Surgical Technology Program
Corinth Campus
The Surgical Technology program is a one-year certificate program that prepares the student to assume the responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist. Surgical Technologists participate in all aspects of preparing and monitoring instruments and procedures in the sterile operating room environment. The courses are taught in the classroom, the Surgical Technology lab, and at clinical sites throughout the NCTC service area.
The program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, Florida, 33756, Phone: (727) 210-2350, Fax (727)210-2354 oversight of which is by the Accreditation Review Counsel on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), 6 W. Dry Creek Circle, Suite #110, Littleton, CO 80120, Phone: (303) 694-9262.
Surgical Technologists may obtain professional certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) by graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program and passing a national certification examination. They may then use the designation Certified Surgical Technologist, or CST.
The NCTC Surgical Technology program runs August to August and can only take 24 students a year. There are no prerequisites. As a certificate type program, passing the college entrance exam (TSI) is not required.
There are only 2 Surgical Technology that may be taken in advance. Medical Terminology (HITT1205) is offered year-round and only online.The other course that may be taken in advance is Anatomy and Physiology. There are two types and the Surgical Technology Program will accept either one. Anatomy and Physiology (A & P) for Allied Health (VNSG 1420) is a one semester course and is not transferable for college credit as a science. It only counts toward some certificate programs and regular college entrance tests are not required to take it. The other A & P (BIOL 2401 and 2402) requires that one take the TSI Assessment, or be exempt from placement testing, as it is an academic course. Both semesters must be taken and in order. It does count as college science credit for those who pursue a college degree. Whichever A & P course one chooses, it must be completed by the end of the first semester of Surgical Technology classes with a passing grade of at least a “C” or the student will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Criminal background checks and drug screens will be conducted on all students and may disqualify individuals from the program. Titer evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B and communicable diseases according to CDC guidelines is required. Healthcare Provider CPR certification is required. A physical exam by private physician is required. Documentation of personal health insurance is required. Attendance at class and clinicals is required. NCTC Allied Health programs have a non-tobacco policy.
Program Costs
Cost of the Surgical Technology program is figured the same as degree seeking students. However, the Surgical Technology student can expect to pay additional costs for being in a Health Science Program, such as uniform costs, laboratory fees, physical, immunizations, health insurance, background checks, drug screening and CPR training. Textbooks for the course are purchased in the first semester of study for the entire program, and they are estimated at $600.00. Estimated costs for the program is $4000.00.
Admission Process
1. Register for and attend a Surgical Technology Program advisement session. These are held in the spring at a variety of times on the NCTC Corinth Campus. The schedule is on the NCTC website:http://www.nctc.edu/NCTCPrograms/SurgicalTechnology.aspx and registration can be done via e-mail or phone.
2. At the advisement session, apply to the Surgical Technology program and receive permission to take the admission test. Pay for the test at the NCTC Business Office and take the receipt to the test site on the test date.
3. Complete the admission process into North Central Texas College. The applicant must have earned either a high school diploma or a GED (General Equivalency Diploma). If one has attended college before, official transcripts from each college attended are required. If one has not attended college before, high school transcripts or GED scores are required. Other requirements may apply to international students.
4. Contact the Financial Aid Department and fill out a FAFSA form if needed.
5. Sit for the admission test on the designated date.
6. Admission is offered in rank order of the admission exam composite scores. The program attempts to start with 24 students, but no alternates are admitted after the course begins.
NOTICE: The Surgical Technology Program reserves the right to change the curriculum and program requirements as deemed necessary for maintenance of high quality education.