Students admitted to the Surgical Technology Program must possess the abilities and skills necessary to meet the educational objectives of the program and perform the essential functions required of an entry-level surgical technologist. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Observation
Students must be able to:
- Observe demonstrations and laboratory exercises.
- Recognize changes in patient condition.
- Identify surgical instruments, supplies, medications, and sterile field contamination.
- Read labels, monitors, and documentation.
Communication
Students must be able to:
- Communicate effectively in English with patients, faculty, preceptors, and members of the surgical team.
- Follow verbal and written instructions.
- Document accurately and professionally.
- Respond appropriately during emergencies.
Motor Skills
Students must be able to:
- Stand for prolonged periods (often 6–12 hours).
- Lift, carry, push, and pull equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds with or without assistance.
- Perform repetitive hand movements requiring fine motor coordination.
- Transfer equipment and assist with patient positioning.
- Reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and move quickly in confined spaces.
Sensory Function
Students must be able to:
- Distinguish colors.
- Hear normal conversation, alarms, monitors, and equipment.
- Detect odors such as smoke, chemicals, or body fluids.
- Maintain visual acuity sufficient to safely perform surgical tasks.
Cognitive Abilities
Students must be able to:
- Apply critical thinking and clinical judgment.
- Prioritize multiple tasks.
- Calculate medication and sterile solution measurements accurately.
- Demonstrate problem-solving abilities in stressful situations.
- Maintain concentration throughout lengthy procedures.
Behavioral and Professional Standards
Students must:
Risk and Hazard Exposure Statement
Students enrolled in the Surgical Technology Program participate in laboratory, simulation, and clinical experiences that may expose them to occupational hazards commonly encountered in healthcare environments.
Potential exposures include, but are not limited to:
Biological Hazards
- Blood and body fluids
- Airborne pathogens
- Infectious diseases
- Needlestick and sharps injuries
Chemical Hazards
- Surgical skin preparations
- Cleaning and disinfecting agents
- Sterilization chemicals
- Surgical smoke
- Latex (where applicable)
Physical Hazards
- Radiation from fluoroscopy and other imaging equipment
- Laser energy
- Electrical equipment
- Wet or slippery floors
- Heavy equipment movement
- Noise from powered surgical equipment
Ergonomic Hazards
- Prolonged standing
- Repetitive motions
- Heavy lifting
- Awkward positioning during surgical procedures
Environmental Hazards
- Exposure to heat or cold
- Fatigue from extended procedures
- High-stress emergency situations
- Exposure to unpleasant sights, sounds, and odors associated with surgery
Students are expected to comply with all safety policies, including:
- Standard Precautions
- Transmission-Based Precautions
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements
- Infection prevention and control procedures
- Clinical agency safety protocols
Essential Functions Acknowledgment
Applicants should understand that successful completion of the Surgical Technology Program requires the ability to meet these technical standards with or without reasonable accommodation. Students who believe they may require accommodations are encouraged to contact the College’s Office of Accessibility Services as early as possible before beginning the program.
Clinical Eligibility Requirements
Clinical education is an essential component of the Surgical Technology Program. Students must satisfy all requirements established by the College and its affiliated clinical agencies before participating in laboratory and clinical experiences. Requirements may change at any time based on clinical affiliate policies, state regulations, or federal requirements.
Failure to meet or maintain these requirements may delay or prevent participation in clinical education and may affect a student’s ability to progress in or complete the program.
Prior to clinical placement, students may be required to provide documentation including, but not limited to:
Health Requirements
- Current physical examination performed by an approved healthcare provider.
- Documentation of required immunizations and immunity (including titers when required).
- Annual influenza vaccination, if required by the clinical agency.
- Tuberculosis (TB) screening in accordance with current healthcare guidelines.
- Any additional vaccinations or health documentation required by affiliated clinical facilities.
- Documentation of the ability to perform the essential functions of a Surgical Technology student, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Required Certifications
Students must maintain current certification in:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers through the American Heart Association or another program approved by the Surgical Technology Program and affiliated clinical agencies.
Background Screening and Drug Testing
Students may be required to complete:
- Criminal background checks.
- Drug and/or alcohol screening.
- Fingerprinting or other security clearances, when required by a clinical affiliate.
Clinical agencies reserve the right to deny clinical placement based on the results of required screening. The College cannot guarantee an alternate clinical placement.
Compliance Training
Students may be required to complete mandatory education, including:
- HIPAA Privacy and Security
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Fire Safety
- Hazard Communication
- Workplace Violence Prevention
- Corporate Compliance
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR) training
- Any additional orientation required by the clinical affiliate
Health Record Maintenance
Students are responsible for maintaining current and complete clinical compliance records throughout the program. Required documentation must remain valid for the duration of all laboratory and clinical experiences.
Students are responsible for renewing documentation before expiration, including but not limited to:
- Physical examinations
- Immunizations
- Tuberculosis screening
- CPR/BLS certification
- Background checks
- Drug screening (if required)
- Annual compliance education
- Any additional documentation required by clinical affiliates
Expired documentation may result in suspension from laboratory or clinical experiences until all requirements have been satisfied.
Professional Requirements
Students are expected to:
- Comply with all College policies.
- Follow the policies and procedures of assigned clinical agencies.
- Maintain professional appearance and behavior.
- Wear the required program uniform and identification badge.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and applicable laws.
- Demonstrate safe, ethical, and professional conduct at all times.
Clinical Placement
Clinical education is assigned by the Surgical Technology Program in collaboration with affiliated healthcare facilities. Students may be required to travel to clinical sites and are responsible for providing their own reliable transportation. Clinical assignments may include early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday hours based on the educational needs of the program.
