Surgical Services (A.S.) (2167)

This is a Limited/Selective Access program.

The mission of the Associate in Science in Surgical Services program is to prepare students for distinctive success in their academic and personal goals providing high value and relevant life-long education to a diverse community. Students receive the educational development and hands-on training required to prepare them to work closely with patients, doctors and other surgical professionals in a medical setting and participate in clinical experiences made available by surgical service providers. Furthermore, the program seeks to remain in the forefront of ever-changing technology, embracing innovation in the delivery of services within the perioperative, field and educational facilities.

This program prepares students for a career as an entry-level surgical technologist and member of the surgical team in the operating room under the direct supervision of professional nurses and surgeons. The goal of the program is to have graduates become contributing members of a healthcare team that demonstrates safe patient care and surgical consciousness. The program strives to stay ahead of changing technological innovations by expanding the development of educational theories and the application of onsite Surgical Services advancements.

The program curriculum includes a combination of classroom studies, classroom lab practice, and clinical experience in the Surgical Services Departments (sterile processing, materials management, operating room, pre- and post-anesthesia care, and labor and delivery) which prepares students to assist members of the surgical team (surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and surgical technologists in various roles). Students will also learn about anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, pharmacology and anesthesia. Particular emphasis is placed upon the methodical skills and sterile techniques involved in pre-case planning and scrubbing various surgical procedures. Students will also learn about the preparation and maintenance of sterilized and unsterilized supplies.

The program will meet the educational standards set forth in the current AST Core 6th edition and the criteria set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Standards and Guidelines for Accreditation of Educational Programs in Surgical Technology.

A minimum grade of C or higher must be achieved in all professional coursework.

Program Outcomes

The pass rate for 2021 graduates taking the Surgical Technology Certification exam for the first time was 82 percent.

This program includes an Algebra Through Calculus math pathway. For additional information about Mathematics Pathways, please visit the Mathematics Pathways page.

The Florida State College at Jacksonville A.S. degree in Surgical Services program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 9355 113th St. N. #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, (727) 210-2350, upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

Admission to this program is limited and is based on academic performance and other criteria.

Admissions preference is given to fully qualified candidates who have met all entrance criteria, including the satisfaction of prerequisite courses. Should seats remain available in the program cohort, applicants who fulfill admissions criteria prior to the start of the program will be considered next.

To meet the minimum requirements for consideration and acceptance to the Surgical Services program, students must

1. Be at least 18 years of age.

2. Complete a Florida State College at Jacksonville application.

3. Complete a Surgical Services program application and submit to the Health Career Advising by the published deadline.

4. Complete the required prerequisite coursework (10 credits) with a grade of C or higher:

   • ​ENC1101 - English Composition I Credit Hours: 3

     or ENC1101C - English Composition I Enhanced Credit Hours: 4

     or ENC1102 - Writing About Texts Credit Hours: 3

   • MAC1105 - College Algebra Credit Hours: 3

     or higher-level MAC prefix course

     or MAP2302 - Differential Equations Credit Hours: 3

     or MGF 1130 - Mathematical Thinking Credit Hours: 3

     or STA2023 - Elementary Statistics Credit Hours: 3

   • BSC2085C - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credit Hours: 4

5. Provide evidence of current CPR certification (adult, child and infant) achieved through an American Heart Association approved Basic Life Support (BLS) course for Healthcare Providers that includes hands-on simulated experiences.

Upon acceptance to the program, students must

• Submit to a criminal background check.

• Submit to a drug screening.

• Submit a physical examination.

Note: Admissions preference is given to fully qualified candidates who have met all entrance criteria, including the satisfaction of prerequisite courses. Should seats remain available in the program cohort, applicants who fulfill admissions criteria prior to the start of the program will be considered next, followed by those with the highest number of completed prerequisite courses. Qualified applicants with pending prerequisite course requirements will receive a conditional acceptance letter outlining the remaining criteria for full program admission.

• Fall term deadline: May 15th of each year.

• Spring term deadline: September 15th of each year.

(904) 646-2300 or hcic@fscj.edu.