Surgical Technology
Information Conference
WELCOME
Welcome to the online Surgical Technology Information Conference. I hope you find this information to be helpful in your search for careers in the health care field.
IS SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY RIGHT FOR ME?
With all the healthcare professions out there, how can you know which one is right for you? It's not an easy decision, but if you agree with the following statements, you might discover surgical technology is exactly what you've been looking for.
____ I really enjoy helping people in their time of need.
____ I like working with my hands and I'm good in science.
____ I would rather work in a profession where there is a lot of variety on the job.
____ I want to be able to choose the type of place I work in and feel good about the job I have done.
____ I like to be challenged and don't want to be bored at my job.
____ I'm looking for a career with multiple opportunities for advancement.
Surgical Technologists live by the profession's motto, Aeger Primo - The Patient First! Everything a surgical technologist does is for the better of the surgical patient.
WHAT DO SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS DO?
A surgical technologist is an allied health professional who works closely with members of the surgical team to ensure quality patient care during an operative procedure.
Typical duties of a surgical technologist:
In order to give you a better understanding of what we do, please watch this video presentation from the Association of Surgical Technologists. There are 2 parts to the video. After watching part 1 move on to part 2.
WHAT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
Many career opportunities exist for surgical technologists. Entry-level graduates are usually employed in hospital surgery departments, ambulatory surgery centers, or labor and delivery departments. After a surgical technologist has gained some experience, other employment opportunities are available:
WHAT SKILLS ARE NECESSARY TO BECOME A SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST?
The skills necessary for the profession of surgical technology include:
_____ Attention to detail
_____ Ability to follow directions
_____ Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other surgical team members
_____ Be a team player
_____ Possess a caring and non-judgmental attitude towards patients, coworkers and the patient care environment
_____ Ability to solve problems
_____ Be an effective communicator
_____ Have a willingness to learn from constructive criticism and suggestions
_____ Willing to adapt and cope with change
_____ Have the physical stamina to stand for long periods of time and remain alert
WHAT IS THE EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK FOR SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS?
Surgical technology is a fast growing profession. Employment for surgical technologists is expected to grow by 12% between 2016 and 2026. Opportunities exist nationally as well as locally for qualified surgical technologists. Consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook below for additional information.
HOW DO I BECOME A SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST?
CONSIDER THE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AT LINCOLN LAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Students who complete the surgical technology program at Lincoln Land Community College will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology.
The program admits 16 students annually and the program begins in June of each year, the summer semester.
The mission of the program is to provide an educational program that prepares competent entry-level surgical technologists with the didactic knowledge, psychomotor skills and affective behaviors necessary to serve the patients and employers within the district's health care facilities and to function as a professional member of the health care team.
IS THE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AT LLCC ACCREDITED?
In order for graduates of a surgical technology program to take the National Certification Exam for Surgical Technologists, a graduate must have completed a program that is accredited.
The program at Lincoln Land Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 North
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
HOW DO I BECOME A CREDENTIALED PRACTITIONER?
Graduates of the surgical technology program are eligible to take the National Certification Exam for Surgical Technologists. Upon successful completion of this examination, candidates are eligible to use the credential, CST - Certified Surgical Technologist. Students complete this exam as the final outcome in the program. Certification demonstrates that an individual has met the national standard for knowledge that underlies surgical technology practice. Certified individuals possess mastery of a broad range of skills related to surgical procedures, aseptic technique and patient care.
The certification examination is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). The LLCC surgical technology program has an overall pass rate of 97% on the examination for all graduates of the program.
More information about certification can be found at www.nbstsa.org.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER THE PROGRAM?
Requirements to enter the program must be completed prior to the submission of the program application.
Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission into the program should first meet with an academic advisor to discuss the program, its admission requirements and where the student stands in fulfilling these admission requirements.
Students are accepted into the program in the order of the date of completion of all of the above requirements. Once students have completed the requirements, they must meet with a Health Professions academic advisor to complete their application to the program.
WHAT COURSES WILL I BE TAKING?
Consult the LLCC Catalog for course descriptions. (Curriculum subject to change)
TOTAL PROGRAM = 62 credit hours. There are 38 Surgical Technology credit hours.
* Must earn a grade of C or higher in these courses to continue in the program
WHAT IS THE CLASS AND CLINICAL SCHEDULE LIKE?
The typical schedule for the surgical technology courses is as follows. This schedule does not include general education and program support courses required within the program. (Subject to change)
WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS?
In order to successfully complete the surgical technology program, students must fulfill the clinical case requirements set forth by the program. Beginning in the third semester of the program, students are placed at a clinical site with real-life surgical experiences. Students utilize classroom knowledge and the demonstrated laboratory skills necessary to perform in the first scrub and second scrub role.
The students must complete a minimum of 120 surgical cases in a variety of surgical specialties. The students are placed in surgical procedures of increased complexity as he/she moves toward entry-level graduate abilities. Further information regarding clinical cases and verification is discussed within the program.
WHAT EVALUATION METHODS ARE USED?
The syllabus for each course in the curriculum provides a listing of evaluation methods specific to that course (e.g., written examinations, homework assignments, etc.). Other evaluation methods used throughout the program are as follows:
LABORATORY SKILLS/INSTRUMENT EXAMINATION
Students must successfully complete laboratory skills in the lab and pass an instrument exam at the end of the lab course.
CLINICAL READINESS EXAMINATION
At the conclusion of laboratory instruction, students are expected to demonstrate setting up a surgical case and perform duties in starting a surgical case in the first scrub role. Students must pass this examination in order to continue in the program.
CLINICAL PERFORMACE EVALUATIONS
Students must demonstrate clinical competency and professional behavior in the clinical setting and achieve a grade of a "C" or higher on each final clinical evaluation.
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAMINATIONS
Students must pass the comprehensive final in each course.
WHAT CAN I DO TO BE A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT?
It is vital that students take responsibility for their learning!
By coming to class prepared, students are taking an active role in their learning. Students should review the course syllabi for the information needed to successfully complete each course. The prescribed instructional methods are used because they are effective and get the student involved in learning.
We believe that it is essential to use a variety of learning experiences in order to prepare our graduates for the professional work world. After graduation, self-learning may be needed to meet job requirements or for continuing education requirements. Hospital in-service programs and orientations use computer-based instruction, online activities, and traditional lectures. Many such presentations are mandatory, and it's not possible to choose between presentation styles. Increasingly, graduates are expected to self-teach using material on the internet. Graduates will have to be able to learn in all possible formats such as those used in these courses.
Students are encouraged to seek out additional help from the instructor on a topic or procedure if needed.
Because of the intensity of the program, students are discouraged from working full-time during the course of their studies. Students may maintain paid employment during the course of the program with the understanding that their commitment to the program must always take precedence over any commitment to their place of employment. Working at paid employment will not be accepted as an excuse for missing any time in the class, lab or clinical areas.
Study-Study-Study!!!
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROGRAM POLICIES I SHOULD BE AWARE OF BEFORE I START?
ATTENDANCE POLICY
There is a great deal of information presented in each lecture and laboratory session throughout the five semesters of the program. Punctuality and attendance are essential to successfully complete the requirements of the program. This is an intense program that requires not only classroom knowledge, but an application of knowledge to the surgical technology lab and clinical agencies.
Any student missing more than 15 days within the entire program (this includes lecture, lab and clinical) may be dismissed from the program.
Students should be advised that missing one day of lecture is the same as missing one day of clinical. This absence policy is to provide for excused time for emergencies,
sickness or legal matters. Punctuality is very important to the program. Three tardies equal one absence in both the academic and clinical setting.
ETHICAL CONDUCT
Surgical technology is a profession that adheres to a code of ethics. Surgical technology students are expected to understand and adhere to those standards.
Misconduct in didactic courses is considered to be inconsistent with the mission of the college and program and represent violations of the academic integrity policy
Professionalism is expected during all clinical time. Unprofessional, unethical or immoral behavior will result in immediate dismissal from the program.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, IMMUNIZATIONS, DRUG SCREEN, BACKGROUND CHECK AND CPR
Students are required to have a physical examination performed by a physcian that provides satisfactory evidence of physical and emotional health required of practitioners to carry out the tasks of this occupation.
Students must also be up to date on vaccinations and provide documentation to the program. Students are required to have verification from a physician that they are free from infectious disease. In addition, either a 2-step skin test or chest x-ray is required to verify the absence of tuberculosis.
All students are required to be certified in CPR for the Health Care Provider. CPR certification must be current throughout the program .
A criminal background check is performed on each student in the Surgical Technology program. This check is conducted through the State of Illinois Police. If the results indicate a criminal record, this information will be shared with the college attorney or appropriate administrators to determine the appropriate course of action.
Surgical Technology students are required to successfully pass a urine drug screening prior to the start of the clinical component of the program. If a student does not have a negative drug screen they will not be allowed to continue in the program.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
Actual dollar amounts flucuate from year to year; however, the areas where cost may be incurred are listed below:
Tuition and Fees, etc. (Based on tuition and fee schedule for the 2017-2018 academic year )
Surgical Technology courses $242.00 per credit hour
Non-surgical technology courses $121.00 per credit hour
Additional fees (see LLCC class schedule) $11.00 per credit hour
Hybrid/Online course fee * $36.25 per credit hour
Criminal background check $25.00
Drug screening $36.00
CPR $50.00
Certification exam bundle $250.00
Textbooks (approximate) $600.00
Supplies (scrubs, name tag, shoes, etc.) $300.00
Physical examination/immunizations Cost varies
* One or more courses may be offered as an online or hybrid course. For hybrid courses, lecture material will be done online. Students will come to class for class discussions and testing.
Total cost for the entire program is approximately $14,200.00
Other Costs that will be incurred: Computer, printer, and internet access is mandatory in order to use the Blackboard Learning System through LLCC. Students who do not have this access at home may use the computer lab at LLCC. Students are responsible for transportation costs to clinical sites.
FINANCIAL AID
Lincoln Land Community College administers a growing number of financial aid programs for students who are eligible.
This help is provided through a combination of sources including grants, loans, and part-time employment. For more information about availability of financial aid, please refer to the LLCC catalog or call the Financial Aid office at 217-786-2237.
The Lincoln Land Community College Foundation also offers scholarship opportunities for students enrolled at the college. To find more information regarding scholarship opportunities, please visit the Foundation's website here.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
First time college students
Apply for college admission either online or in person at the LLCC Registrar's Office.
Speak with an academic advisor in regard to any assessment testing needed for placement and registration into your basic courses such as English, Anatomy and Physiology, etc.
New to LLCC, but have coursework from other colleges
Apply for college admission either online or in person at LLCC Registrar's office.
Submit all official transcripts to the LLCC Registrar/Admissions Office.
Consult an academic advisor in regard to any assessment testing you may need for registration.
Check out the LLCC website for additional information for future students!
HOW DO I APPLY TO THE PROGRAM?
____ Fill out the form on the last page of this presentation. The information you submit will be sent to the program director. This is proof that you have reviewed the information conference.
____ Complete the Admission requirements (Shown on page 10) Be sure to send official transcripts from all colleges ever attended to LLCC to be evaluated by
Enrollment Services.
____ See Health Professions Advisor to complete the application form for the program.
* All official transcripts from schools or colleges other than Lincoln Land Community College must be on file at the Enrollment Services office before you can submit an application.
* We accept applications throughout the year.
* The program does not accept prior surgical technology education or work experience in lieu of required surgical technology course work.
Men and women who meet the qualifications for admission are accepted annually regardless of race, age, creed, sex or political affiliation. No program or activity administered by LLCC which receives federal financial assistance, shall exclude from participation, deny benefits to or subject to discrimination any individual solely by reason of his or her handicap.
WHEN AM I NOTIFIED IF I AM ACCEPTED?
Applicants will be notified by email shortly after completing the program application indicating their application has been received and their name has been added to the admission list.
Official acceptance letters to the program are mailed beginning in February of each year to applicants who are eligible to begin the program in the summer semester. Information regarding the mandatory one day orientation is also included.
Check us out on Facebook: LLCC Surgical Technology program
For further information, please contact a Health Professions Academic Advisor or
Janice Lovekamp
Program Director, Surgical Technology
janice.lovekamp@llcc.edu
217-786-4693