Admission Requirements

1. High school graduate.
2. Official high school and prior transcripts on file with the Registrar.
3. Completed application to Amarillo College on file with the Registrar.
4. Reading placement test (ACCUPLACER or THEA).
5. Completion of any required remedial requirements.
6. Program specific application forms.
7. Personal interview with the program director.
8. Texas required immunizations.
9. When accepted into program students will complete physical exam by personal physician.
10. Criminal Backgound Check. (Complete after acceptance).

Specific Criteria for Admission

NOTE: This program DOES NOT have "open enrollment" to any interested student. Students must submit a portfolio with a student ranking number obtained through the personal interview with the surgical technology program director.

1. Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or a GED certificate. If a GED certificate is earned, the applicant must have completed no less than the eleventh grade.
2. The applicant must have official high school and prior college transcripts, if applicable, on file with the Amarillo College Registrar's office.
3. The applicant must have a current application to Amarillo College and Residency form on file with the Registrar's office.
4. The applicant must sit for the reading section of the THEA or ACCUPLACER placement test or show documented exemptions.

5. The applicant must have a personal interview with the program director. Students with a completed portfolio will be given a ranking number at this time.A criminal background check is required before semester begins.
6. The applicant must be in good health as evidenced by the Physical Requirements of the Program form.
7. The applicant must be able to meet the physical requirements of the educational program, as detailed in the form.

Their signature denotes that they are able to meet the essential physical requirements. In the event that they cannot meet the requirements at any time throughout the entire course, the applicant will voluntarily withdraw from the program.

After the student begins the fall semester:

1. A current physical examination report form must be on file with the Surgical Technology director. The exam is done at the student's expense and by their preferred medical provider.
2. Texas State Law requires that all students attending Texas colleges majoring in a health career have the following immunizations:

1. Tetanus/Diphtheria (one within the past 10 years)
2. Measles (if born after 1/1/1957 must have 2 doses)
3. Mumps (if born after 1/1/1957 must have at least 1 dose)
4. Yearly tuberculin skin test
5. Meningitis
6. Flu shot
7. Proof of Varicella or vaccine

3. A "Student Release and Waiver of Liability" form must be signed.
4. The student must have all three  Hepatitis B vaccination series (3 total) and show written proof of titer or series.   State mandated for all health occupations students.
5. The student must complete and obtain a passing grade in a CPR class.
6. The student must maintain a minimum average of 70 in each course to continue in the Surgical Technology program.

Physical Requirements of the Program

The following is used as a guideline for the prospective student so that he/she may understand the physical requirements and essential job functions necessary for successful completion of the Surgical Technology Program. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather a detail of the basic physical demands of the educational endeavor.

The surgical technologist must be able to ...

1. • Stand, bend, stoop, and/or sit for long periods of time in one location with minimum/no breaks.
   • Lift a minimum of 20 pounds.
   • Refrain from nourishment or rest room breaks for up to 6 hours.
   • Demonstrate sufficient visual ability to load a fine suture onto needles with or without corrective lenses and while wearing protective eyewear. (20/20 vision)
   • Demonstrate sufficient peripheral vision to anticipate and function while in the sterile surgical environment.
   • Hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator’s mouth/lips and within 20 feet.
   • Hear activation/warning signals on equipment.
   • Detect odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs.
   • Manipulate instruments, supplies, and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good eye-hand coordination.
   • Ambulate/move around without assistive devices.
   • Assist with, and/or lift, move, position, and manipulate, with or without assistive devices, the patient who is unconscious.
   • Communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing.
   • Be free of reportable communicable diseases and chemical abuse.
   • Demonstrate immunity to rubella, rubeola, tuberculosis, and hepatitis A/B, or be vaccinated against these diseases, or be willing to sign a waiver of release of liability with regard to these diseases.
   • Possess short- and long-term memory sufficient to perform tasks such as, but not limited to, mentally tracking surgical supplies and performing anticipation skills intraoperatively.
   • Demonstrate the use of positive coping skills under stress.
   • Demonstrate calm and effective responses, especially in emergency situations.
   • Exhibit positive interpersonal skills in patient, staff, and faculty interactions.
   • Make appropriate judgment decisions.