Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Academic Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Surgical Technology, Technical Certificate


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Surgical technologists are health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings.

This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

North Arkansas College’s Surgical Technology Program prepares graduates to function in the operating room as members of the surgical team in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during, and after surgery. The curriculum combines classroom and laboratory instruction with actual surgical suite experience. Successful completion of the program prepares the graduate to write the National Certification Examination to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), which is a requirement for graduation from the program.

The program at North Arkansas College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Surgical Technology Degree and a Technical Certificate. The college provides an opportunity for education in the surgical technology field for individuals who commit to the values of providing high quality and cost effective health care to all people. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, phone; 727-210-2350 web; www.caahep.org. North Arkansas College is accredited by North Central Association, Commission of Higher Learning.

Major Code: 4780
Advising:  Lita Parton, (870) 391-3318, lparton@northark.edu
                  Advising Center: M184, South Campus, (870) 391-3115

The My Academic Plan (MAP) serves as a guideline to graduate in three semesters. The Key Milestones/Prerequisites listed for each semester highlight significant achievements that must be completed in the degree track. Students who do not follow the three-semester plan and/or who do not complete identified milestones may jeopardize their financial aid (if applicable) and/or delay graduation.

Academic Preparedness

Northark recognizes the important connection between student success and academic preparedness. Students may be required to complete one or more of the following courses before enrolling in the MAP sequence of courses. Summer and/or intercession courses may be required to graduate within three semesters. Developmental course credits earned do not count towards degree completion requirements.

Possible Prerequisite Courses


Note


Students must complete each required course in the remainder of this MAP with a minimum grade of “C” to obtain this degree.

Required Courses from Pre-Allied Health CP


Students begin in the Pre-Allied Health Certificate of Proficiency (CP). Required courses (R) from Pre-Allied Health CP to be completed prior to program entry include:

Total Credits: 6-11


Fundamentals of A&P is the minimum requirement for this degree. *If A&P I and II are taken, pre-reqs include Fundamentals of Chemistry (waived for HS Chemistry with B or better in both semesters) or General Biology for majors, or Fundamentals of A & P; required for A&P I.

Note


Students who complete the above prerequisites are ready to apply to the Surg Tech Program. Upon written program acceptance, the following courses are taken. SURG courses must be taken in the following sequence:

Total Credits: 16


Total Credits: 15


Grand Total Credits: 37-42


* Require the prerequisite of a “C” or better in CHEM 1214  or CHEM 1415 , a “B” or better in each of two semesters of high school chemistry or General Biology for majors or Fundamentals of A & P.

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