The Surgical Technology Program prepares graduates to function in the operating room as members of the surgical team in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during, and after surgery. The curriculum combines classroom and laboratory instruction with actual surgical suite experience. The program prepares the surgical technologist for the primary responsibility of preparing the operating room and instruments, equipment and supplies that will be used; positioning and preparing the patient for surgery; and passing instruments, sponges, and sutures to the surgeon. The surgical technologist may also function in the role of circulator, working outside the sterile field, responding to the needs of the surgical team.
The surgical technology program provides students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to gain employment as a surgical technologist and become a contributing member of the health care team. The selective admission criteria for the program will admit students who are capable of achieving the program outcomes. The development of a structured curriculum plan will ensure the learning progression of the surgical technology student in attaining the knowledge, behaviors, and skills necessary to deliver quality patient care in the performance of the surgical technologist role.
The mission of the surgical technology program is to provide accessible, quality education designed to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains and to provide a foundation for continued professional development.
The goal of education for the Surgical Technology student is to attain the values of excellence, integrity, flexibility, service, and teamwork in implementing surgical technology theory and clinical principles in providing quality patient care.
The student will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice as a Certified Surgical Technologist. The program prepares students by providing clinical experiences with the student scrubbing a minimum of 120 cases. The program will meet or exceed the criteria set forth in the current CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for Accreditation of Educational Programs in Surgical Technology and comply with the current AST Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology.
The Surgical Technology Program at North Arkansas College offers a nine-month certificate program and a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree. The college provides an opportunity for education in the surgical technology field for individuals who commit to the values of providing high quality and cost-effective health care to all people. Admission policies are non-discriminatory of race, creed, lifestyle, or handicaps. The student must be able to meet all course, clinical, and program objectives. The student must be able to deliver safe, efficient patient care as a member of the operating room team.
Accreditation and Certification
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 US Hwy 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, phone; 727-210-2350 web; www.caahep.org. North Arkansas College is accredited by North Central Association, Commission of Higher Learning.
Successful completion of the program prepares the graduate to write the National Certification Examination to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Upon graduation, the graduate is eligible to apply to take the national Certifying Examination which is administered nationwide by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To meet eligibility requirements for taking the examination; students must show proof of completion of an accredited program. Upon passing the Certification Exam, the surgical technologist is a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
Students enrolled in the Surgical Technology Program must take the certification exam using WBT-On Campus testing to complete graduation requirements. The exam is administered within the range of 30 days before graduation to 30 days after graduation each year.
North Arkansas College awards a one academic year certificate or an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology to graduates who achieve competence in surgical technology and clinical performance; provide quality patient care; and accept the responsibility for continued professional growth as a member of the operating room team, as an individual, and as a citizen of the community.
