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Performance StandardsSurgical Technology is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective and psychomotorperformance requirements. Patient safety is dependent on the student’s ability to meet thefollowing Performance Standards. It is important that every applicant be able to engage in learningactivities that will not endanger students, faculty or patients.ISSUECritical ThinkingSTANDARDCritical thinking ability sufficient forclinical judgment.CommunicationCommunication abilities sufficient foraccurate and efficient interpretationand communication in English, bothverbal and written for interaction withothers.Interpersonal abilities sufficient tointeract with individuals, families andgroups from a variety of social,emotional, cultural, religious andintellectual backgrounds.Physical abilities to maneuver in smallspaces, navigate stairwells, andbending to retrieve items.InterpersonalMobilityMotor SkillsGross and fine motor abilitiessufficient to provide safe, effective andskilled care.HearingAuditory ability sufficient forobservation and assessment of theneeds of the surgical team.VisualVisual ability sufficient for observationand assessment of the needs of thesurgical teamTactileTactile ability sufficient forparticipation in fine skills required onthe surgical field.EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIESIdentify cause-effect relationships inclinical situations, analyze and develop aplan of activity within an allotted timeframe.Explain procedures, responding tohealth care provider orders, writelegibly and correctly.Computerization access skills.Establish rapport with patients,families, peers and health teammembers. Perform effectively understress.Lifting (without restrictions) Positioningand transporting patients. Movingefficiently to meet the needs of thepatient and surgical team. Participatein care in emergency and nonemergency situations. Have full manualdexterity of the upper extremities,including the neck and shoulders,unrestricted movement of both lowerextremities, back and hips and have theability to touch the floor and to be ableto sit, bend, reach, walk and stand formost of the work day.Calibrate and use equipment,manipulating surgical instruments,sutures, and needles. Assembly of powerequipment. Operating equipment anddevices in emergency situations.React/respond to signals, alarms andother displays indicating immediateneeds. Hear team membercommunication through the surgicalmask.Observe pertinent data in the surgicalenvironment that indicate activity forpatient safety. Distinguish signs andindicators determining sterility andexpiration dates.Perform required skills forparticipation on the surgical fieldincluding manipulation of surgicalneedles, assembling complicatedequipment.7 P ageRevised August 17, 2016Surgical Technology Student Handbook

PROGRAM OUTCOMESCertification RatesA minimum of 70% of the graduateswho attempt the Nation Board ofSurgical Technology and SurgicalAssisting National CertificationExamination will pass on their firstattempt.Job Placement Rates80% of the graduates will be employedin health care facilities within one year ofprogram completion as measured by theGraduate Follow-up Survey. (Survey willbe mailed no sooner than 6 months aftergraduation.)Program Satisfaction Rates80% of the graduates will expresssatisfaction with the program asmeasured by the Program CompletionSurvey.Employer Satisfaction Rates80% of the graduates will successfullypractice as part of the professionalhealth care team. (Survey will be mailedno sooner than 9 months after date ofemployment.PROGRAM HOURSClass:As scheduled 8:30 AM to 3:00PM, Monday throughThursday, at Ulster BOCESLake Katrine CampusClinical: Dates, times, and locationsvary. Generally times are7:00 AM to 2:30 PM Some clinical rotations occur duringnon-published hours. Students arenotified of times and dates well inadvance of these rotations.* Student Work Policy - Students areNOT permitted to receivecompensation from clinical facilitieswhile participating in clinicalrotations. All course offerings are enrollmentdependentRE-ENTRY AND PROGRAM TRANSFERS1. Students who voluntarily withdrawfrom the Surgical Technologyprogram may be grantedreadmission under the followingconditions:a. Written recommendation of theprimary instructorb. Successful completion of 50% ofthe programc. Seek readmission within 2calendar years of withdrawald. Demonstrate competency in theskills outlined in the first twoquarters of the curriculum prior tore-entrye. Agree to abide by policies(academic and financial) thatapply to the calendar year inwhich re-entry is anticipatedf. Are not found to be in default of astudent loang. Are in good financial standingwith BOCES.2. Ulster County BOCES does notaccept student transfers from othereducational programs.ACADEMIC INTEGRITYAcademic integrity is important instudent work. Students are expected tomaintain the highest standards ofhonesty; academic dishonesty in anyform is regarded by the school as anintolerable breach of academic ethicsand deserves immediate disciplinaryaction. The responsibility for maintainingacademic integrity rests with theindividual student.Academic dishonesty includes, but isnot limited to the following:8 P ageRevised August 17, 2016Surgical Technology Student Handbook

1. Cheating on examinations;2. Plagiarism, i.e., the use of words orideas of others, whether borrowed,purchased, or otherwise obtained,without crediting the source;3. Willingly collaborating with anotherstudent in any of the above actionswhich result in a student submittingwork that is not his or her own;4. Stealing examinations, falsifyingacademic records, and other suchoffenses;5. Submitting work previouslypresented in another course withoutpermission of the instructor; and6. Unauthorized duplication ofcomputer software.Disciplinary action will be initiated by theinstructor if evidence indicates that astudent is guilty of academic dishonesty.Depending upon the circumstances, anyfirst offense will result in one of thefollowing actions:1. Repetition of the assignment orexamination,2. A failing grade for the assignment orexamination,3. A failing grade for the course, or4. Suspension/dismissal from theprogram.An official report of any instance ofacademic dishonesty will be filed by thefaculty member with the Director of theCareer and Technical Center. TheAdministrator will schedule a meetingwith the student to review and clarify theschool’s policy on academic integrity.The student will sign a statementindicating:1. That he or she understands theissue and its seriousness,2. That he or she will be dismissedfrom the school if any secondinstance is reported.The student appeal process, if desired,must begin within ten school days afterimposition of the faculty member’schoice of disciplinary action. Thestudent may provide witnesses or otherrelevant support during the appealsprocess.UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS &APPEARANCEIt is suggested that each studentpurchase 1 uniform top, 1 uniformbottom, and 1 pair of closed shoes. Therequired styles are listed below.Cherokee Authentic Scrubs Workwear:Unisex Drawstring Pant – Wine – style#4100 or #4200V-Neck Tunic – Wine – style #4700Uniform shoe – No open front or backs arepermittedLab coat – White – Swan style #161 andBOCES patchAAA Well Suited Uniforms612 Ulster Ave.Kingston, NY 12401845-331-3433Poughkeepsie Uniform Center37 Raymond Ave.Poughkeepsie, NY845-471-5085KVI Uniforms & Equipment, Inc.50 Carpenter AvenueMiddletown, NY 10940845-343-7868Cherokee Uniformswww.cherokeeuniforms.com9 P ageRevised August 17, 2016Surgical Technology Student Handbook

No jewelry is to be worn while inuniform. In the case of pierced ears,only an inconspicuous button typeearring may be worn (one per ear). Noother visible body piercing jewelry maybe displayed.Make-up should be used in moderation.Avoid the use of heavy fragrances ofany nature (i.e.: perfumes, deodorants,etc.).Nails must be trimmed or filed so thatthey are not a hazard to the patient. Nopolish of any color may be worn. Fakeor porcelain nail wraps are notacceptable.*Any student appearing out of uniformwhen a uniform is required will beconsidered absent.The personal appearance/dress codeapplies to clinical rotations only.Students may dress in appropriateregular clothing for class sessions.*Personal appearance and dress codeguidelines have been developed toaddress student and patient safety andinfection control.PROGRESSION STANDARDAcademicStudents must achieve a 75% averagein the academic aspect of the program.Grading scale: 90-100% A; 80-89% B; 70-79% C; 60-69% D; 59% andbelow F. If a student is absent for anexam or quiz, it must be made up andthe highest grade the student willreceive is a 75%.Laboratory1. Students are graded on a pass/failbasis for laboratory experiences.3. Students will be given an oral and orwritten, evaluation of their laboratoryperformance.Clinical1. Students are graded for clinicalexperiences.2. Students must have a healthclearance on file prior to the start ofthe first day of lab and clinical.3. Clinical placements are designed toexpose the student to a variety ofsurgical procedures. The clinicalrotation assignment is determined bythe instructors. This is reviewed bythe clinical coordinator.4. Students are responsible to maintaina log of surgical procedures. Weeklysubmission of this log will be filed inthe student clinical folder in theclassroom. A copy is maintained bythe student. The purpose of thisdocument is to ensure that studentsparticipate in the number ofprocedures as outlined by the ASTrequirements. (Core Curriculum forthe Surgical Technologist, 6th edition)5. The minimum of 120 cases arerequired as set standard by the ASTguidelines.Student work policy1. Students may not receive anymonetary remuneration during theeducational experience.2. Students may not be substituted forpaid personnel during the clinicalaspect of the program.3. All activities including clinical in theprogram must be educational.2. Students must have a healthclearance on file prior to the start ofthe first day of lab and clinical.10 P a g eRevised August 17, 2016Surgical Technology Student Handbook

ATTENDANCEEarly Leave/Late ArrivalStudents are expected to be inattendance every day class or clinical isin session.1. Classroom absences must berecovered hour for hour.Clinical / Laboratory absences1. Clinical/laboratory time can only berecovered during scheduled clinicalmake-up days and on a limitedbasis. Arrangements for makeupmust be made with the clinicalcoordinator and program director.2. Arrangements for classroom makeup time should be made with theprimary instructor.2. There is a 10.00 per hour chargefor clinical make-up time payable inadvance. Pre-paid clinical make-uptime is non-refundable.3. There is no charge for the recoveryof lost classroom time.4. Students are not required to recoverlost class or clinical time if BOCEScloses for inclement weather or otheremergencies.5. Students are expected to be in classand clinical on time.6. Students arriving late to or leavingearly from class or clinical on aregular basis may be dismissed fromthe program for conduct unbecominga student in a professional program.The student will be required to sign acontract acknowledging that acontinued problem of lateness mayresult in dismissal.7. Students are expected to discussanticipated, unavoidable infractionsof this policy with their instructor andalternate arrangements must bemade to satisfy stated policyrequirements.Classroom Lates1. Five (5) lates shall equal one (1)absence2. Arriving 45 minutes or later after thescheduled start of a class or leaving45 minutes or earlier before thescheduled end of class will constitutean absence equal to one (1) classday.3. If you are not going to attend aclinical due to illness or anemergency, you must call the clinicalarea to which you are assigned andinform your instructor or the personin charge as soon as possible.Obtain the name and title of theperson with whom you left themessage at the school or clinicalsite.4. A no-show/no-call is a seriousinfraction of protocol and reflects anirresponsible attitude and poorjudgment. It will be noted as such inthe student record. A pattern of poorjudgment and irresponsibility willresult in dismissal from the program.ACADEMIC and/or CLINICALPROBATIONA student will be placed on academicprobation who:1. Exceed 24 hours of lost class and/orclinical time.2. Students will be notified in writingthat they have been placed onacademic probation. Probation isretroactive to the date of noncompliance.3. An immediate plan of action will beimplemented with the approval of theinstructor(s) and the Health CareCoordinator. If the student obligationis not met, the student will receive11 P a g eRevised August 17, 2016Surgical Technology Student Handbook

written notice of referral to theDirector of the Career and TechnicalCenter.4. Students who are absent for a totalof 36 hours will be dismissed fromthe program. Furthermore, they willbe referred to the Director of theCareer and Technical Center. (Note:The hours a student makes up willnot reduce the total number of hoursabsent.)PREPARATION FOR CLINICALPRACTICEThe faculty and students are ethicallyaccountable for upholding theAssociation of Surgical Technologists(AST) Code of Ethics and the Patient’sBill of Rights. Clinical experiences areplanned to provide opportunities forstudents to apply theory to practice. It isimperative for students to prepare forthese experiences.Prior to all laboratory and clinicalexperiences students are expected to: Complete all reading assignments Review material related to theirassignments Practice the required skillsPROGRAM COMPLETIONREQUIREMENTSIn order to graduate, a student must:1. Complete all courses/ hoursdescribed in the curriculum (970hours)2. Complete all Surgical Technologycourses with a minimum grade of75% class and pass for lab andclinical.3. Submit the completeddocumentation of the Core CaseRequirements.4. Students must sit for the NationalCertification Examination preparedby the National Board of SurgicalTechnology and Surgical Assisting.(NBSTSA) in order to be considereda program completer.5. The student is responsible forknowing and meeting therequirements for graduation as setforth by the School of SurgicalTechnology.HEALTH REQUIREMENTSA pre-admission physical, includinglaboratory screening and immunizationsis required by the first day of class. Thecost of this physical is assumed by thestudent.(The physical must also include a UrineDrug screen)Students are expected to maintain goodhealth and good attendance. They arealso expected to exercise goodjudgment in regard to attendance if theyhave a condition that might be infectiousto others. Any student with an infectiouscondition must report this to theinstructor before assignment in theclinical area.Illness or Accidents duringinstructional timeIllness or accidents while in attendanceshould be reported to an instructorimmediately.Only emergency first aid care isavailable at any of the cooperatinghealth care agencies. Care beyond thisis the responsibility of the student andthe student's family.An Incident/Accident Report must bemade out for any accident occurring tostudents while in affiliated facilities or onschool property.12 P a g eRevised August 17, 2016Surgical Technology Student Handbook

TEXT BOOKSAdult students are provided with theprimary textbooks before the first day ofclass. A complete list of required andsuggested text and their approximatecosts may be obtained by contacting theHealth Occupations Office. Surgical Technology for the SurgicalTechnologist, 4th Ed.,AST Study Guide for Surgical Technologyfor the Surgical Technologist, 4th Ed.,AST Pearson’s Surgical TechnologyExam Review, 3rd Ed.,Rogers/Boegli/LaRue Coursemate – Computer ProgramPROFESSIONAL CONDUCTIf a student engages in an activitydeemed inappropriate by the instructor,he/she will be told to leave the class orclinical area and will be counted absentfor the day as well as be subject tostronger school discipline.STUDENT TELEPHONE CALLS ANDMESSAGESStudents are not to receive telephonecalls except in an extreme emergency.In case of an emergency, students maybe reached by calling the Career &Technical Center (845-382-1281). Thecaller will be asked to state the nature ofthe emergency. This number may not beused for personal messages. Personalmessages will not be delivered.Cell phone usage is not permitted duringclass or clinical. Cell phone usage inclass or clinical will result in a failure forthe day.TRANSCRIPTSAll grades become a part of apermanent record. Transcripts may beused as references for employment,admission to colleges and/oruniversities, and for use in obtaininglicensure. Official copies may beobtained, for a fee, by submitting awritten request addressed to:Ulster County BOCESAttn: Marion JacksonP.O. Box 601Port Ewen, New York 12466*No transcripts or reference requestswill be honored for students found to bein default of a student loan or who havean unsatisfied financial obligation toBOCES.Association MembershipAll Surgical Technology students arerequired to hold membership in theAssociation of Surgical Technologists.(Approximate cost is 45.00)PROVISIONS FOR COUNSELING OFSTUDENT PROBLEMSOTHER THAN ACADEMICAll students encountering obstacles(personal, financial, transportation, childcare, etc.) to successful completion ofthe program should make anappointment with the HealthOccupations’ Coordinator.PROVISIONS FOR HANDLINGSTUDENT COMPLAINTSIf a complaint involves a disagreementwith another student, the concernedstudent should follow these steps:1. Discuss the matter with the otherstudent against whom the complaintis directed.2. If this does not resolve the problem,the concerned student should bringall facts to the instructor.3. If the instructor is unable to resolvethe problem, the situation will then13 P a g eRevised August 17, 2016Surgical Technology Student Handbook

be presented in writing to theDirector of the Career and TechnicalCenter by the student and instructor.A conference will then be convened.If the complaint is in regard to grades,evaluations, classroom or clinicalbehaviors, the concerned studentshould request a conference with themember of the faculty involved, and, ifunresolved, request a conference withthe Health Occupation's Coordinator. Ifthe issue still remains unresolved, thestudent may request a conference withthe Director of the Career and TechnicalCenter.If the complaint involves concern aboutsome phase of general school policy,the student should:1. Make an appointment with theDirector of the Career and TechnicalCenter, and;2. Bring all facts, well organized, to theappointment.ADULT EDUCATION GRIEVANCEPROCEDUREWe want yo

education programs in surgical technology and surgical assisting. ARC/STSA 6 W. Dry Creek Circle, Suite #110 Littleton, CO 80120 Phone: 303-694-9262 Fax: 303-741-3655 info@arcstsa.org The Surgical Technology program of Ulster BOCES received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs