Surgical Technology Career Certificate (SURG-VC)
Program Description
The Career Certificate in Surgical Technology (SURG-VC) prepares the student to perform as a member of the surgical team who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologist, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during and after surgery. This 1335-clock hour program uses a combination of lecture, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction.
Program Information
This program is a limited access program, which means program admission and course registration are restricted to a limited number of students each semester due to student-faculty ratios and clinical resources. A student first will be admitted to Pensacola State College, and after satisfying all admission requirements for this program, the student is considered for admission to the SURG-VC program.
The Career Certificate in Surgical Technology program accepts 20 students each Spring semester.
The graduate of the program that is seeking to become a Certified Surgical Technician (CST) must successfully complete the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam.
Program Approval and Accreditation
The SURG-VC program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee for Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assistants (ARC/STSA).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 – 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775.
Phone: 1.727.210.2350
www.caahep.org/
Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). 19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite 339, Parker, CO 80138.
Phone: 1.303.694.9262
www.arcstsa.org/
Program Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- College Application
When the student has met the program admission requirements, the student’s application is evaluated by the Office of Admissions and ranked according to the date on which the student completed the final requirement. Students are selected in that rank order.
Program Progression Requirements
Progression through the Career Certificate in Surgical Technology program requires the following.
- A grade of C or higher in courses in the curriculum.
- Satisfactory completion of clinical requirements which include the following:
- Level II FDLE background screen;
- Urine drug screen; and
- Immunizations and Vaccines.
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification.
- State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.040 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) requires non-exempt students who enroll in a career certificate offered for career credit of 450 clock hours or more to complete an entry-level examination within the first six weeks after admission into the program.
Program Completion Requirements
- Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in all courses applicable to the program of study.
- Meet the Basic Skills requirements for non-exempt students.
- Meet the academic residence requirement of completing at least 25% of the program with classes at Pensacola State College.
Program Contact:
Dr. Mitzie Sowell
Department Head, Health Sciences
(850) 484-2308
msowell@pensacolastate.edu
Certificate Requirements (1335 ch)
Term 1 (450 ch)
Term 2 (450 ch)
Term 3 (435 ch)
Requirements for Readmission
Students who interrupt the specified progression through the program of study must apply for readmission to the program. A discussion of requirements for readmission will be given to the student at the time of the Exit Interview from the program by the Program Director.