Surgical Technology
NOTE: Effective Fall 2020, a mandate by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting states that students will no longer have the option of the Certificate of Completion for Surgical Technology. Students must successfully complete the AAS degree requirements to be eligible to complete the program and sit for the national credentialing exam, the CST exam.
Surgical Technologists are Allied Health Professionals that practice as a member of the surgical team. Surgical Technologists are responsible for helping to prepare the operating room, creating and maintaining the sterile field, preparing and counting surgical supplies and instrumentation, anticipating the needs of the surgeon and surgical patient in passing instruments during the surgical procedure. The Surgical Technologist also supports the Registered Nurse Circulator and anesthesia provider in assisting with pre- and post-operative surgical patient care.
Vernon College’s Surgical Technology Program provides students with entry-level knowledge and skills required for employment as a Surgical Technologist. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination.
Surgical Technologists are primarily employed in the surgical services department of hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. Employment opportunities also exist in surgeon’s offices, central/sterile supply departments, sterile processing, and for perioperative staffing agencies.
The Vernon College Surgical Technology Program is nationally accredited and the program reports program outcomes annually to the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). For further information, contact the Program Coordinator, 940.696.8752 ext. 3266.
Program Admissions Requirements
Surgical Technology Program
- Complete the Vernon College admission procedure. A student must first be accepted by the College before being accepted by the Surgical Technology Program. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the program.
- Texas Success Initiative complete in Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Must successfully complete BIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology I, BIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology II, and COSC 1301 Introduction to Computing or an equivalent course in order to be considered for placement into the Surgical Technology Program.
- Submit an application for admission to the Surgical Technology Program. Applications are available and accepted the first business day of May until the last business day of June each academic year for the fall program.
- Once accepted into the program students must show evidence that a physical examination has been performed within six months of acceptance to The Surgical Technology program. The physical examination must be performed by a licensed health care provider who will verify that the student is free of any communicable disease that would be detrimental to the patient while performing direct patient care. Included in the physical exam are results of a tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray. Pre-admission drug screening may be required.
- Provide evidence that the following immunization requirements have been met prior to enrollment in the Surgical Technology Program: tetanus/diphtheria toxoid (TD), varicella measles (students born after January 1, 1957), rubella, and mumps (students born after January 1, 1957). Bacterial Meningitis vaccine is also required for students younger than 22 years of age (read the vaccination requirements and exemptions on the VC website). Surgical Technology student must show proof of current influenza vaccination. For immunization exclusions and waivers and acceptable documentation of immunizations, students should contact the coordinator of the program. Hepatitis B Vaccination (HBV) series must be started before fall registration. Failure to have the first injection completed may jeopardize placement in the program.
- Obtain a Healthcare Provider CPR card, classes are offered through Continuing Education.
- The Surgical Technology Program Committee will review each applicant’s packet and make a determination as to acceptance into the Surgical Technology Program based upon pre-entrance test results, interview, and timely completion of the application process.
- In the event the application is rejected by the Surgical Technology Program Committee, the applicant may request a hearing before the College Admissions Committee. Such request is to be submitted in writing and include reasons why the College Admissions Committee should review the petition.
- Information regarding program standards and policies is printed in the Surgical Technology Program Handbook.