Paul Ford, Program Coordinator/Instructor
Surgical Technology (SUT) is an instructional program that prepares an individual to serve as a member of the surgical team to work with surgeons, certified registered nurse anesthetists, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during, and after surgery. This program includes the education of all aspects of surgical technology, including the role of second assistant and circulator.
Mississippi Law requires health care professionals or Career Technical Education students enrolled in programs whose primary purpose is to prepare professionals to render patient care services to submit to criminal background checks and fingerprinting prior to beginning any clinical rotation in a licensed health care entity. If such fingerprinting or criminal background checks of the student disclose a felony conviction, guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere to a felony of possession or sale of drugs, murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, rape, sexual battery, sex offense listed in Section 45-33-23 (g), child abuse, arson, grand larceny, burglary, gratification of lust, aggravated assault or felonious abuse and/or battery of a vulnerable adult which has not been reversed on appeal or for which a pardon has not been granted, the student shall not be eligible to be admitted to such health program of study, nor will he/she be eligible to participate in clinical training in a licensed entity.
If a student currently enrolled in the Surgical Technology program is prohibited from participating in clinical experiences by any clinical affiliate of Meridian Community College (e.g., positive drug screen, gregarious behavior, violation of patient safety, non-compliance with the College’s “Student Behavior Code,” etc.), then the student will be dismissed from the program of study. The student is not eligible for program readmission unless the clinical restriction is removed.
In addition to the disqualifying events listed in Section 37-29-232 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 annotated, clinical affiliates may, at their discretion, refuse to provide clinical experiences to any student whom the clinical affiliates feel are not suitable for employment or for the clinical experience setting.
Any drug conviction; bodily harm, neglect or abuse, or felony DUI conviction within a year of the starting date of class is cause for denial of the clinical experience setting. Any convictions more than a year beyond the starting date of class will be examined by the “Review Standards Committee” with a decision rendered if the student is allowed to participate in the clinical experience setting. Any charges pending a resolution will require documentation of disposition from the student.
Graduates of the Surgical Technology program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology. MCC’s Surgical Technology program is a nationally accredited program
Progression: To meet graduation requirements for this program, students must successfully complete the specified courses listed below with a “C” average (GPA of 2.0) or better. A grade of “C” or higher is required in each SUT courses to progress in the program.
Minimum admission requirements (in addition to general admission requirements):
Attain a National ACT composite score of 16;
Or
Attain ACCUPLACER NG Reading Score of 251 and ACCUPLACER NG Arithmetic Score of 251;
AND
Complete 29/30 semester hours of general education pre-requisite coursework with a “C” average or above at an accredited college or university;
AND
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (“C” average) on college coursework;
AND
Participate in a mandatory SUT information session. The mandatory information session will be scheduled for the prospective student only after all other requirements have been met. Students will receive notice from the Registrar’s Office about scheduling their information session.
The SUT Admissions Committee will select each year’s class from the pool of applicants who meet minimum admission requirements. Any application with incomplete records will not be considered for admission. The admission process is competitive, and completion of minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission. Priority consideration for admission will be given as follows: 1) In-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC; 2) Out-of-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC; 3) Mississippi residents who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework elsewhere; 4) Out-of-state students. Check with the Health Education Advisor for selection details and deadlines.
After program admission and prior to beginning of classes, all students must complete a physical examination, supply a record of Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) immunization and proof of Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination (or present a physician’s statement that this vaccination is not advisable), and proof of Varicella vaccination (or present a physician’s statement that this vaccination is not advisable). In addition, after classes begin, all students must present evidence of CPR certification, and submit to a random drug screening, complete a Mantoux Two-Step Tuberculosis (TB) skin test, and complete the annual flu vaccination.
All students admitted into the program will be required to pay for fingerprinting and a background check, which will be performed after admission and prior to clinical laboratories. These fees will be attached as registration fees. There are certain convictions that will prevent an individual from being eligible to participate in clinical experiences. If a student is unable to participate in clinical experiences, he/she will be dismissed from the program. For additional information, contact the Health Education advisor.
Students in MCC’s Surgical Technology Program must attend MCC full-time (15 or more semester credit hours).
Work Force Solutions
Prior to Program Admission (Program Pre-requisites)
BIO 2513 Anatomy and Physiology I, Lecture 3 credits
BIO 2511 Anatomy and Physiology I, Laboratory 1 credit
BIO 2523 Anatomy and Physiology II, Lecture 3 credits
BIO 2511 Anatomy and Physiology I, Laboratory 1 credit
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3 credits
MAT 1313 College Algebra 3 credits OR MAT 1314 Enhanced College Algebra 4 credits OR MAT 1233 Intermediate Algebra 3 credits OR MAT 1234 Enhanced Intermediate Algebra 4 credits