Surgical Technology 6550, A.S.

A Two-Year Restricted Admission Program Leading to the A.S. Degree

Completion of the two-year Surgical Technology program provides graduates with an A.S. degree in Surgical Technology. Students complete the Surgical Technology courses along with the general education courses required for the associate degree. Associate degrees are recommended by The Association of Surgical Technologists and related accreditation agencies to help graduates meet the changing needs in today’s health care system. Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate will be eligible to sit for the National Board of Surgical  Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certification Examination. Arrangements will be made for students to take the National Examination. A fee will be assessed to students to cover the cost of the exam.

In addition, individuals currently possessing certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist may complete the A.S. degree in Surgical Technology by meeting the general education course requirements listed below. Individuals must be graduates of a formal or accredited certificate program in Surgical Technology. A formal program as defined by the National Association of Surgical Technology is one from an institution such as community, technical and junior colleges, senior colleges and universities; hospitals and clinics; postsecondary, vocational/technical schools and institutions, including educational programs within all military branches; proprietary schools; and other institutions or consortia that meet comparable standards for education in surgical technology. These individuals are accepted on an individual basis and will work closely with advisors to meet the required course work. General education courses may be taken on campus or through the Distance Education Program. Those completing the VU Certificate Program will receive 40 hours of college credit. Transfers from other programs are given 33 hours of college credit. The total requirement is 62-63 hours.

Admission Requirements for High School Graduates with 12 College Credit Hours or Less

To be considered for direct admission into the program, applicants must have fulfilled the following criteria:

1. Met admission requirements of the University.
2. Graduated from an accredited high school or satisfactorily completed the General Education Development Test (GED).
3. Qualify for placement into MATH 013  or higher as determined by the Vincennes University Placement Test (Accuplacer).
4. Completed READ 011  with a grade of “C” or higher or qualified for exemption from READ 011  as determined by placement test scores (e.g. SAT, ACT, or other standardized placement tests as accepted by Vincennes University).
5. Qualified for placement into ENGL 101  or higher.
6. Possess physical and mental health necessary for the performance of a Surgical Technologist as evidenced by a completed health form.

Admission Requirements for High School Graduates with more than 12 College Credit Hours

To be considered for admission into the program, students should have fulfilled the following criteria:

1. Met with a Surgical Technology faculty advisor for a list of recommend courses.
2. Earned at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in previous college coursework.
3. Earned a grade of C or better in all previously completed courses in the Surgical Technology curriculum. Courses may be taken no more than twice to earn a grade of C or better. Applicant may repeat Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Medical Terminology, and ENGL 101  only one time in order to achieve a grade of “C” or better.
4. Possess physical and mental health necessary for the performance of a Surgical Technologist as evidenced by a completed health form.

Note: Applicants in general studies will be reviewed for possible program admission following completion of the recommended coursework with a grade of C or better. Applicants not meeting the above selected criteria for direct admission may be advised to enroll in general studies courses to meet these requirements. Some students failing to meet the above criteria will be advised into another curriculum.

Admission Procedures

1. Applicants should follow regular college admission procedure.
2. Applicants may be interviewed by member(s) of the admission committee upon recommendation of the committee.
3. Results of the application data, transcripts, pre-entrance test scores and interview (if applicable) will be reviewed and all applicants will be notified regarding their admission standing.
4. Acceptance for admission to the University does not necessarily insure admission to the Surgical Technology Program.

Requirements for Surgical Technology Students

1. Students must possess CPR certification for Professional Rescuer/AED from the American Red Cross, or Health Care Provider Level from the American Heart Association.
2. Students must obtain a satisfactory criminal history background report and drug screening report from firms approved by the Program Chair. Reports are to be accessible to the University and clinical sites. Fees for these reports are at the expense of the applicants.
3. Students must provide verification of Hepatitis B inoculation or refusal thereof.
4. Students are required to carry liability insurance that is obtainable through the University’s Business Office.
5. Students are encouraged to carry an active health-hospitalization insurance policy.
6. Students must supply own transportation to clinical sites.

Standards for Progression and Graduation

1. Surgical Technology students must achieve a minimum grade of C in each course in the Surgical Technology Curriculum as a prerequisite for continuance in the program. Failure to meet this requirement will result in withdrawal of the student from the Surgical Technology Program.
2. Clinical experience is evaluated as a “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” performance based upon criteria established by the program. If the clinical laboratory performance is  “unsatisfactory”, a failing grade will be received in that course.
3. All required coursework must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better by the end of the Summer I session.
4. Students who receive a failing grade in a required Surgical Technology course (those with a SURG prefix) will not be eligible for readmission to the program regardless of GPA.
5. An application for readmission following withdrawal from the program will be evaluated individually by the Admission Committee.
6. Students may only be readmitted to the program one time. If unsuccessful in the second attempt, students cannot be readmitted to the program.
7. Students granted readmission to the Surgical Technology program must begin the program at the SURG 100  level and meet all program’s Standards for Progression and Graduation. No credit will be awarded for any previous Surgical Technology courses completed regardless of the grade received for that course.