Program Goals:
The Surgical Technology associate degree program is designed to prepare the beginning practitioner to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide services in the operating room in the role of surgical technologist as part of the surgical team. Instruction includes components of the basic sciences, operating room policies and procedures, safe patient care, operating room techniques, surgical procedures, and clinical practice.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Correlate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and microbiology to their role as a surgical technologist.
- Demonstrate a safe level of practice and knowledge in their role as a surgical technologist.
- Identify the purpose and principles for maintaining environmental control in the operating room suite.
- Identify the various classifications of surgical armamentarium, including instrumentation, sutures, and equipment used during the perioperative experience.
- Acquire an understanding of the ethical, legal, moral, and medical values related to the patient and the operating room team during the perioperative experience.
- Identify the elements, actions, and use of medications and anesthetics used during the perioperative experience.
- Demonstrate knowledge and utilize relevant medical terminology.
- Demonstrate safe practice techniques in regards to perioperative routines, patient transportation, positioning, and emergency procedures.
- Demonstrate and integrate principles of surgical asepsis as part of the perioperative experience.
- Carry out the principles and techniques of medical asepsis as part of the perioperative experience.
- Communicate effectively using both written and oral formats.
Admissions Process:
Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.
Program Admissions Requirements:
Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.
- High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
- Attendance at a Health Information Session or complete FYE 102 with a grade of “C” or higher.
- Must show evidence of being compliant with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additional immunization requirements will be required for clinical experiences.
- Required TEAS V or TEAS composite score of 60% or higher (cannot be a combination of multiple tests) must be achieved within five years of applying to the program.
- Applicant must obtain a composite score of 60% or higher in no more than three attempts within a three-year period.
- A TEAS composite score between 56% and 59% meets the admission criteria with appropriate biology and college GPA (see table below).
| TEAS Score | Overall QCC College Biology GPA (4 credit minimum) | Overall QCC College GPA (15 credit minimum) |
|---|
| 59 | 2.7 | 2.7 |
| 58 | 2.8 | 2.8 |
| 57 | 2.9 | 2.9 |
| 56 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
Program Retention / Progression Requirements:
To be eligible to continue in the program, students must:
- Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all program courses designated by ALH and SUR.
- Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in BIO 111 and BIO 112.
- Maintain documentation of current Healthcare Provider Level BLS/CPR Certification.
- Maintain documentation of immunization currency and satisfactory health status.
- Maintain documentation of annual TB testing.
- Maintain documentation of health insurance.
Program Readmission Requirements:
There is a one-time readmission policy for the program.
- Readmission is not guaranteed and is always based upon space availability. See the QCC Student Handbook and Program Student Handbook for the complete readmission procedure.
- Students who did not earn a grade of “C” or higher in SUR 131 need to re-apply to the program through the Admissions Office. Students should contact the Program Coordinator as soon as they receive the notification of being placed on the waitlist (by April 15) to discuss readmission.
- Students who did not earn a grade of “C” or higher in any other SUR course should contact the Program Coordinator by April 15 to discuss readmission.
- Students who have been dismissed or administratively withdrawn from a program within the School of Healthcare at Quinsigamond Community College for reasons of “clinically unsafe practice/behavior” or who violate the College’s Student Code of Conduct or Policy on Affirmative Action are not eligible for admission/readmission to any Healthcare program.
Program Graduation Requirements:
Students must satisfy all course and program requirements, including regulations related to attendance and conduct, in order to be eligible for graduation.
CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI), Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), and National Background checks are required in the program, either annually or every semester. Fingerprinting and drug testing may be required. Fingerprinting and drug testing results must meet clinical requirements. An issue with CORI/SORI, National Background, fingerprinting and/or drug testing could prevent a student from participating in a clinical/field rotation, which could result in dismissal from the program.
Additional Cost:
See the Program Fees page.
- Students should anticipate additional expenses for textbooks, credentialing exam, transportation, badges, and parking fees at clinical sites.
Technical Performance Standards:
See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).
Credit for Prior Learning:
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.
Career Outlook:
Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 51.0909.
Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:
Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.
Additional Information:
- Students that are graduates of the certificate program returning for the associate degree program should see the Program Coordinator.
- Transportation is required.
- Badges for clinical sites will also be an additional expense for students.
