on the 1st Thursday starting in May 2024 thru July 2024.  The program director and academic advisors will review all applications to make sure all forms have been received, are properly completed, and minimum requirements met.  Students will be accepted based on completion of required academic courses, GPA, questionnaire, resume, immunization requirements, results of criminal background check, drug screen, and medical clearance.  Applicants that do not pass background check and/or drug screen will not be accepted into the surgical technology program.

Applicants will be notified by the program director if they are selected or not selected for the surgical technology program.  Applicants not selected but who meet standards will be placed on a replacement list.  
 

*Cost of immunizations, drug screen, and security background check are not covered by SWTX

*Clinical institutions will require the Covid vaccination to gain privileges to the hospital.  Other immunizations not listed on Clinical and Immunization Acknowledgement Form may be required.  

*There are medical and religious exemptions for Covid vaccination, it will be up to the clinical institution whether to accept or deny a student’s exemption

*Clinic sites can request a new drug screen(s) and background check(s) before starting/during clinicals

 

Student must have the following qualities:

1. Physical stamina – stand, bend stoop for extended periods of time (up to 6-8 hours) with no/minimal breaks
2. Exhibit manual dexterity and fine motor skills in both hands
3. Able to lift 20 lbs.
4. Effective communication skills
5. Hear and understand muffled communication
6. Function without an allergic reaction to an environment with substantial latex exposure
7. No active skin conditions, i.e., psoriasis, eczema
8. Ability to accept constructive criticism and show behavioral change
9. Empathy

Tuition and Fees

Students enrolling in the Surgical Technology Program pay the regular college tuition, fees, and an additional $300 Allied Health surcharge each fall and spring semester. If you have questions regarding general tuition please refer to a current SWTX catalog.

Additional Costs:

1. Textbooks
2. AST Gold Bundle (includes cost of certification exam and AST membership for one year)
3. Board Vitals
4. Trajecsys
5. Uniform scrubs X 3 sets (top and bottom) Color will be specified by the program
6. Lab Coat
7. White sneakers or nursing shoes
8. Graduation cap, gown, and diploma

 

Surgical Technology Resources

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