Surgical Technology
Selective Admissions Process
APPLICATION PERIOD: February 16, 2009 Through May 13, 2009
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE EACH ACADEMIC YEAR
The Surgical Technology curriculum prepares individuals to assist in the care of the surgical patient in the operating room and to function as a member of the surgical team.
A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique. The surgical technologist combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Employment opportunities include surgery centers, physician's offices, Central Supply Processing units, medical equipment companies, and educational institutions.
Surgical technologists are credentialed by the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and may sit for the certification examination upon completion of an approved, accredited education program.
Mission Satement
The mission of the surgical technologist program is to prepare individuals to function in the operating room setting. This Degree program will set high standards for students to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to become an integral member of a surgical team.
Application Process
ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE TAKEN OVER THE TELEPHONE OR BY MAIL/WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE.
The following steps must be completed by 5:00 pm on Monday, May 13, 2009.
Students Must:
- Have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in all post-secondary courses taken in the last 3 years at Cape Fear Community College.
- Complete the CFCC General Admissions Application.
- Complete appropriate Placement Tests, if required by the Admissions Office. Meet minimum cut-off scores on Placement Test.
- Request official high school transcripts or GED scores be mailed to the Admission and Records Office. Official transcripts should be mailed from the institution(s) attended or be hand delivered in an envelope sealed by a representative of the schools attended.
- Request official transcripts from all colleges or schools attended since high school to be mailed to the Admissions and Records Office. These will be reviewed for possible transfer credit.
- Meet with a counselor to schedule an appointment to take the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Exam and to complete an "Intent to Apply" Form. The "Intent to Apply" form is not an application to the Surgical Technology Program.
- Take Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) exam. Information about the PSB examination will be discussed later in the page.
A $20.00 fee will be charged to take the Health Occupations PSB exam. Applicants must appear in person at Cape Fear Community College. The PSB exam fee must be paid by check, cash or credit card at the time the PSB exam is scheduled. If there are circumstances beyond the applicants control and he/she misses the scheduled test date and provides documentation of the extenuating circumstance, the Director of Counseling MAY choose to issue a "Stand By Pass" for testing. A "Stand By Pass" does not guarantee admission to the test; Admission to the test may be determined by seat availability.
Minimum Admission Requirements
All students who wish to apply for the Surgical Technology Program must take a Placement Test and met minimum cut-off scores or complete the sequence of developmental courses. Test scores are only valid for five years from the initial test date.
| ASSET | Compass | Accuplacer (CPT) | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 Writing | 70 Writing | 86 Sentence | 470 Verbal or Reading & Writing |
19 English |
| 41 Reading | 81 Reading | 80 Reading | 500 Math | 19 Reading |
| 41 Numerical | 47 Pre-Algebra | 55 Arithmetic | 20 Math | |
| 41 Elementary Alg. or 30 Intermediate Alg. | 46 Algebra | 55 Elementary Alg. |
Prior completion of English 111 or equivalent and Math 070 or higher with a grade of "C" or better may eliminate taking a Placement Test.
If an applicant scores less than the minimum cut-off scores on an appropriate Placement Test, he/she will be required to complete the essential sequence of developmental courses. If the student completes all of the required developmental courses (with a grade of "C" or higher) prior to the application deadline date and meets the other minimum requirements, he/she may be considered for admission to the Surgical Technology Program.
The Placement Test or any combination of placement tests may be taken twice in twelve (12) consecutive months. Applicants who violate the testing policy will not be disqualified. However, when an applicant has tested more than twice in twelve consecutive months, only the first two attempts will be considered in the application process. Placement Test scores which violate the testing policy will be disregarded.
If the Placement Test has been taken at another community college (in the past five (5) years), it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the scores are transferred to Cape Fear Community College by the application deadline.
Students who need to make accommodations for testing due to special needs should contact the Disabilities Coordinator in A-215A or call (910) 362 - 7012.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES BUREAU (PSB) ADMISSIONS EXAM
Students who meet the minimum requirements will be scheduled an appointment to take the PSB Admissions exam. Surgical Technology applicants may take the PSB one time per application period. There are several resources that can be used to help prepare for this exam such as a dictionary, 8th grade arithmetic textbooks, high school science textbooks, GED Study Guide, SAT Study Guide, and the ARCO Nursing School & Allied Health Entrance Exams by Marion F. Gooding, R.N., Ph.D. The CFCC Learning Lab (910) 362-7137 offers tutoring for the PSB exam.
A study guide for the PSB Exam can be accessed at: http://cfcc.edu/testingservices/.
Percentiles in each of the seven (7) areas: Verbal, Arithmetic, Non-Verbal, Spelling, Reading Comprehension, Natural Science, and Vocational Adjustment Index are used in calculating the total number of points earned in this section These 7 percentiles are averaged and this value is used toward the applicant's total points. Those who have taken the PSB in previous years should be aware that only those scores from the two most recent attempts will be considered.
TIME FRAME
Applications for the Surgical Technology Program will be available beginning February 16, 2009 in the Counseling Office (Downtown A-220, North Campus NA-100). All requirements must be met by the deadline, which is 5:00 pm on May 13, 2009.
It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all requirements are met by the established deadline. Surgical Technology deadlines, guidelines, and policies apply equally to all students; thus, there can be no exceptions.
Selection Process
The point system was implemented as an objective means for evaluating Surgical Technology applicants.
Fifty percent (50%) of applicant's total points will come from the PSB exam and fifty percent (50%) of total points will come from related high school and/or college classes completed prior to the application deadline, as well as health care experience. Point Count Form
Surgical Technology applicants will be ranked based upon points earned, and the students with the highest number of points will be selected. If two or more students have the identical point count total, the date that the "Intent to Apply" form was completed in the Counseling Office will be the determining factor.
POINTS FOR GRADES EARNED
Prior High School or College Level Classes:
Surgical Technology applicants may earn points for the completion of related courses in CFCC's Surgical Technology program. In order to earn points for courses, applicants must have achieved grades of "C" or higher. See Point Count Form for point values.
SPECIAL NOTES:
BIO 163 or (BIO 168 and BIO 169) and BIO 175 must have been taken in the last five (5) years. First attempt with a letter grade of "C" or better will be considered for the point count. Although not required, it is highly recommended that BIO 163, (or BIO168 and BIO 169) and BIO 175 are taken prior to enrollment in the Surgical Technology Program. Other courses recommended to be taken prior to enrollment are MED 121 and MED 122.
POINTS FOR THE PSB EXAM
Percentile scores in all 7 areas of the PSB Exam - Verbal, Arithmetic, Non-Verbal, Spelling, Reading Comprehension, Natural Science and the Vocational Adjustment are used in calculating the points earned in this section. These 7 percentiles are averaged and 50% of this value is used toward the applicant's total points.
POINTS FOR PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE
Students may earn 10 points for previous work experience within the last 5 years as an Operating Room Transportation Assistant OR as an Operating Room Attendant, or Anesthesia Technician.
Applicants must submit proper documentation on official letterhead, signed and dated by supervisor or personnel/human resource officer and include: the beginning and ending dates of employment; average number of hours worked per week; description of job duties and applicant’s current employment status. (Acceptable experience is at the discretion of the Director of the Program).
NOTE: AN APPLICANT'S POINT COUNT IS CONFIDENTIAL; PLEASE DO NOT CALL TO INQUIRE ABOUT YOUR POINT COUNT. TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY, POINT COUNT TOTALS WILL NOT BE DISCUSSED ON THE TELEPHONE.
POINTS FOR INFORMATION SESSION
Ten points will be awarded for attending one Information Session. Certificates of attendance will be given at the completion of the information session and must be submitted to the Counseling Office (Room A-220) prior to the Surgical Technology application deadline.
Dates are as follows:
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 1:00 p.m. Room L-321
Thursday, February 12, 2009 4:00 p.m. Room L-303
Thursday, March 19, 2009 3:00 p.m. Room L-303
Notification Procedure
Up to sixteen (16) new students may be admitted to the Surgical Technology Program for the Fall of 2009.
Surgical Technology applicants who are selected based upon their point count will be conditionally accepted into the program pending the submission and review of a medical history form provided by Cape Fear Community College. Applicants are also required to submit a negative urine drug screen. Drug screen can be completed no sooner than one week prior to orientation. Any drug screens completed prior to this date will not be accepted.
Selected students will be notified when to complete the following information:
- Medical Reports
All completed health/medical reports must be received by the specified date noted in acceptance letter. This must include proof of current immunizations, a TB skin test, a physical examination including vision, and hearing tests and other relative vaccines.
- Drug Screen
Nine (9) panel urine drug screen is mandatory. Methadone will be included in the urine drug screening. (No sooner than one week prior to orientation.)
- CPR
Students must also submit documentation of current CPR certification (infant, child and adult certification required).
- Drug Screening/Criminal Background Check
At their discretion, clinical sites may require a drug screening and/or a criminal background check prior to allowing students into the clinical setting (If required, any associated fees will be the responsibility of the student.). Testing positive on the drug screening, or evidence of tampering with a specimen, will disqualify a student from participation from the clinical assignment. In addition, certain criminal activity, as evident by a criminal background check may also disqualify a student from clinical participation. Please be aware that failure to participate in a clinical assignment based on either the drug screening or criminal background check will result in dismissal from the Surgical Technology Program. Cape Fear Community College will not accept the background checks. It is your responsibility to hold this report for the clinical site if needed. For further information, students should see the "Drug and Alcohol Policy" in the CFCC Student Handbook (pgs. 47-49). Information will be disseminated in orientation/registration with the Lead Instructor.
- Transportation
Traveling outside of New Hanover County is necessary for clinical education. Some clinical sites are over 50 miles away. Students must provide their own transportation to/from clinical sites.
PROGRESSION POLICY
Students admitted to the Surgical Technology Program must achieve or have achieved a "C" in each course in the curriculum in order to progress semester by semester.
Grading Policy
| A | Excellent | 92-100 |
| B | Good | 84-91 |
| C | Average | 76-83 |
| D | Poor | 68-75 |
PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE EXPECTATIONS OF A STUDENT SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Surgical Technology is a medical discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor performance requirements. For purposes of program compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, a qualified individual with a disability is one who, with or without reasonable accommodation or modification, meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in the surgical technology program.
If a student believes that requirements for the program cannot be met without accommodations, the faculty will determine on an individual basis whether necessary accommodations can be reasonably provided.
Surgical Technology students should possess and be able to demonstrate the following:
| 1. Critical Thinking | Surgical Technology students should possess critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment. For example, students must be able to identify cause-effect relationship in clinical situations. |
| 2. Interpersonal | Surgical Technology students should possess interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, groups, etc., from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. For example, student must be able to establish rapport with health care team members. |
| 3. Communication | Surgical Technology students should possess communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in both verbal and written form. For example, the student should be able to explain surgical procedures and document when appropriate. |
| 4. Mobility | Surgical Technology students should possess physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small places and stand for extensive periods of time. |
| 5. Motor Skills | Surgical Technology students should possess gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective performance in the handling of equipment and instrumentation. |
| 6. Hearing | Surgical Technology students should possess sufficient auditory abilities to perform efficiently. |
| 7. Visual | Surgical Technology students should possess sufficient visual acuity for performance of required tasks. |
| 8. Physical | Surgical Technology students should be able to lift and manipulate/move 30 pounds of weight. |
| 9. Occupational Exposures | Surgical Technology students may be exposed to communicable diseases and /or bodily fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and shall use appropriate precautions at all times. |
| 10. Working Conditions | Surgical Technologists work in clean, brightly lit, relatively quiet, cool environments. At times they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. Most of their duties require standing, sometimes for a number of hours, and it is imperative that their attention be focused closely on the task at hand. Most surgery is performed during the day, but many hospitals and surgicenters require 24-hour coverage. A 40-hour week is common, although most are required to periodic "on-call" hours available to work on short notice in case of emergency. |
COUNSELING
If you have questions or concerns regarding the selective admissions process, please contact Counseling located in A-220 or at the North Campus in room NA-100.
Surgical Technology Program
Estimated Expenses
| Before Fall Registration | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Uniforms | $125.00 | ||
| Shoes (clinical) | 70.00 | ||
| Watch with a second hand | 20.00 | ||
| Medical Examination, TB test, HEP-B Vac, etc | varies | ||
| CPR certification (2 year) | varies | ||
| AST Student Membership | 45.00 | ||
| Criminal background check/Drug screening | 75.00 | ||
| Fall I semester - 18 credit hours | Fall II semester - 18 credit hours | ||
| Tuition/Fees (in-state) | $ 740.50 | Tuition/Fees (in-state) | $ 740.50 |
| Tuition/Fees (out-of-state) | 3801.30 | Tuition/Fees (out-of-state) | 3801.30 |
| Books | 800.00 | Books | 150.00 |
| Liability Insurance (paid at business office) | 15.00 | Insurance | 15.00 |
| Calculator | 10.00 | Mileage to school and clinical sites | Varies |
| Miscellaneous | 25.00 | Miscellaneous | 20.00 |
| Spring I Semester - 18 credit hours | Spring II Semester - 13 credit hours | ||
| Tuition/Fees (in-state) | $ 740.50 | Tuition/Fees (in-state) | $ 611.50 |
| Tuition/Fees (out-of-state) | $3801.30 | Tuition/Fees (out-of-state) | $3098.40 |
| Books | 200.00 | Books | 150.00 |
| Mileage to school and clinical sites | Varies | ||
| Certification Exam Fee | 190.00 (subject to change) | ||
| Summer Semester - 7 credit hours | |||
| Tuition/Fees (in-state) | $ 331.75 | ||
| Tuition/Fees (out-of-state) | $1670.85 | ||
| Mileage to school and clinical sites | Varies | ||
| Meals | Varies | ||
Tuition costs may vary.
Tuition & Fees
Payment can be made by cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, financial aid, or a third-party sponsorship. All forms of payment must be received by the Business Office to be officially registered.
