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Application and Appointment Information:

2024 Application Information

January 30, 2024 - July 1, 2024

2024 Admission Information and Application Packet

To apply please submit the Surgical Technology Application, along with unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended to Kristie Cole, kcole@southplainscollege.edu. If you would like to set an appointmet to speak to Mrs. Cole, please follow this link: https://calendly.com/kcole-5/srgt-appt

Surgical Technology is a rapidly growing field with a high demand for professionals who can provide optimum patient care, and utilize clinical knowledge in this vital role within the surgical team. It is a challenging and demanding field, but is also rewarding and exciting. The Surgical Technologist scrubs in and participates in surgical procedures to provide assistance to the surgeons and other members of the surgical team. They will also prepare instrumentation and maintain the sterile surgical field. A successful Technologist possesses not only academic knowledge, but critical thinking skills, clinical experience, integrity and stamina.

During the first semester of the program, emphasis is placed on classroom and laboratory instruction in preparation for the clinical semesters the student will spend in the operating room. Classroom instruction is conducted at the South Plains College, Reese Center and includes courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, patient care in surgery, sterile technique, surgical technique, instrumentation, and surgical procedures.

During the second and third semesters, clinical experience is gained through hands-on participation in surgical procedures. South Plains College believes that the student should experience a wide variety of operating room settings and not be limited to one local hospital. Therefore we have developed strong working relationships with six area hospitals in which the student will rotate through each, including the Northstar Surgery Center and the Heart Hospital. The clinical semesters also include further classroom instruction, however emphasis is placed on extensive clinical experience and intensive study for the National Certification Exam.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

Upon completion of the Surgical Technology program, graduates will be equipped with a thorough knowledge of preoperative concepts, solid clinical experience, and professional training before entering the workforce. Program graduates will be qualified, and required, to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification exam.

The state of Texas, and some other states, requires certification credentials (CST) to obtain employment as a Surgical Technologist. The

NBSTSA

Association of Surgical Technologists

Degree Awarded: Associate of Applied Science

Intake: 35 every twelve months

CST CERTIFICATION EXAM PARTICIPATION RATE

Annual Reporting Year	Academic Year	OAE Reporting	# of Students Enrolled	# of Students Graduated (CST Exam-eligible)	# of Students Who Took CST Exam	# of Students Who Passed CST Exam	% of Students Who Passed CST Exam	Employment Placement
2023	8/1/2021 - 7/31/2022	CST	20	10	10	10	100%	90%
2022	8/1/2020 - 7/31/2021	CST	26	19	19	17	90%	89%
2021	8/1/2019 - 7/31/2020	CST	25	19	19	18	95%	100%
2020	8/1/2018 - 7/31/2019	CST	21	13	13	13	100%	92%
2019	8/1/2017 - 7/31/2018	CST	20	16	16	12	75%	100%
2018	8/1/2016 - 7/31/2017	CST	19	14	14	13	93%	93%
2017	8/1/2015 - 7/31/2016	CST	21	15	15	15	100%	93%
2016	8/1/2014 - 7/31/2015	CST	17	13	13	12	92%	100%

* "For students in this course who may have a criminal background, please be advised that the background could keep you from being licensed by the State of Texas. If you have a question about your background and licensure, please speak with your faculty member or the department chair. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.”

WHERE DO SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS WORK?

Surgical Technologists are not limited to employment in large hospital surgical departments. Other employment opportunities include:

outpatient surgery centers
private surgical practices
traveling/contract work
prison surgical facilities
medical examiners offices
oral surgery practices
military and veteran’s facilities
veterinary practices
labor and delivery departments

WHAT IS THE EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK FOR SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of Surgical Technologists is expected to grow 25 percent between 2008 and 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations, as the volume of surgeries increases. The number of surgical procedures is expected to continue to rise as the population grows and ages. Older people, including the baby-boom generation, which generally requires more surgical procedures, will continue to account for a larger portion of the U.S. population. In addition, technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technology, have permitted an increasing number of new surgical procedures to be performed and also have allowed Surgical Technologists to assist with a greater number of procedures.

CAAHEP