Surgical Technology Diploma

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The Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare students to be employed in a hospital or surgery center. As a skilled health professional, the surgical technologist is able to circulate with a Registered Nurse and scrub independently for a variety of specialties and procedures.

Students gain a basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, aseptic technique, surgical techniques and procedures, and patient care techniques. These subjects are presented in the classroom, through laboratory experience and in a supervised clinical setting.

Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participation in clinical education experience. Students unable to participate in clinical education will be unable to complete the Surgical Technology program. Most employers perform criminal history and dependent adult/child abuse background checks.

The DMACC Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, Phone 727-210-2350, Fax 727-210-2354, www.caahep.org.

Accreditation allows students to be eligible to take a certification examination after program completion.

For more information about the Surgical Technology program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/surgicaltech.

Location: Urban

Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Attend required Surgical Technology information session. Contact advisor for dates.
Satisfy DMACC’s assessment requirement.
Satisfy TEAS AH assessment requirement or TEAS V assessment.
Submit evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school biology or equivalent (DMACC Academic Achievement Center Biology I & II or ).
Submit proof of high school graduation or GED prior to enrollment.
Submit evidence of grade “C” or better in or .
Submit evidence of grade “C” or better in AND OR AND .

Students start Fall semester.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Surgical Technology diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed in Semesters 1-3 and have a “C” or better in all Surgical Technology courses and support courses. In order to progress to the next semester, these courses must be successfully completed in the semester identified or in a previous semester.

Required Courses

Semester 1

Required Course(s)

SUR 130 - Intro to Surgical Technology Credits:
Credits:
Credits:

Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma - 38

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

	Before	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3
Books (approximate)		574.25	167	95.50
Class-related supplies		50	30
Lab Fees		100	100	100
Uniforms, shoes, equipment			150
Health Exams, X-rays/Drug Screen/Immunizations	450
CPR Class		75
Background Check/Health Immunization Record (Approx)	68
Luxel X-Ray Badge			20
Hobet V Exam		25		30
AST Student Membership		90
Certification Exam		190

Approximate total for the program: $7,748.75*

* Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost. Costs for health exams and background checks listed above are included in this total.

Other Costs

Transportation, gas, parking expenses, lodging, childcare, and possibly other expenses depending on the location of clinical assignments and individual student circumstances. Health insurance may be required at clinical sites (students will need to provide documentation of health insurance coverage).

The Surgical Technology program utilizes a background check service, www.certifiedbackground.com, to conduct criminal background/abuse checks and to track immunizations, health records and CPR certification for each student after their acceptance into the program. Students are responsible for the cost of this service (approximately $68).

DMACC Surgical Technology Outcomes Report

Graduating Class	2013	2014
Retention Rate	73%	94%
Graduation Rate	73%	94%
Certification Examination Pass Rate	100%	87%
Employment Rate	91%	100%

Accreditation

The Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Surgical Technology program is accredited by:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354
www.caahep.org

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Prepare instruments for surgical procedures.
• Clean instruments, rooms and equipment following surgical procedures.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Assist surgeon with minor and major surgical procedures.
• Assist in preparation of patient for surgical procedures

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Perform activities in an organized and detailed manner.
• Apply knowledge from the biological and social sciences.
• Must have physical and emotional stamina necessary to meet demands of a rigorous schedule.
• Must have self-discipline and ability to take initiative.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

• Individuals who have been found guilty of a felony, or have pleaded guilty to a felony, are not eligible for the national
certification exam.
• You will be required to communicate easily and clearly with patients and staff.
• You must accept responsibility for your actions.
• You will stand and walk most of the day.
• Working under pressure requires good physical health and emotional stability.
• You must be comfortable being in contact with blood and body fluids.
• Students may not receive pay for clinical rotation.
• Average starting salary $32,669 (2010-2011 Placement Report).

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.