Lord Fairfax Community College | Areas of Study | Certificates | Health Professions | Surgery Technology

The following is a description of current program requirements. Students who enrolled previously should consult the catalog for the year in which they began the program, and/or their advisor. 

This program is currently not available for the 2010 academic year. Please continue to check the website for news and updates concerning this program.

Area

Surgical Technology Certificate

Length

Three semesters (one year)

Purpose

The Surgical Technology Program of LFCC is provided through a partnership with Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) in cooperation with Winchester Medical Center and other area hospitals. The 12-month certificate program is academically rigorous and offers educational components in the classroom and clinical laboratory environment.

Surgical technologists are integral members of the surgical team who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other personnel delivering patient care before, during and after surgery. Upon completion of the Surgical Technology Program, the graduate will demonstrate the following entry-level competencies:

• Exhibit professional behaviors and skills in the surgical environment.
• Utilize effective verbal and written communication.
• Exhibit caring interventions to the client and members of the health care team.
• Participate in collaborative care.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements established for the College, entry into the Surgical Technology Program requires:

1. Completion of both LFCC and PVCC application for admission.
2. High school diploma or GED – Official transcripts must be forwarded to the Admissions and Records Office at PVCC.
3. Completion of LFCC placement tests in mathematics, reading and writing (if required), and any recommended developmental course work.
4. Completion of high school chemistry, or CHM 101, with a grade of C or better.
5. Completion of a PVCC Surgical Technology Program application.
6. Completion of an operating room observational experience as scheduled by the Surgical Technology Program leader.

Admission to the Surgical Technology Program is on a selective basis. Selection of students is based upon:

1. Completion of all admission requirements listed above.
2. Consideration of the following factors in order of priority:
   1. For applicants with previous college experience:
      1. Surgical technology curricular GPA (applicants with curricular GPA below 2.0 will not be considered)
      2. Science GPA (BIO 141, BIO 142, BIO 150–applicants with curricular GPA below 2.0 will not be considered)
      3. Number of curricular courses (including science courses) completed.
   2. For applicants with no previous college experience, high school graduates:
      1. GPA (applicants with a high school GPA below 2.0 will not be considered)
      2. Science GPA (applicants with a high school GPA below 2.0 will not be considered)
   3. For applicants with no previous college experience, GED holders:
      1. Overall GED test score (applicants with an overall score of less than 58 will not be considered)
      2. Science GED test score (applicants with a science score of less than 58 will not be considered)

Applicants with high school GPAs below 2.0, or GED test scores below 58, are encouraged to enroll in the curricular general education courses to demonstrate ability to satisfactorily complete college-level work. These applicants will then be evaluated as "applicants with previous college work."

All admission requirements must be completed prior to the selection process. In all cases, the recommendation of the admission committee is the final determinant for admission to the Surgical Technology Program.

Program Requirements

1. Completion of a physical examination for surgical technology students, including an eye examination and required immunizations. Students must be free of any physical and/or mental condition that might adversely affect their performance as surgical technologists. (Forms are mailed with letter of acceptance.)
2. Students must have current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (American Heart Association Health Care Provider Course). A copy of the CPR card must be provided to program faculty at the start of the fall term.
3. Demonstrate satisfactory attendance and performance in the classroom and clinical areas.
4. Be responsible for transportation to classes and to agencies used for clinical experience.
5. Completion of all course requirements with a C average or better.
6. Courses are to be completed sequentially.
7. Signed release and receipt forms as required throughout the program.

Accreditation Status

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).