Surgical Technology Certificate (159)

The Surgical Technology Program of Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) is provided in cooperation with Winchester Medical Center and other area hospitals. The 12-month certificate program is academically rigorous and offers educational components in the classroom and clinical laboratory environment.

ACCREDITATION STATUS: The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: (727) 210-2350 Fax: (727) 210-2354

Upon completion of the Surgical Technology Program, the graduate will demonstrate the following entry-level competencies:

• Exhibit professional behaviors and skills in the surgical environment.
• Utilize effective verbal and written communication.
• Exhibit caring interventions to the client and members of the health care team.
• Participate in collaborative care.
• Prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and effective (behavior) learning domains.
• Prepare students to successfully complete caring and ethical manner when providing patient care.
• Prepare students to successfully complete the Surgical Technology National Certifying Examination.
• Provide the community with professional, competent, desirable employees and entry-level surgical technologists.
• Discuss, demonstrate and apply appropriate surgical technology procedures and protocols in various healthcare settings and situations.
• Correlate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and microbiology to their role as a surgical technologist.
• Practice professional, value directed actions, based on didactic and clinical knowledge, ethical principles, and legal standards as members of the surgical team.
• Correlate the elements, action, and use of medications and anesthetic agents used during the perioperative experience.
• Demonstrate the safe practice techniques in regard to perioperative routing, patient transportation, positioning, and emergency procedures.
• Function safely and effectively in the surgical technologist role.
• Promote life-long learning fostering the development of professional and personal growth, critical thinking and leadership.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the general admission requirements established for the College, entry into the Surgical Technology Program requires:

1. Completion of both a LFCC application for admission and a Surgical Technology Program application.
2. High school diploma or GED - official transcripts must be forwarded to the Admissions and Records office at LFCC
3. LFCC placement tests and completion of any developmental work that may be identified by the placement test. Must show competency in MTE 1 -MTE 5  and readiness for ENG 111  to satisfy requirements without taking remediation.
4. Completion of high school Biology or Biology 1 with a grade of “C” or better.
5. Completion of an operating room observational experience as scheduled by the Surgical Technology clinical instructor.
6. Completion of Physical exam and CPR certification after accepted into the program.
7. Completion of TEAS 5 test.
8. Completion of criminal background search, finger printing, drug screen and physical screening as required to the satisfaction of affiliating clinical agencies.
9. All fees charged for required testing, liability insurance, books, uniforms, criminal background search, drug screen, and physical screen are the responsibility of the students.

Admission to the Surgical Technology Program is on a selective basis. Selection of students is based upon completion of all admission requirements listed above and consideration of the following factors in order of priority:

1. Applicants with previous college experience
   1. Surgical technology curricular GPA (applicants with curricular GPA below 2.5 will not be considered)
   2. Science GPA (BIO 141 , BIO 142 , BIO 150 , (applicants with curricular GPA below 2.5 will not be considered)
   3. Number of curricular courses (including science courses) completed.
2. Applicants with no previous college experience, high school graduates
   1. GPA (applicants with a high school GPA below 2.5 will not be considered)
   2. Science GPA (applicants with a high school GPA below 2/5 will not be considered)
3. Applicants with no previous experience - GED holders
   1. Overall GED test score (applicants with an overall score of less than 58 will not be considered)
   2. Science GED test score (applicants with an overall score of less than 58 will not be considered)

Applicants with high school GPAs below 2.5, or GED test scores below 58 are encouraged to enroll in the curricular general education courses to demonstrate ability to satisfactorily complete college-level work. These applicants will then be evaluated as “applicants with previous college work.”

All admission requirements must be completed prior to the selection process. In all cases, the recommendation of the admission committee is the final determinant for admission to the Surgical Technology Program.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. Completion of a physical examination for surgical technology students, including an eye examination and required immunizations. Students must be free of any physical and/or mental condition that might adversely affect their performance as surgical technologists. (Forms are mailed with letter of acceptance.)
2. Students must have current Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (American Heart Association Health Care Provider Course). A copy of the CPR card must be provided to program faculty at the start of the fall term
3. Demonstrate satisfactory attendance and performance in the classroom and clinical areas.
4. Be responsible for transportation to classes and to facilities used for clinical experience.
5. Completion of all course requirements with a “C” average or better.
6. Courses are to be completed sequentially.
7. Signed release and receipt forms as required throughout the program.
8. Successful completion of the National Certification Examination with a pass rate as required by MBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) to be a Certified Surgical Technologist at program completion.