Clinical II Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

SRGT-2461-001 Clinical II

Prerequisites

Corequisites: 

Course Description

A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 24 clinic)

Class Type

Clinical

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:

SRGT 2461

• Required Resource:
  Amarillo College Surgical Technology Clinical Handbook
  (Provided online)
• Recommended Text (Not Required):
  Goldman, Maxine A.
  Pocket Guide to the Operating Room, 3rd Edition or most recent edition.
  ISBN-10: 0-8036-1226-5

Supplies

Supplies

Clinical Notebook containing:

One white 3” binder with clear pockets on front

Set of eight dividers

Pencil pouch

Small pocket notebook

Pens and Pencils

All Clinical Paperwork is located on Black Board under Clinical II.

*Access to Surgical Counts app for Case Tracking

CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS:

** All immunizations up to date and loaded into COMPLIO PORTFOLIO in Blackboard

1. Current physical examination from personal physician. 
2. Current immunizations include:

Tetanus/Diphtheria

Measles

Mumps

TB

Hep B vaccine series

Meningitis if under age 30

Varicella titer or statement verification

All students must have FLU shot by Oct. 1. Documentation is required.

1. CPR certification 8-hour course specifically for Healthcare Professionals
2. Liability insurance (part of tuition)
3. Name tag with photo
4. Eye protection
5. Royal blue scrubs
6. New comfortable shoes to wear only in OR
7. Surgical Technology patch to be purchased at bookstore. Sew on right sleeve

Student Performance

Student Performance

COURSE DESCRIPTION: A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts.  Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. (3 sem hrs. 12 clinical). 

Students will complete a total of 120 cases as described below:

• General Surgery – 30 (20 cases in first scrub role)
• 90 cases in the various surgical specialties (60 cases in the first scrub role) Only 15 cases can be counted in any “one” surgical specialty. (Surgical specialty is defined as CV, ENT, EYE, GU, Neuro, Ob/Gyn, Oral/Maxillofacial, Ortho, PV, Plastics, and Procurement/Transplant.
• First and Second Scrub roles are defined on following pages.

Clinical Conduct Summary

Students must arrive at clinical prepared with all required supplies and comply with all Student Handbook and clinical agency policies, including HIPAA. Violations of these policies may result in course failure and/or dismissal from the program.

Personal cell phone use is prohibited in clinical areas except during designated breaks. Phones must remain on silent. Failure to follow the cell phone policy may result in a clinical warning or course failure. Amarillo College and clinical facilities are not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.

Students are expected to maintain a professional appearance at all times. Clinical uniforms represent Amarillo College and may not be worn in public when consuming alcohol or after the clinical rotation has ended. Students must change out of clinical attire before visiting non-clinical locations.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:  SRGT 2461 is designed to provide the student the opportunity to function actively in the role as a surgical technologist and health care team member in a clinical setting under the direct supervision of faculty and health care staff. Application of basic principles and practices combined with a supervised clinical experience participating in common surgical procedures is the focus.

END-OF-COURSE OUTCOMES: As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry.

: COURSE GOALS AND COMPETENCIES: This course will consist of hands on instruction, skill assessments, reading and writing assignments, observations, participation in surgical procedures.

 Goals:

 Demonstrates professional conduct and ethical practice.

 Performs as an active member of the surgical technology team in the clinical perioperative environment.

Demonstrates responsibility for professional growth and development.

Participates as an active surgical team member by scrubbing on assigned procedures.

Applies knowledge and skills gained from previous courses.

Interacts effectively as a responsible team member with faculty, staff members, fellow      students, physicians, and other health care personnel.

CASE REQUIREMENTS (AST Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology 7th Ed.)

 Students will complete a total of 120 cases.

• Students will complete 30 in General surgery (20 cases must be in the first scrub role)
• Students will complete 90 cases in the various surgical specialties, 60 cases will be in the first scrub role and evenly distributed between a minimum of 5 surgical specialties. 15 is the maximum number of cases that can be counted in any one surgical specialty.
• Students will maintain a “daily sheet” with the surgical procedure, scrub role, and routine for case, documented by assigned mentor and clinical instructor.
• 10 endoscopy cases and 5 vaginal delivery cases may be counted towards second Scrub Role cases.
• Observation cases must be documented, but do not count towards the 120 required cases.
• Counting cases are as follows: cases will be counted according to surgical specialty
  • Trauma patient requires a splenectomy and repair of a Lefort1 fracture.  Two cases can be counted and documented since the splenectomy is general surgery specialty and repair of Lefort I is Oral/Maxillary surgical specialty. 
  • Patient requires a breast biopsy followed by mastectomy.  It is one pathology, breast cancer, and the specialty is general surgery. It is counted and documented as one procedure - one case.

Required Clinical Case Numbers

General Surgery

• Total cases required: 30
• Minimum first scrub cases: 20
• Maximum second scrub cases applied toward total: 10

Surgical Specialties
(Includes CV, ENT, Eye, GU, Neuro, OB-Gyn, Oral/Maxillofacial, Orthopedics, PV, Plastics, and Organ Procurement/Transplant)

• Total cases required: 90
• Minimum first scrub cases: 60
• Maximum second scrub cases applied toward total: 30

Diagnostic Endoscopy

• 10 cases required
• All cases may be completed in the second scrub role

Labor & Delivery (L&D)

• 5 vaginal delivery cases required
• Cases may be completed in the second scrub role

Program Totals

• Total cases required: 120
• Minimum first scrub cases: 80
• Maximum second scrub cases applied toward total: 40

The student will know that these goals have been successfully completed when he/she earns a final course grade of “B” or higher as evaluated by the faculty in the department.

Competencies: Given the course textbooks, personal notes, handouts, evaluations, clinicals, and course materials, the student shall be able to perform each of the following with an evaluation with an accuracy of not less than 80% as evaluated by the course instructor.

 Clinical Professionalism and Performance Expectations

• Follows program and clinical facility dress codes.
• Arrives punctually and departs at designated times; notifies the clinical instructor upon arrival and departure.
• Communicates with program faculty regarding absences, tardiness, and attendance.
• Demonstrates initiative, enthusiasm, self-motivation, and professional behavior.
• Utilizes clinical time constructively.
• Responds appropriately to questions, suggestions, and constructive criticism.
• Demonstrates cooperation and mutual respect toward faculty, staff, fellow students, physicians, and other healthcare personnel.
• Communicates information at the appropriate time, place, and to the appropriate individual.
• Respects the authority and decisions of supervisory personnel.
• Maintains patient rights, privacy, and confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Demonstrates adequate preparation for clinical assignments and submits required work according to program and instructor policies.

Clinical Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrates the ability to pull case set-ups and obtain necessary equipment and supplies.
• Assists with obtaining and placing equipment and supplies in the OR for procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of surgeon preference cards.
• Opens sterile supplies using proper aseptic technique.
• Demonstrates proper surgical scrubbing technique.
• Gowns and gloves self and others using correct methods.
• Immediately reports any break in sterile technique.
• Demonstrates the ability to set up the mayo stand and back table.
• Demonstrates knowledge of basic surgical instruments.
• Demonstrates knowledge of draping materials and proper draping sequence.
• Uses and passes instruments and suturing materials correctly.
• Displays knowledge of surgical procedures and operative sequencing.
• Observes universal precautions.
• Identifies specimens and provides proper care and handling.
• Identifies, receives, and prepares medications appropriately.
• Performs case and room breakdown.
• Properly cleans and cares for instruments after procedures.
• Assists with preparation for subsequent cases.

First Scrub Role

The student surgical technologist performing in the first scrub role must demonstrate proficiency in the following duties during a surgical procedure. The criteria listed below must all be met for a case to be documented as a first scrub case.

A student who does not meet all five criteria may not count the case as a first scrub role; the case must instead be documented as a second scrub or observational role.

Requirements:

• Surgical Case Study must be complete.
• Verifies supplies and equipment required for the surgical procedure.
• Sets up the sterile field with appropriate instruments, supplies, equipment, medications, and solutions.
• Performs counts with the circulator prior to the procedure and before closure of the incision.
• Passes instruments and supplies to sterile surgical team members throughout the procedure.
• Maintains sterile technique, recognizes breaks in technique, and demonstrates appropriate corrective actions.

Second Scrub Role

The second scrub role is defined as a student who is scrubbed in and actively participates in the surgical procedure but does not meet all criteria for the first scrub role. Participation may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Sponging
• Suctioning
• Cutting sutures
• Holding retractors
• Manipulating the endoscopic camera

Observational Role

The observational role is defined as a student who is present in the operating room but does not perform duties that meet the criteria for either the first or second scrub role.

• Observational cases do not count toward required case totals.
• All observational cases must be documented.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

HOSPITAL COMPLIANCE POLICY:  According to the “Affiliation Contract” between Amarillo College and the medical facilities, “all students will be subject to the rules and regulations pertaining to regular employees of the medical facility.”  The medical facility reserves the right to reject or terminate a student’s clinical experience. If such action is taken the student will be automatically dismissed from the program and given a failing grade.  The student will not be eligible for readmission to the program at any future time.

Arrive on time

•  Arrive at your assigned facility 15-30 minutes early to ensure that you are dressed and ready to start working
• Clock in using Aviso/Watermark
• Wear your AC scrubs to your clinical site every clinical day.  You will change into hospital provided scrubs in the locker room at the OR.

Come prepared

• Bring your clinical notebook and a pen or pencil. 
• You will not have your own locker so please do not bring anything valuable that you cannot carry with you in your pocket.

Arrive eager to learn with a positive attitude

• Give your full attention when being instructed.  Put your cell phone in your pocket.
• Be open to receive constructive criticism

Be respectful of all staff members, instructors, and fellow students

• Show respect to other’s belongings in the locker room
• Use appropriate language.
• Be professional. Every day at your clinical site is a job interview for you.
• Do not bad mouth or gossip about staff, instructors, or fellow students.

  Take responsibility for your actions

• Use your surgical conscience
• Treat patients the way you want to be treated
• Don’t lie, blame, or deny when informed about contamination

Daily Clinical Check Off “Case Log” Sheets

• You will fill out a clinical check off “case log” sheet for every clinical day even if you are in the instrument processing, anesthesia or observe or scrub. A DAILY sheet must be completed for EVERY DAY you are in clinical….
• Make sure you fill out every space and column correctly. 
• Have your preceptor sign and date your sheet at the end of the day.  Encourage them to write down any comments or suggestions on this form.  If your preceptor is scrubbed in you may have the OR Nurse sign off on your sheet.
• Please keep your signed sheets in your clinical notebook in order of newest to oldest. 
• You will also log these daily cases into Surgical Counts before you leave your clinical facility. Points will be docked from your clinical daily grade sheet if you are missing paperwork or cases are not logged on paper and online.

Daily Grade Sheet

Your instructor will fill out a daily grade sheet for clinical days.  You will be graded on the following areas.

• Adaptability
• Appearance
• Attitude
• Dependability
• Communication Skills
• Human Relations
• Initiative
• Personality
• Quality of Work

CLINICAL EXPECTATIONS: 

Students are required to go to the clinical site the afternoon before their clinical day and look at assignments. A typed case study is required for each assigned surgical case for the following day’s procedures and must be placed in the clinical notebook prior to the start of the clinical day. Handwritten case studies are not accepted and will result in a ten (10) point deduction.

Each student will dress appropriately, with scrub jacket, name tag, and appropriate shoes to get assignment from hospital. NO sweatpants, athletic leggings, shorts, flip-flops, jeans with holes, or t-shirts with inappropriate language or pictures on them will be worn to hospitals.

Clinical hours are 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Students must be dressed in appropriate OR attire and ready to begin work at 6:30 a.m. Students will be dismissed at 2:00 p.m. to attend debriefing at 2:30 p.m. at Sim Central. Debriefing is required.

In some instances, students may be required to arrive earlier than 6:30 a.m. The clinical instructor will notify students at least one (1) day in advance if an earlier arrival time is required. Occasionally students may need to change facilities to facilitate case needs.

A 30-minute lunch break is included in the clinical day. Depending on the surgical schedule, lunch periods may be shortened. The instructor will make every effort to ensure that each student receives a lunch break daily. When possible, students may relieve one another to facilitate lunch coverage.

Absences must be reported to the clinical instructor no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled clinical start time. Late arrivals will not be tolerated. For operating room efficiency, absences must be reported as early as possible. Students may not report another student’s absence; the absent or ill student must communicate directly with the instructor. Students who arrive late to the clinical unit will be sent home and recorded as absent, at the instructor’s discretion.

Any student who misses three (3) clinical days, for any reason, will receive a ten (10) point deduction from the final clinical course average. In cases of illness, a physician’s verification is required prior to returning to the clinical or classroom setting. All personal appointments must be scheduled outside of clinical hours.

Contact the surgery facility at the numbers provided below and the Instructor with a call or text. Instructor must confirm information recieved. 

These numbers are direct line to the operating room if needed:

 BSA 806-212-5721

 NWTH  806-354-1735

 Panhandle Surgery 806-351-3518

Quail Creek 806-354-6177

(Be sure and get the name of the person you talk to if you are calling).

Failure to report an absence (NO CALL/NO SHOW) will result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Dress codes will be followed according to the hospital and class policy. Name tags are to be worn on scrub clothes at all times.  Protective eye wear is to be worn at all times in the operating room. Students may not bring or display inappropriate, offensive, or unprofessional images or language (including profanity) on clinical notebooks or any personal items brought to the classroom or clinical site (e.g., mugs, cups, bags, or accessories). Students are reminded that they are in a professional environment at all times and are effectively participating in a year-long professional interview.

Personal phone calls to and from the clinical site are not permitted unless an emergency occurs.  Please keep your cell on silent and in your pocket at all times, unless you are on break or at lunch, 

The student will be responsible for keeping all written and clinical assignments current. Incomplete clinical assignments will result in an unsatisfactory clinical grade. Case studies are due prior to clinical start time for each case.

Clinical notebooks are due on Tuesday.  All assignments and logs should be complete and current.  The student will earn an unsatisfactory clinical grade for failure to turn in their notebook or incomplete notebook information.

Students will receive a collaborative written evaluation from the instructors each month during the clinical rotation. A satisfactory passing score is required for each monthly evaluation to continue in the program.  Students must complete all critical and surgical procedures in order to successfully complete the program. Successful completion of exit competencies is also necessary.

Failure to comply with hospital policies, program policies, or Ethical Standards of Health Care Professions, regarding client rights will result in dismissal from the Surgical Technology Program.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria

This clinical component will consist of daily procedure check-off lists, daily case studies/procedure cards, instrument quizzes, daily clinical logs, weekly notebook compliance, daily demonstrations/return demonstrations, clinical evaluation procedures, and three monthly evaluations.  The monthly evaluation will be competency-based evaluations demonstrating clinical proficiency.  There is no final comprehensive examination for this clinical course.

GRADING:

Attendance  10%

Each student will start with 100 points for attendance.  For each day missed, a 10-point deduction will be deducted from the total points.  For each Tardy, a 5-point deduction will be deducted from the total points.  If a student misses more than two absences, a 10-point deduction will be deducted from the student’s final grade.

Daily clinical grade sheets 40% These are used to evaluate each student’s performance in the operating room, including clinical competence, professional behavior, and case study participation. Daily clinical grades will be averaged and will account for 40% of the student’s final course grade.

Clinical Evaluations 50%

The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

A= 91 –100

B= 80 - 90

F= less than 79.9

***NOTE:  A grade of “C” or “D” is NOT possible in this course.

COURSE DROP DATE: The last day to withdraw or drop this course is April 23, 2026

Attendance

Attendance (Clinical)

Regular and on-time attendance is required for successful completion of the course. 100% clinical attendance is required. Clinical absences are cumulative across all clinical courses, with a maximum of two (2) clinical days allowed per semester.

Leaving a clinical shift early for any reason counts as a clinical absence. Leaving the clinical site without permission will result in course failure. Students must provide appropriate documentation for absences due to illness, injury, or emergencies.

Students must notify the clinical instructor of an absence at least one (1) hour prior to the scheduled start time and follow all established notification protocols. Failure to notify the instructor before the scheduled clinical start time, or arriving late without notification, will result in the student being counted absent and receiving corrective action, including point deductions.

Corrective action write-ups for rule violations or poor performance are placed in the student’s file and remain on record throughout the program.

Students who arrive out of compliance with the dress code or without required clinical supplies will be sent home, counted absent, required to make up the missed day, and issued corrective action with point deductions. All clinical absences will be made up on a Friday at the director's discretion.

Calendar

Additional Information

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements, and is the students responsibility to contact Disability Services (SSC 125, 371-5436) as soon as possible.

DISCLAIMER:
The policies and procedures outlined in this syllabus are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. The program recognizes that students may encounter unforeseen personal or professional challenges. Depending on the nature of the situation, the Program Director may approve an exception to a specific syllabus policy. Any exception will be considered on an individual basis, at the sole discretion of the instructor or director, and will not establish a precedent.