2009 - 2010 SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM BROCHURE

Surgical technologists are allied health professional who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings.  The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room or environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.  A surgical technologies possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic techniques and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Graduates of TVCC Surgical Technology Program are eligible to take the National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists to qualify as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). The TVCC Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 (727-210-2350).

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY (ST) APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Important!!! Applications will NOT be considered if ALL documentation is not attached to your nursing application ...or... if minimum requirements are NOT met!

In addition to the College admission requirements (found in the college catalog), the following are required for admission to the Surgical Technology Program.

DEADLINE:

*** Applications will be accepted from September 15, 2009 until January 31, 2010 for the fall 2010 class.
*** The ST application and required documents must be MAILED by US MAIL to: TVCC Health Science Center  Counselor, 800 Ed Hall Drive, Kaufman, TX 75142 and MUST be POSTMARKED by JANUARY 31, 2010.  Applications will not be accepted in person. 

1.   TSI /TASP DOCUMENTATION
A.     Are you TSI exempt, TSI complete, or TASP exempt?
NO:  You are not ready to apply to the program.
YES:  You must provide official college transcript(s) or documentation showing proof of TSI/THEA/TASP exemption/completion.

B.     See www.tvcc.edu/testing/thea.aspx for details about TSI exemptions and requirements.

2.   TESTING
A.    Have you met the TVCC required minimum scores (75%) on each of the reading, math, and grammar sections of the HESI A² test within the last 3 years?  (Must have passed all sections on the same test.)
NO: You are not ready to apply to the program.
YES: If you tested at TVCC, we have your scores and you are eligible to apply.  The HESI A² must be taken TVCC.   

B.  The HESI A2 consists of reading, math, and grammar sections as well as learning style, personality profile, and  behavioral inventory sections. These additional sections will provide valuable information should you get selected into a health occupations program. There is an optional Anatomy & Physiology section that you may take to assess your current A&P knowledge. If your science courses are over 5 years old and you make above a 75% on the A&P section of this test, we will waive the 5 year requirement. The student may only take the A&P section of the HESI test to waive the 5 year requirement one time. If the student fails to make 75% on that section, he/she must either take pathophysiology course or retake the science courses. Students who pass the A&P section of the HESI and need their 5-year requirement waived must contact the HSC Provost to get the appropriate form completed after acceptance into the program. 

C.     This test will be offered at TVCC through the Testing Center. The test will cost $35. The testing dates and sign up procedures will be posted on the TVCC Testing Center website at www.tvcc.edu/testing.  The testing registration form can be downloaded from the Testing Center web site and mailed or submitted in person to the Testing Center in Athens or the counseling offices at the other TVCC campuses. 

D.  Students may take the test only 2 times in an academic year between September 1st and August 31st (first-time and one re-test). The student must wait at least 2 months before re-testing. Keep this and the application deadlines in mind when scheduling to take the test for the first time.

E.    Once minimum scores are earned, these scores will be good for 3 years. Scores must be 3 years or less on the first day applications are accepted (Sept. 15th).

3.   REQUIRED COURSES TO APPLY
A.     There are no required courses to apply for the ST program. However, you must have completed four of the five required general education courses for the certificate program (Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Medical Terminology, Composition & Rhetoric and either Human Growth & Development or General Psychology) with a "C" or better before starting the surgical technology courses in the fall semester. Will you be able to have completed four of the five courses before the fall?  
NO: You are not ready to apply.
YES: You will need an official transcript showing completion of these courses with a “C” or better.

4.   TRANSCRIPTS
A.     Do you have official transcripts from every college you have ever attended?
NO: You are not ready to submit your application.
YES:  Attach an official transcript from every college attended (including TVCC) to the ST application. Note: These are in addition to any previously submitted to the registrar's office. **Please be aware that most official transcripts, including TVCC, don't count repeated courses in the cumulative GPA, but all courses are counted for GPA for selections purposes so your final GPA may be lower than expected if you have taken courses more than once.**

B.     Official transcripts have the raised seal of the college.

C.     Do NOT request a TVCC transcript during registration and late registration.

D.     NO international credits are accepted at TVCC.

5.   PROOF OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION/GED
A.  Have you graduated from high school or completed your GED?
NO: You are not ready to apply.
YES: You will need to submit proof of graduation from high school or completion of GED with your application. 

6.   APPLICATION
A.    Are you ready to complete the surgical technology application?
YES: Download the application to the TVCC Health occupations programs from here during application periods only (Sept. 15 -
Jan. 31 or during late application period) or pick it up from the Testing Center in Athens or the counseling offices in Kaufman, Terrell or Palestine.  

B.    Make sure you carefully read and follow all directions and complete the entire application.

C.   Students who apply to more than one program will be asked to rank order their preferences.

D.   Applications and required documentation must be mailed by U.S. Mail to:

      TVCC Health Science Center Counselor
      800 Ed Hall Drive
      Kaufman, TX 75142

7.   INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
A.   Are you an international student who needs an I-20 to study in the United States?
YES: Attach to your application a letter from the TVCC Vice President for Student Services stating that you are cleared to attend TVCC.

B.   Contact the Vice President for Student Services on the Athens campus to find out the needed requirements.

8.   TRANSFER STUDENTS
A.    Have you successfully completed one semesters of surgical technology courses at another school and want to transfer in the middle of a program?
NO: You don't need to apply as a transfer student but need to follow the general application process and submit all documentation to the HSC counselor.
YES:  Submit a letter to the HSC Provost requesting transfer along with a letter of recommendation from your last ST clinical instructor and all the other required documentation.

9.   REVIEW AND PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS
A.   Applications will be reviewed as they are received. A checklist regarding the status of the application will be mailed. If you have not received this checklist within three weeks, contact the HSC counselor.

B.   Incomplete applications or applications from applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications to apply will NOT be processed. These applications will be returned with a checklist that explains why it is being returned. The applicant will have one (1) chance to re-submit the application before the deadline.  If the application is re-submitted and is still incomplete or the candidate is still not qualified, the application will not be processed and the applicant can re-apply the next year.

 PROCESS FOR SELECTION OF STUDENTS

I.   PRIORITY SELECTION

A.   All applicants who have submitted a complete application with required documentation (transcripts and passing entrance exam scores, and 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale for ALL previous college courses) will be considered for priority selection according to the point system.
·        Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) is based on grade points earned from all colleges. Be advised that some colleges, including TVCC, do not count repeated courses when calculating cumulative GPA.

B.  If all qualified applicants with at least a 2.5 GPA are selected (and spaces are still available), applicants with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA will be considered.

II.    POINT SYSTEM FOR SELECTION

A.   A point will be given for each of the general education courses in the ST certificate curriculum completed with a grade of "C" or better (see list under ST curriculum) - 5 courses. The science courses must be current to be counted as a point (or 5-year requirement waived).

B.   A point will be given for successful completion of a college honors course as noted on a transcript.  The honors course does not have to be one of the required general education courses. At TVCC, students must meet certain criteria in order to be able to take an honors course.

C.   A point will be given if the student received a grade of “A” on the first attempt of Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL 2401 or SCIT 1407). A "W" counts as a first attempt.

D.  A point will be given if at least 15 semester credit hours have been successfully completed at TVCC. This does not include CLEP hours.

E.  Points will be given based on cumulative GPA:
·        Two points will be given for cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 4.0.
·        One point will be given for cumulative GPA between 3.0 and 3.49.

F.  The MAXIMUM NUMBER of points for selections is 10.

III.    HOW SELECTION IS MADE

A.  Applicants with the highest number of points will be selected for the program.

B.  If all applicants from the highest category (10) are selected, students will be chosen from the next category (9) and so on. 

C.  In the event that there are more applicants in one category than the number of spaces available, the applicant's current TVCC course load will be considered along with completion of core courses.

D.  In case of further ties, random selection will be used.

IV.  NOTIFICATION OF SELECTED APPLICANTS

A.  Selected applicants will be sent notification of their acceptance and asked to return written acceptance or non-acceptance of the position by a specified postmark date. The acceptance must be returned certified or by delivery confirmation by U.S. mail.

B.  If the written acceptance of the position is not returned to the counselor in Kaufman on or before the specified postmark date, the applicant's name will be removed from the list and the applicant will have to re-apply to be considered for the next year's process. 

C.  If a student has applied to the ST program and has not received notification of their status regarding acceptance into the program by April 15th, it is the student's responsibility to contact the counselor in Kaufman before April 20th to clarify the situation.  

D.  The applicants who were not selected will be placed on an alternate list if they accept their place on the alternate list.   In the event of cancellations, eligible applicants will be moved up the list and these candidates will be notified. The alternate list will be maintained until the program begins in the fall semester. Applicants who are not selected and those who decline a position must re-apply the next year in order to be considered in the next year's selection process.

E.   Students who are selected for the ST program will be required to attend an orientation session at the Kaufman Health Science Center in late April or May.

F.   The selections procedure may change as the situation warrants. Because of the way the selections process works, we cannot estimate or guarantee how long it will take to be selected. This will vary each year according to the number of applicants, their progress on the general education courses, the number of courses taken at Trinity Valley, and their cumulative GPA. 

 OTHER INFORMATION

Students who have questions regarding the application and selections processes or general information regarding any of the health occupations programs should contact the counselor or the Health Science Center Provost.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Counselor in Kaufman if there is any change in name, address or telephone number.

Prior to starting clinical experiences, the student must have a current healthcare provider CPR card, provide a completed physical exam, negative TB test (or chest x-ray if student has a positive TB test), and submit documentation of immunizations or immunity to specific diseases as required by law and clinical sites including tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B. Current immunization requirements are available at www.tvcc.edu/campus/healthscience/Immunizations.aspx. The Hepatitis B vaccines take a minimum of 4 months to complete so applicants are encouraged to begin the series as soon as possible.

All students enrolled in a health occupations program are required to have a negative criminal background and registry checks and drug screen prior to beginning clinical rotations. Details about the requirements for background checks and drug screens will be provided in orientation. 

Applications are taken for various student scholarships to be awarded for the next semester.  Submit a completed scholarship application before the designated deadlines to the HSC Provost, TVCC, 800 Ed Hall Drive, Kaufman, TX 75142.

If all qualified applicants have been selected and there are still available positions in the ST program, students will be notified on the ST web site at www.tvcc.edu/campus/healthscience/sgt.aspx if late applications will be accepted.

ESTIMATED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM EXPENSES (ST COURSES ONLY)

*Surgical Technology Courses only. Books for general education courses will be an additional expense.

Monies should also be budgeted for other items such as gas, Xeroxing, etc.

SCHEDULES

Surgical Technology classes begin each fall at the Health Science Center in Kaufman, and last nine months. The tentative schedule for the Surgical Technology classes is:

Fall Semester:   First Seven Weeks   M & W      12:00 – 3:30
                                                          T & Th       8:30 – 4:00
                        Last Nine Weeks       M & W      11:30 – 2:30
                                                          T & Th       7:00 – 3:00

Spring Semester:        Class              Monday     8:00 - 5:00
                                Clinical             T/W/Th/F   7:00 – 3:00

Clinical experiences may be provided in Terrell, Kaufman, Athens, Palestine, Greenville, Rowlett, Jacksonville, Tyler, Ennis, Mesquite, Rockwall, and Corsicana. Clinical sites are rotated to give the students a variety of experiences. The students must provide their own transportation to these areas.

There are two options for surgical technology students - the ST certificate program and the ST Associate of Applied Science program.

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM

PRE-REQUISITE GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES FOR WHICH A POINT IS GIVEN FOR SELECTION:

Four of the following five general education courses must be completed before starting the surgical technology courses. The remaining course must be taken prior to or concurrently with the first surgical technology course. Applicants are encouraged to take these courses to better their chances of being selected.

ONCE SELECTED INTO THE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM, THESE ARE THE REQUIRED COURSES:

1. If a student is selected without having all general education courses completed, the last course must be taken concurrently with the surgical technology courses in the fall semester.
2. All science courses must have been taken within five years of admission to the ST program. The science courses must be 5 years or less as of the fall semester of the year when SGT courses are started. Students whose science courses are over five years old have three options. The student can retake the courses, demonstrate competency by passing the A&P section on the HESI A² admission test with a 75%, or take a nursing pathophysiology course.  The student may only take the A&P section of the HESI test to waive the 5 year requirement one time. If the student fails to make 75% on that section, he/she must either take pathophysiology course or retake the science courses. Students who pass the A&P section of the HESI and need their 5-year requirement waived must contact the HSC Provost to get the appropriate form completed after acceptance into the program. RNSG 1311 – Nursing Pathophysiology is offered on the internet each semester.
3. All surgical technology curriculum courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better for graduation. The general education courses use the numerical grading scale listed in the catalog. The surgical technology theory courses use the following grading scale: A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 75-79; D = 65-74; F = Less than 65.
4. Previous college credits may be acceptable toward program requirements. The course numbers listed for the general education courses use the Texas Common Course Numbering System. The surgical technology courses use courses from the Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM). If there are any questions about the transferability of courses, the student should contact their counselor.

Attention DCCCD Students:

For BIOL 2401 we will accept DCCCD BIOL 1470 or SCIT 1407
For BIOL 2402 we will accept DCCCD BIOL 1472 or SCIT 1408
For BIOL 2421 we will accept DCCCD BIOL 2420

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE CURRICULUM

* Must have 4 of the 5 marked pre-requisites before starting SRGT courses - PSYC 2301 may be used as a pre-requisite instead of 2314 but both are required for the AAS degree.

** Choose from one of the following courses: ENGL 2322, 2323, 2326, 2332, 2333; HUMA 1301; PHIL 1301, 1304, 1316, 1317, 2303, 2306, 2307, 2316, 2321; ARTS 1301, 1303, 1304; DRAM 1310,2361,2362; MUSI 1306,1307.

1. All science courses must have been taken within five years of admission to the nursing program. Students whose science courses are over five years old have three options. The student can retake the courses, demonstrate competency by passing the A&P section on the HESI A² admission test with a 75%, or take a nursing pathophysiology course. RNSG 1311 – Nursing Pathophysiology is offered at the Health Science Center each fall and spring or on the internet each semester. 
2. All surgical technology curriculum courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better for graduation. The general education courses use the numerical grading scale listed in the catalog. The surgical technology theory courses use the following grading scale: A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 75-79; D = 65-74; F = Less than 65.
3. Previous college credits may be acceptable toward program requirements. The course numbers listed for the general education courses use the Texas Common Course Numbering System. The surgical technology courses use courses from the Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM). If there are any questions about the transferability of courses, the student should contact their counselor.

Attention DCCCD Students:

For BIOL 2401 we will accept DCCCD BIOL 1470 or SCIT 1407
For BIOL 2402 we will accept DCCCD BIOL 1472 or SCIT 1408
For BIOL 2421 we will accept DCCCD BIOL 2420

For More Information

TVCC Health Science Center - (972) 932-4309
TVCC Athens Campus - (903) 675-6385
TVCC Palestine Campus - (903) 729-0256
TVCC Terrell Campus - (972) 563-9573

E-mail: st@tvcc.edu

TVCC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution which provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination or harassment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.

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