Surgical Technology (ASRG)

Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who work under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique 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.

The Surgical Technology program includes lecture classes held at the Oak Ridge Campus and supervised clinical coursework in an operating room. Labs are conducted on the Oak Ridge campus.

Applicants for the program may begin working on the general education courses at any time. The professional courses must be taken in sequence and are offered at the Oak Ridge Branch Campus except for the clinical courses. The program is affiliated with several area hospitals. Students will be assigned to a clinical affiliate to complete their required clinical rotations. Clinical rotations are part of the educational experience, and students will work under the direction and supervision of hospital staff while at their assigned facility. Clinical experiences may include evening rotations.

Admission Policies:

Due to limited enrollment, there are special admission policies for the Surgical Technology Program.

Applicants must:

1. Complete the Roane State Community College (RSCC) admissions process to become an admitted student.
2. Be at least 18 years old by the end of spring semester of the year petitioning for admission and complete the electronic Application by the published program deadline  (see Surgical Technology information on the RSCC website). Go to RaiderNet and click on "Apply for a Health Science Program". 
3. Meet the following academic admission criteria:
   1. Satisfy all learning support competencies prior to acceptance into the Surgical Technology program
   2. Be enrolled in or have completed required prerequisite general education courses before final admission.
   3. Complete at least 13 semester credit hours of supporting and/or general education courses required in the Surgical Technology program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Seven (7) of the 13 semester credits must be BIOL 2010 and ENGL 1010. The remaining 6 semester credits may be selected from courses required in the Surgical Technology curriculum. Science courses more than 5 years old by the application deadline will be not considered.
   4. Attain a “C” or better in all required courses.
4. Meet the following additional admission requirements:
   1. Complete an interview to be considered for admission to the program. The top candidates will be selected for an interview based on the admission criteria point system.
   2. Be able to physically meet the demands of the job as defined by the discipline, available industry standards and the

All students meeting minimum criteria will be considered competitively, MEETING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE. Preference will be given to Tennessee residents.

Program Application Deadline

In order for applicants to have priority consideration for entrance into the Surgical Technology Program for the following fall semester, applications must be submitted prior to the published deadline. 

Incomplete applications will not be processed. Any applications received after the published application deadline may be considered by the Program Director on a space available basis. It is the student’s responsibility to assure that all records and documentation are received by the appropriate department by the published application deadline.(SAME)

Final selection of students will be made by the Surgical Technology Admissions Committee.

Students will be notified electronically via RaiderNet email of acceptance to the Surgical Technology. Students must acknowledge their acceptance via reply email by the designated response date stated in the acceptance email.

Conditional Admission

Students that do not meet minimum requirements may be considered for conditional acceptance status on a space-available basis.

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks and drug screening are a requirement at affiliated clinical sites utilized for training in healthcare related programs. Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow your presence at their facility. This would result in your inability to successfully complete the requirements of the program. Students will be responsible for the costs of the background check. Additionally, a criminal background may preclude certification with licensure or employment. More information is available from your program director.

Health Guidelines

Complete required physical exam/health verification prior to enrollment. Students will be responsible for the cost of the physical examination and required immunizations and/or testing.

Students will be required to meet all health guidelines of affiliated clinical agencies including current AHA CPR for healthcare provider. Personal health insurance may be required by some agencies. Students are highly encouraged to carry personal health insurance and are responsible for costs incurred due to injury or illness while enrolled.

Program Application Deadline

In order for applicants to have priority consideration for entrance into the Surgical Technology Program for the following fall semester, applications should be submitted prior to the published deadline, which is March 31. 

Incomplete applications will not be processed. Any applications received after the published application deadline may be considered by the Program Director on a space available basis. It is the student’s responsibility to assure that all records and documentation are received by the appropriate department by the published application deadline.

Conditional Admission

Students that do not meet minimum requirements may be considered for conditional acceptance status on a space-available basis.

Retention Policies

A student must maintain the following standards or he/she will be dismissed from his/her respective program.

1. A grade of “C” or better in a required courses.
2. Completion of specialty courses as specified by the degree checklist.
3. Evidence of malpractice insurance and physical examination prior to clinical training.
4. Be physically and mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the program as defined in each program’s Core Performance Standards.

The RSCC policy of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions applies to all students regardless of the program in which they are enrolled. In cases where alcohol and drug violations occur, disciplinary action, as well as the decision whether to test for alcohol or drugs, will be processed through the Dean of Health Sciences and the Dean of Students.

Readmission Procedures

1. Students applying for readmission must meet all admissions criteria for the selected degree program.
2. The applicant must submit a readmission request in writing to the Program Director at least thirty (30) days prior to enrollment. The request must be a detailed personal reflection of the reason(s) for the unsuccessful performance and a plan of correction.
3. One (1) readmission to the Surgical Technology program will be permitted
4. The applicant applying for readmission may be required to interview with the Program Director and other program faculty, if applicable, before the review date by the Surgical Technology Admissions Committee. Interview requirements are listed on the program webpage.
5. An acceptable level of discipline-specific competency may need to be demonstrated prior to readmission. A student with previous unsatisfactory clinical performance must be recommended for readmission by consensus of the program faculty
6. Readmission is contingent upon the availability of space.
7. Students who are dismissed for reasons associated with academic misconduct or code of ethics violations will not            be considered for readmission.

Note: The Program Director will verify that all readmission documents including licensure/credentials are current and valid. Meeting Minimum Requirements Does Not Guarantee Acceptance. Preference will be given to Tennessee residents.

Successful admission and completion of the Surgical Technology program does not guarantee state or national licensure or registration to practice as there may be additional state/national criteria required for attainment of various allied health licenses/certifications.

For additional information, review the Surgical Technology Web page.

The Roane State Community College Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduates from an accredited program will be eligible to take the certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Courses to be taken upon official acceptance to the program:

¹ Course must be taken and completed with a grade of "C" or better before an applicant will be considered for admission to the program.
² Science courses more than 5 years old by the application deadline will not be considered.
³ An open enrollment course available to any student interested in a healthcare profession. Can be taken prior to acceptance into the Surgical Technology program.

Program application deadline: March 31st for the following fall semester.

Students pursuing this option will be advised by the Surgical Technology Instructors.

This program is designed for students who plan to enter the workforce upon graduation. It is not designed for students who intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.

http://www.roanestate.edu/?9053-Surgical-Technology-Program