COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PROGRAM OF SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Revised July 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome...... 4

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT

PROGRAM GOALS

ACCREDITATION

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

VACCINATION AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

GRADUATION REQUIRMENTS

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

CURRICULM

COUNSELING/ADVISING

PAYMENT METHODS

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

GENERAL STUDENT CONDUCT

Safe Schools Act

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

USE OF SHOOL FACITITIES

STUDENT RIGHTS

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Professional Code of Conduct

GRADUATE COMPETENCIES

GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

INSTRUCTORS

BUILDING INFORMATION:

SCHOOL SCHEDULE AND CLOSING:

VACATION AND HOLIDAY

CLASSROOM AND CLINICAL HOURS

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

VISITORS

APPOINTMENTS

BEEPERS/CELLULAR PHONES

PROJECTED STUDENT EXPENSES- 2015-2016

ATTENDANCE POLICY

DRESS CODE

CLINICAL/ABSENCE MAKE-UP POLICY

CLASSROOM MAKE-UP POLICY

CURRICULUM GRADES AND EVALUATIONS

Clinical I Performance Expectations

Clinical II Performance Expectations

Clinical III Advanced Practicum Expectations

PROBATION

POLICY ON ACADEMIC HONESTY

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL POLICY

DISMISSAL AND READMISSION

ALUMNI AND EMPLOYER SURVEYS

PROCEDURE REPORTS

Non-Surgical Role Clinical Experience Summary Report Form

Probation Criteria Contract

Advanced Practicum Evaluation

Columbia Area Career Center

APPEAL POLICY

NON-DISCRIMINATION AND ANTI-HARASSMENT COMPLIANCE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

REQUEST FOR FORMAL APPEAL...... 35

ALLOWED MISSED TIME...... 37

Documentation of Review/Receipt...... 38

PERMISSION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION...... 39

PROFESSIONAL & CONTINUING EDUCATION

The adult education division of the Columbia Area Career Center is an integral part of Columbia Public Schools. The Columbia Area Career Center is the community leader in meeting the emerging needs of individuals and businesses, providing quality programs and services to enhance life-long learning.

WELCOME

The faculty and staff of the Columbia Public Schools Program of Surgical Technology welcome you to school and to the operating room. This will be one of the busiest, most rewarding years of your life. We hope your experiences as a student Surgical Technologist and as a member of the surgical team reward you as well as those you serve.

This is your student handbook. It deals with topics that will concern you during the school year. We suggest that you keep this handbook accessible as reference this coming year.

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT

The Columbia Public Schools Program of Surgical Technology prepares the graduate Surgical Technologist with the educational foundation to deliver quality patient care during the perioperative experience. The program strives to provide the surgical practice community with skilled, professional practitioners. The program offers the framework for life-long learning of the practitioner.

PROGRAM GOALS

  1. Students will pass all courses with a grade of 80% or greater
  2. Students will have good attendance, missing less than 10% of didactic and clinical time.
  3. The program will strive to retain at least 70% of students beginning the program.
  4. Students will take the certification exam given by NBSTSA with a pass rate of at least 70%.
  5. The program will support a job placement rate of at least 80% within 6 months of graduation
  6. Students will graduate with the knowledge and skills required of an entry level surgical technologist.

ACCREDITATION

The Columbia Area Career Center is a part of Columbia Public Schools. The adult programs are approved by the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and are accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Most of the programs are approved for qualified applicants for veterans’ education programs and vocational rehabilitation training. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits the Columbia Public Schools Surgical Technology Program based on the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA)

CAAHEPARC-STSA

25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 1586 W. Dry Creek Circle, Suite #110

Clearwater, FL. 33763Littleton, CO. 80120

(727) 210-2350, (303) 694-9262,

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission is based upon completion of the application process and all necessary application components.

All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements

  • At least 18 years of age
  • High school diploma/HiSET (GED)
  • TOEFL exam score of at least 500 may be required for applicants from non-English speaking countries, or applicant must demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language, both written and spoken.
  • Take a general aptitude test to help predict the success of the prospective student
  • Meet with Financial Aid Coordinator
  • Pass a urine drug screen within 2 weeks of being accepted into the program
  • Pass a criminal background check as required by the clinical sites requirements
  • Meet all health requirements required by clinical sites including vaccinations/immunizations necessary for clinical rotations

Applicants must also possess basic functional abilities

  • Must have sufficient visual acuity necessary for patient assessment and care
  • Must have sufficient auditory perception for communication from patients and members of the health care team and for assessment of monitor devices sounds (e.g. cardiac monitors, biomedical equipment, fire alarms, etc;)
  • Must have sufficient mobility to stand and /or walk at least 8 hours daily in clinical setting. Bend, squat or kneel. Assist in lifting or moving clients of all age groups and weights. Work with arms fully extended overhead.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Must have sufficient verbal and non-verbal communication skill (speech, reading, and writing) as needed for success in both classroom and clinical sites.
  • Must have sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care of individuals.

The school reserves the right to refuse to admit students who have not had satisfactory progress during a previous enrollment period. Admission may also be refused to any student with an outstanding balance from a previous enrollment.

The admission policy is in compliance with U.S. Department regulations for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.

The Columbia Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or use of leave protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act, in its programs, activities, or with regard to employment. The Columbia Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer. Inquiries regarding Columbia Public Schools' compliance with IDEA and Section 504 regulations should contact the Columbia Area Career Center main offices at 573-214-3800 ext. “0” and ask for the section 504 liaison coordinator.

VACCINATION AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

A physical examination and the following requirements must be on file at the school within first week of school starting:

Tuberculin Test (PPD) done within the past year, and kept current during the time the student is enrolled in the program. Positive PPD’s must be followed with a chest film report. If it has been more than two years since the student’s last test, will require two tests at least one week apart.

Diptheria/Tetanus Booster must have been within last 10 years

Rubeola (measles) titer- if not immune, must receive 2 immunizations, one month apart

Rubella Titer- if not immune, must receive one immunization

Varicella (Chickenpox) titer- if not immune, must receive 2 immunizations, one-two months apart

Mumps Titer- if not immune, must receive one immunization

Hepatitis B- first immunization must be given PRIOR to the start of clinicals with follow through with subsequent immunizations.

Flu Shot- must have before start of clinicals.

GRADUATION REQUIRMENTS

  • All tuition and fees must be paid in full
  • A grade of 80% or better must be attained in all required program courses
  • All required clinical hours must be completed
  • The NBSTSA certification exam must be taken

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Columbia Area Career Center is committed to providing equal access educational opportunities for students with disabilities. The objectives are to ensure that students with disabilities function adequately and without discrimination in all aspects of the educational experience.

Students with documented disabilities who would like to inquire about the availability of reasonable academic and/or other program related accommodations should contact the Section 504 Liaison at 573-214-3800 ext. ‘0’. Examples of accommodations that may be appropriate, depending on the nature of the disability, include extended time for exams, note taking assistance, or alternate formats for textbooks or other written materials. Documentation must be provided that substantiates the existence of a disability and supports the need for any requested accommodations (guidelines are available from the Section 504 Liaison). Students are encouraged to request accommodations no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of class so that the appropriate arrangements can be made. Upon review of documentation, the Section 504 Liaison will meet with you to discuss your requested accommodations. General Guidelines are available upon request.

For more information regarding your rights and responsibilities as a student with a disability, please refer to the publication: Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities, available from the U.S. Department of

Education Office of Civil Rights (

To obtain accommodations, students must:

1. Self-identify: Contact the Section 504 Liaison (214-3800 ext ‘0’) regarding the disability and the accommodations needed. This must be done in a timely manner or delays in service provision will be unavoidable.

2. Verify: Provide current documentation based on guidelines obtained from the 504 Liaison.

3. Determine: The Section 504 Liaison, in some cases in conjunction with others, will determine the appropriate accommodations based on the documentation provided.

CURRICULM

Level I

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Introduction to Surgical Technology
  • Patient Care and Safety
  • Medical Terminology
  • Instrumentation
  • Clinical I

Level II

  • Surgical Procedures
  • Clinical II (3 rotations)

Level III

  • Advance Practicum
  • Certification Review

All surgical Technology classes strive to prepare students for professional behaviors and practice. Therefore 5% of the student’s grade will be based on Career Center Expectations.

The following expectations apply to all ST instructional settings:

  • Attendance – Be here on time each day, prepared to work, dressed appropriately
  • Respect – Use appropriate language, be honest and truthful, be respectful of fellow students, staff, and faculty. Cell phones should not be seen or heard
  • Safety – Follow safety rules and procedures, keep work area orderly
  • Responsibility – Complete work on time, follow directions, use resources to answer questions, ask for help when needed, contribute to class discussion
  • Quality – Show determination to complete tasks, be consistent in quality, focus on the task at hand
  • Team – Work as a productive member in a variety of roles, communicate in a sensitive way

COUNSELING/ADVISING

Education and career counseling is available to all students upon request. To find out more about these services, stop by the ST Coordinator’s office. Students are encouraged to see the Coordinator for any educational concerns.

PAYMENT METHODS

The Business Office/Financial Aid will assist students with their payment plans. Students who do not make a payment for two months and have not made arrangements with the Financial Aid Office may be subject to dismissal. Students who have not paid their monthly payment by the fifth of the month may not be allowed to attend class until that monthly payment is made. All student payments must be made by the first week of June prior to graduation in order to meet graduation requirements.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
Students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their training to be in compliance with institutional policy and to remain eligible for HEA, Title IV federal student financial assistance. Satisfactory academic progress is measured in both quantitative terms (attendance), as well as qualitative terms (academics/grades). Students must meet the school’s attendance standard and the academic standard on a cumulative basis (start date to evaluation date) to maintain eligibility for federal student financial assistance funds unless the student is on “Financial Aid Warning” or “Probation” as defined in this policy. Student progress will be reviewed by the institution ona monthly basis to identify students who may be at risk regarding satisfactory academic progress. For more detailed information regarding SAP and financial aid policies go to The policies are also outlined in the information given from the financial aid office.

GENERAL STUDENT CONDUCT

Students enrolling at the Career Center assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the educational purposes of the school. If a student fails to do so and engages in behavior disruptive to the educational process, the school will institute appropriate disciplinary action.

Specifically, students are expected to comply with federal, state and local laws concerning activities prohibited generally and specifically on public school property and sponsored functions. Among these illicit activities are civil disobedience, forgery, gambling, immoral conduct, libel, theft, use and sale of alcohol, tobacco and narcotics, and vandalism.

In addition to demonstrating honesty and integrity, students are expected to comply with all policies, regulations and procedures of the Columbia Public Schools and the Columbia Area Career Center. They are expected to comply with the parking policies and to follow the directions of the school representatives acting in their official capacity.

Students may be terminated immediately or placed on probationary status for any of the following behaviors: 1) possession of or drinking alcoholic beverages, non-prescription or controlled substances during school hours; 2) academic dishonesty; 3) use of vulgar or profane language; 4) engaging in conduct that is detrimental to the best interests of the students and educational program; 5) destruction of school or private property; 6) deliberate operation of equipment in an unsafe manner.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment constitutes unlawful sex discrimination. The Columbia Public School District is committed to providing a safe, positive learning and working environment for everyone. Sexual harassment and/or sexual violence (SHV) will not be tolerated. Any concerns about SHV should be reported to the Program Coordinator. An investigation of all formal and informal complaints will be conducted. Any student or employee who is found to have used SHV toward any other student or employee will be subject to disciplinary action.

Examples of sexual harassment (SVH) can include but are not limited to: touching of another person without permission, sexually explicit language, threats, intimidation, displaying of sexually explicit materials, and other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, only the name, address and telephone number of students will be disclosed to any person or agency without the written consent of the student. At the request of the student, even this information will be withheld. This request should be in writing and given to the Program Coordinator or the main CACC office. Upon written request, the student may inspect information in his or her official file and will be given the opportunity to challenge any information that he or she considers inaccurate.

Student-owned Electronic Equipment

In order to maintain a learning environment and reduce security concerns, students are not allowed to use electronic equipment (such as pagers/beepers, cellular phones, radio, etc) in the classroom or clinical areas. Cell phones must be silent and put away during class time.

Cell phones are not allowed in the clinical areas. Upon written request, special permission may be granted by the Program Coordinator. The school accepts no responsibility for loss or theft of student property. Infractions of this policy will not be tolerated and will result in point deductions on the next test, professional probation or possible dismissal.

Computer Usage

The use of any Columbia Public School (CPS) computer is a privilege, not a right. Computer users are obligated to conform to district and individual school policies and directions given by staff members. Using the Career Center facilities to access information carried by the Internet or other such information services must be for academic work assigned by a teacher. Depending on the nature of the situation, students who violate regulation shall be subject to disciplinary action, or as the cause with other Career Center property, be held responsible for the cost of repair, replacement or maintenance of any damaged equipment or materials. Students are required to sign a Computer Use Agreement.

Telephone Usage

Students will not be called from class to accept phone calls except in an emergency.

Cell phones will not be seen and must be on silent during class/clinical time.

Safe Schools Act

The Safe Schools Act prohibits bringing knives or any weapon to a school. Physical or verbal assault is also prohibited. A weapon is defined as any object used or which could be used with the intent to harm, or any object, which appears as if it could be harmful. Any student who possesses such an object, or uses a legitimate object as a weapon, shall be subject to disciplinary action,(See Student Code of Conduct.)

Medical Care

The school and/or clinical facilities assume no responsibility for expenses associated with emergency or routine health care of students. Students must expect to pay for all health care services received. Some affiliating hospitals may provide emergency care when a student is hurt or becomes ill while assigned to the hospital's clinical facility, but students will be charged and are expected to pay for the services received. At the school, emergency care needs are met by calling 911.

Communicable/Infectious Diseases

A student shall not be permitted to attend class or other school sponsored activities if the student is known to be afflicted with or liable to transmit any contagious or infectious disease unless the program coordinator or its designers has determined, based upon medical evidence, that: (1) the infected student is no longer liable to transmit the disease; or (2) the student is afflicted with a chronic infectious disease which poses little risk of transmission in the school environment with reasonable precaution.