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Surgical Professions
Work as a member of the healthcare team alongside physicians, surgeons, registered
nurses and other healthcare workers delivering patient care before, during, and after
surgery.
Surgical Technologist (CST)
You are paged to the operating room. An emergency case is in route. You switch to
high gear and prepare the OR. You have the autoclaved scalpels, scissors, clamps and
the additional tools for this surgery on the table. Gowned and gloved, you are prepared
as the patient is pushed through the door. Pulling the sterile drapes around the patient,
your senses heighten. Your skills and performance may make the difference between
this person’s life or death. Continually anticipating unexpected scenarios, you hand
the surgeon the correct instruments and retract the incision site to give the surgeon
a better view. Your job will not end until all instruments and sponges are accounted
for. You apply the correct bandages to the patient and assure that the OR is in order
and ready for your next patient.
The AAS in Surgical Technology at Collin College is a 12-month program (Summer, Fall,
Spring) that will prepare the student for entry-level as a surgical technologist.
The course of study consists of approved courses from the Workforce Education Course
Manual of Texas. Upon completion of the program, the student is qualified to take
the national certification examination for surgical technologists. The Commission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits our program allowing
graduates to become eligible for the Certified Surgical Technologist, CST credential
Central Sterile Processing
The certificate in Central Sterile Processing is a two-semester, special admission
program. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the national certification
examination administered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service
Material Management (IAHCSMM).
Surgical Assisting (CSFA)
Surgical Technologists who hold their Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential,
an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Healthcare, and have two years of
recent clinical experience as a Surgical Technologist, may apply for the Advanced
Technical Certificate (ATC) Surgical Assisting program. Graduates of this program
are entitled to an Advanced Technical Certificate Surgical Assisting and upon program
accreditation are eligible to sit for the national Certified Surgical First Assist
(CSFA) certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology
and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Those students passing the certification exam are
allowed to use the title Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA).
Licensure Notice: Students who have been involved with the criminal system, please be advised that
your background could keep you from being licensed by the State of Texas. If you have
a question about your background and licensure, please speak with your faculty member
or the department chair. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation
letter from the applicable licensing agency.
Students planning to transfer to a college or university should check with Collin
College academic advisors. Also check the degree requirement of the intended transfer
college prior to beginning this program to verify course degree applicability.
Admission to the programs is selective and competitive. Please see each program’s
specific qualifications on their department websites.
SPECIAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR CENTRAL STERILE PROCESSING AND SURGICAL TECHNOLGY
PROGRAMS:
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*It is important to note that one of the required vaccinations, Hepatitis B, consists of a three dose series, which can take up to 7 months to complete. All immunizations must be complete before the first clinical day.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CENTRAL STERILE PROCESSING PROGRAM
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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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Selective Admission Requirements for the Surgical Assisting Program
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* It is important to note that one of the required vaccinations, Hepatitis B, consists
of a three dose series, which can take up to 7 months to complete. All immunizations
must be complete before the first clinical day.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SURGICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
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*Note: A Bridge Opportunity is available for Surgical Assisting Program candidates who are Certified Surgical Technologists (CST), have a minimum of two years’ recent experience, but do not possess an Associate’s Degree or higher. Contact the Surgical Assisting Program Coordinator at drsmith@collin.edu for more information. |
Health Insurance – All Central Sterile, Surgical Technology, and Surgical Assisting students are required
to show proof of health insurance prior to starting clinical rotations each semester.
Additionally, Surgical Assisting students are required to show proof of malpractice
insurance prior to starting clinical rotations each semester.
NOTE: Students interested in admission to the program for Summer semester should see their
physician and begin immunizations four (4) months prior to the beginning of the semester.
FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES/CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS STATEMENT
After initial acceptance to this program, all students are required to meet specific
functional abilities, with or without accommodations, for successful completion of
the program, and to function safely and effectively in the variety of professional
settings. The specific functional requirements are found in the Functional Abilities/Core
Performance Standards documents provided in the program information packet and on
the Surgical Technology website. Students who think they may not be able to meet the
functional standards and need accommodation are encouraged to contact the college
ACCESS department as soon as this program is of interest.
ACCREDITATION
The Collin College AAS – Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the
Accreditation Review Committee on Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARCSTA).
They may be contacted at:
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
727.210.2350
http://www.caahep.org
The Central Sterile Processing (CSP) curriculum is approved by the International Association
of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM). Recipients of this certificate
are eligible to sit for the national certification exam.
Students interested in the program should see the academic advisor for consultation
and consult the college website for more specific information. An admission packet
is available upon request from the Dean of Health Sciences Office and on the Surgical
Technology website.
Program Options
Certificate Level 1 – Central Sterile Processing
Advanced Technical Certificate – Surgical Assisting
Department Website
https://www.collin.edu/surgtech/
http://www.collin.edu/department/surgicalassisting