Surgical Technology

(Jefferson Davis Campus)

Fall Entry

This intensive, one year Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare the student to enter the surgical environment as a surgical technologist. The surgical technologist assists physicians, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses in the care of patients during operations. Students learn to apply the principles of sterile technique required during operative procedures, the use of instruments and equipment, related surgical anatomy and pathology, wound classifications and healing, standard precautions, and extensive study of procedures from surgical sub-specialties and related areas.

Graduates will be eligible to take the national certifying examination to become certified surgical technologists. This program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 35 East Wacker Dr., Suite 1970, Chicago IL 60601.

Program Goals

The goals of the Surgical Technology program include;

• Facilitate student learning and instruction to attain state mandated competencies in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domain
• Provide the student with skills and knowledge to graduate and function as members of the surgical team
• Prepare graduates to successfully pass the AST certification exam and become nationally certified.

Admission Procedure

1. Make application and be accepted to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Application can be completed online.
2. Submit copies of official transcripts of all schools attended to the Office of Admissions. All transcripts must be reviewed by the Office of Admission for determination of course credits.
3. Meet all Academic Requirements (listed below) and complete any program pre-requisites or Entry Requirements.
4. After successful completion of all academic and entry requirements, the student may submit an Allied Health Application for Program Admission beginning April 15^th of each year. Please meet with a counselor on the Jefferson Davis Campus to submit and complete your Surgical Technology Program Application Packet.

Application deadline for Fall Entry programs is July 1^st. All test scores, transcripts and required documentation must be received by this date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Late applications may be considered depending upon the availability of program openings.

Academic and Entry Requirements

• Achieve a minimum ACT Reading sub-score of 16 (or COMPASS equivalent = 74 Reading)
• Achieve a minimum ACT Mathematics sub-score of 16 (or COMPASS equivalent = 34 Pre-Algebra or 22 Algebra)
• Attend a Mandatory Pre-Allied Health Orientation Session (Check http://www.mgccc.edu/programs_of_study/health_related_programs/ for current dates & times)
• Hold a current American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Providers certification

Selection Process

Program openings are filled based on Selective Admission; applicants are ranked based on their individual achievement test scores and prior college course work. Student ranking for entry into the SUT program is based on a point system. Students are awarded points for their required ACT sub-scores (or COMPASS equivalent) and given bonus points for successful completion of ENG 1113 based on their achieved grade. Points will also be awarded for successful completion of any other college credit courses which could be used to complete degree requirements for the AASOE option. Program enrollment is a floating number which can fluctuate each year based on availability of clinical rotation slots. Students who are selected are also held to the following program policies.

SUT Program Policies

• Once a program opening has been awarded, the student will be required to obtain a clear or acceptable Criminal Background Check from the MGCCC Campus Police at JD, JC, Perkinston or the George County Campus/Center. MGCCC’s Criminal Background Check Policy can be viewed on-line at www.mgccc.edu/programs_of_study/health_related_programs/
• All Nursing and Allied Health students must submit to substance testing in accordance with the Substance Testing Policy and Procedures for Associate Degree Nursing and Allied Health Programs. The Nursing and Allied Health Program’s substance testing policy can be viewed on-line at www.mgccc.edu/programs_of_study/health_related_programs/.
• A student must be deemed physically and emotionally able to meet the requirements for the SUT program. A physical examination, immunization records and completed health form, signed by a Medical Physician, is required prior to the first meeting of the program. (Required immunizations: measles and rubella, diphtheria-tetanus (within last 10 years), chicken pox, current TB skin test and Hepatitis B vaccine series.)
• Upon admission to the Surgical Technology Program, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA on the required courses and complete each course with a C or better.
• Adherence to additional clinical affiliation requirements may be necessary depending on clinical rotation placement. (i.e. hospital orientation, HIPPA training, CPR certification)