Surgical Technology (AS)

The Associate of Science in Surgical Technology (ASST) is a five semester, 69 credit-hour program which provides students with the necessary knowledge, skills, values, and competencies for a career in surgical technology. The curriculum is based on the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology published by Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). Graduates will receive an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology and will be eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification examination in Surgical Technology.

A selective admissions process is used to admit students to the program: meeting the minimum requirements listed here does not guarantee admission.

Admission Criteria
To be eligible for entry into the Surgical Technology program, applicants must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED and be admitted to BRCC
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and a grade of “C” or better in the 30 credit hours of prerequisite courses
• Achieve a grade of 70% or better in the Surgical Technology Fundamentals course
• Achieve a grade of 80% or better in the Surgical Technology Fundamentals Lab
• Have the ability to fully comply with the Surgical Technology Program Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression which include: Mobility, Sensory, Health, Cognitive, Psychomotor and Affective Behavior Skills.

Application Process
The application for admission to the AS in Surgical Technology Program is available on the BRCC website once a year, during the spring semester for admission to the summer semester. Deadlines and detailed instructions for completing the admission application are included in the application packet. Students may apply for admission to the Surgical Technology Program while completing the required prerequisite classes during the spring semester; final acceptance will be determined at the end of the semester. Priority is given to applicants who have completed the prerequisite courses at a level which indicates potential for success in the program and who demonstrated understanding of the demands of the profession.

Students admitted to the Surgical Technology program will receive additional instructions regarding program requirements. Costs for all requirements are borne by the student. Additional requirements for students admitted to the program include but are not limited to:

• submission of personal health history
• submission of a physical examination
• a TB skin test
• various immunizations/vaccinations
• a urine drug screen
• CPR certification
• Criminal Background Check

Urine Drug Screen
A positive urine drug screen or any attempt to tamper with a specimen may disqualify an applicant and/or result in dismissal from the Surgical Technology program.

Criminal Background Check
Applicants to the Surgical Technology Program must submit a criminal background check, with all costs incurred by the student. Applicants who have been charged with, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, been convicted of, or committed a criminal offense that involves a crime of violence or distribution of drugs may not be allowed to complete the practicum component of the program.

Program Outcomes. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Display civic-minded values, acknowledging the dignity, equality, and the value of every individual in order to practice ethically and legally in the role of the surgical technologist.
2. Demonstrate behavior that reflects integrity, supports objectivity, and promotes trust in the profession and its practitioners.
3. Apply intercultural, diversity and developmental concepts in the delivery of perioperative patient care as the surgical technologist.
4. Integrate knowledge from biological and psychological sciences with concepts of surgical technology to perform the role of the surgical technologist.
5. Perform proficiently and competently as an entry-level surgical technologist in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.
6. Communicate appropriately and interact effectively with patients, members of the surgical team, and the community with sensitivity and appreciation for individual differences.
7. Display responsible habits which lead to life-long professional and personal growth.