Surgical Technology (51.0909)

Surgical Technology A.A.S. (51.0909) Uvalde Campus

Learn More About Surgical Technology!

Faculty and Staff

Armando Mondragon
Division Chair,
Applied Sciences
Email
(830) 758-4106
(830) 591-7274

Judy F. Estrada
Division Chair,
Applied Sciences
Email
(830) 591-7288

Aldo Ray Flores
Program Director
Email
(830) 591-7289

Purpose

1. Knowledge and practice of basic patient-care concepts.
2. Application of aseptic technique in the operating room.
3. Perform tasks in the first scrub, second scrub, and non-sterile roles to include and not limited to transporting patients, patient positioning, skin prep, case preparation, surgical draping, surgical assisting, holding retractors, passing instruments, passing suture, preparing medications, performing counts, tissue/specimen management, applying dressings, disinfection, decontamination, and sterilization of instruments/equipment.
4. Responsible behavior as a health care professional.

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to the Surgical Technology Program through the regular college admission procedures (see Admission Regulations section) and program specific requirements. Students will receive an A.A.S. degree upon satisfactory completion of the program of study and upon making formal application for graduation (see Curricula section). Students who wish to pursue the A.A.S. degree must meet all Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements.

Application Process

1. Fulfill admission requirements and be admitted to SWTJC
2. Must have high school diploma/GED
3. Must hold a valid social security card
4. Must hold a State issued I.D. card or a driver’s license (DL). Name registered on State issued ID or DL must match name as listed on social security card.
5. Evidence of required immunizations in writing, as required by the Texas Department of Health
6. Pass a criminal background check. Students with any criminal conviction/pending cases will meet with the Program Director to discuss acceptance into the program.
7. Pass drug screen. Students need to show a valid/current prescription for some medications.
8. Health insurance and Needle Stick Insurance is highly recommended. SWTJC will supply insurance during clinicals.

*Cost of immunizations, drug screen, security background check, and health insurance are not covered by SWTJC. Additional health insurance will be made available during clinicals.
*Clinical institutions may need other immunizations.
*There are medical and religious exemptions for COVID vaccination, it will be up to the clinical institution whether to accept or deny a student’s exemption.
*Clinic sites can request a new drug screen(s) and background check(s) before starting/during clinicals.

Surgical Technology Specific Admission Requirements/Process

1. Applicants must attend a Surgical Technology Program Information Session
2. Complete a questionnaire and turn into Program Director;
3. Complete a resume and turn into Program Director
4. Complete medical exam and turn in medical exam form to Program Director
5. Clinical and Immunization Acknowledgement Form
6. Pregnancy Policy
7. Health Insurance/Needle Stick Insurance is recommended
8. Pass a criminal background check
9. Pass drug screen. Students need to show a valid/current prescription for some medications
10. Interview with Program Director

1. Physical stamina – stand, bend stoop for extended periods of time (up to 6-8 hours) with no/minimal breaks
2. Exhibit manual dexterity and fine motor skills in both hands
3. Able to lift 20 lbs.
4. Effective communication skills
5. Hear and understand muffled communication
6. Function without an allergic reaction to an environment with substantial latex exposure
7. No active skin conditions, i.e., psoriasis, eczema
8. Ability to accept constructive criticism and show behavioral change
9. Empathy

Additional Costs:

1. Textbooks
2. AST Gold Bundle (includes cost of certification exam and AST membership for one year)
3. Board Vitals
4. Trajecsys
5. Uniform scrubs X 3 sets (top and bottom) Color will be specified by the program
6. Lab Coat
7. White sneakers or nursing shoes
8. Graduation cap, gown, and diploma

Surgical Technology Resources

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