Surgical Technology (AAS)

A surgical technologist (ST) serves the patient's interest primarily by providing assistance to the surgeon. The surgical technologist's primary task during an operative procedure is to anticipate the perioperative needs of the surgeon and surgical patient. Students in this program must be well grounded in the basic sciences, especially anatomy, microbiology, and pathophysiology. The surgical technologist contributes to global patient care by serving as a team member who monitors the surgical environment.

Applying for Admission to the Program

A formal application and acceptance to the program is required. Application packets may be downloaded from WCC's Student Welcome Center, Health and Second Tier Program, information page http://www.wccnet.edu/start-now/degree/2nd-tier/. Completed and signed applications must be submitted during the dates indicated on the application to the Health and Second Tier Admissions Office in the Student Welcome Center, located on the second floor of the Student Center Building.

Requirements After Acceptance

Upon acceptance, students must purchase an account from a college-designated vendor to obtain a criminal background check and to track their health records. The criminal background check and health records must be submitted to the designated vendor. Specific information regarding the college-designated vendor, health records, and deadline dates will be provided at the mandatory orientation session.

Program Admission Requirements

Washtenaw Community College uses a competitive admission process for high demand programs in health care. Each year, approximately 20 students are accepted to the program for a Fall semester start. There are multiple requirements that must be completed prior to submitting an application for admission. This is a full-time program; no part-time option is available. For detailed information regarding admission to this health care program, please visit our Health Care website at http://www.wccnet.edu/learn/departments/alhd/.

Prerequisite and program requirements along with WCC's point system and scales are reviewed annually and subject to change. Students are expected to meet the prerequisite and program requirements of the catalog term for the semester in which they first begin the program. Details regarding WCC's Admission to High Demand Programs policy including priority levels are on WCC's Board of Trustees policy page: http://www.wccnet.edu/trustees/policies/2005/. Details regarding WCC's point scales that are used to calculate points are on WCC's Student Welcome Center, Health and Second Tier Program, information page: http://www.wccnet.edu/start-now/degree/2nd-tier/.

Requirements for application are:

1. Admission to WCC.
2. Program prerequisite courses:
   1. MTH 125 Everyday College Math, MTH 160 Basic Statistics, MTH 176 College Algebra or a math course numbered 176 or higher with a minimum grade of C/2.0.
   2. HSC 101 Healthcare Terminology or HSC 124 Medical Terminology with a minimum grade of B-/2.7.
   3. BIO 111 Anatomy and Physiology - Normal Structure and Function with a minimum grade of B-/2.7.
3. Technical Standards (in the admissions packet). WCC reserves the right to request, before and during the program, that students successfully demonstrate specific physical and cognitive abilities related to this program.
4. Students must possess a high school diploma or GED prior to clinical courses.
5. Students must be 18 years old prior to clinical courses.
6. Residency verification.

Continuing Eligibility Requirements

1. Additional background checks may be conducted at any time during the program. Students may be required to have drug testing as well as additional criminal background checks and/or fingerprinting prior to the start of a clinical sequence as requested by specific clinical facilities. Any student found to have a positive drug screen for drugs prohibited by State of Michigan or Federal law (including marijuana) or controlled substances will be dismissed from the program. Failure to receive an acceptable criminal background/fingerprinting at any time, will result in dismissal from the program.
2. Students will be required to attend a hospital orientation session prior to starting their clinical rotation.
3. Students will be required to submit health records annually while in the program and must complete any other health requirements as designated by the clinical sites.
4. Students will be required to purchase special uniforms and supplies throughout the duration of the program.
5. Students will be required to demonstrate that they have maintained competency in all skills taught throughout their progression through the program. Failure to demonstrate continued competency will result in dismissal from the program.
6. All Surgical Technology (SUR) courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C+/2.3 and all support courses to the program must be completed with a minimum grade of C/2.0 unless otherwise specified.
7. Students must have reliable transportation to clinical education sites, which may require a commute of up to one hour.
8. Students who are dismissed from the program may not be eligible to reapply to the program.

Minimum Credits Required for the Program: 61