Accelerated Alternative Delivery Surgical Technology Distance Learning (AAD-ST)

Program Description

The CCBC AAD-ST Distance Learning Program is a non-credit continuing education program. The curriculum was developed in accordance with the objectives of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and with the policies of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology (ARC-ST). The AAD Program is designed for the ST who is currently working in the “first scrub” role and completed their surgical technology training on-the-job or graduated from a non-CAAHEP accredited ST Program. The program is offered in an online distance learning accelerated format.

Program Outcomes

Successful Completion:

At the completion of the AAD-ST Distance Learning Program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Function more effectively as a caring member of the surgical team.
2. Combine knowledge from basic and surgical science with critical thinking to better function in their role as a competent ST.
3. Meet the eligibility requirements for the national certifying exam administered by the NBSTSA.
4. Continue employment as a ST or pursue options that require certification (CST) after passing the exam.
5. Assume responsibility for continued professional and personal development through lifelong learning/continuing education.

Certification Information:

CCBC Certificate: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate.Students will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).  Students will be prepared to take the national certification exam to become a certified surgical technologist.

Certifying Organization: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical First Assisting (NBSTSA);

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); www.caahep.org; 727-210-2350; FAX: 727-210-2354; 1361 Park Street, Clearwater FL, 33756

Career Opportunities:
Graduate ST’s have the opportunity to become nationally certified through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) provided all eligibility requirements are met. Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) are mainly employed by hospitals to work in the OR; however, many CSTs are expanding into other areas such as physicians’ offices, outpatient surgery centers, materials managers, medical sales representative, surgical first assisting and teaching. The primary goal of the AAD program is to provide accelerated route for on-the-job trained STs or non-CAAHEP accredited program graduates to become eligible to take the national certification exam administered by the NBSTSA.

Program Length

9 months

The AAD Surgical Technology Program begins each year as follows (specific dates will be provided with the acceptance letter):  
April, 3rd Monday
October, 3rd Monday
 

Program Requirements

• Working computer with internet access
• Computer skills to navigate the online classroom
• Completed AAD Program application
• Pre-assessment exam
• Successful completion of Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology
• Signed Acknowledgment Form for Surgical Technology Program Technical Standards
• Signed statement of academic and professional integrity
• 2 letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors attesting to competency in Surgical Technology
• Official proof of ST training OR official documentation showing successful completion of a non-CAAHEP accredited Surgical Technology Program.
• Employment verification from current employer on company letterhead attesting to current employment as a Surgical Technologist

Application Process

Selective Entry – The AAD-ST program requires the following application and acceptance process:

1. New students: Call CCBC registration at 443-840-4700 to apply for a CCBC Student Identification (ID) number. After receiving your ID number, proceed to step 2 below.
2. Go to https://shwa.ccbcmd.edu/ to retrieve your user name and create a password.
3. Go to https://ccbcmd-bb.blackboard.com/ to access the online application. Application cost is $10.00.
4. Enter your user name and password.
5. Click the “Course” tab at the top of the page. You will see the application course for AAD-ST Program Series. Click on the application course and read the instructions on the first page.
6. In addition to completing the application you MUST submit the following items by the cutoff   date in the area labeled “Assignments” in Blackboard to meet all of the application requirements:

• Application (2 pages)
  • Must be submitted as a .doc, .docx or .rtf
• Essay
  • Topic listed in Blackboard
  • Must be submitted as a .doc, .docx or .rtf
• Scanned copy of the following:
  • Signed Academic and Professional Integrity form.
  • Signed Surgical Technology Program Technical Standards form.
  • Transcripts showing successful completion (a grade of “C+ or better) of program prerequisites as outlined in this information packet. 
  • Two letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors attesting to competency in surgical technology.
  • Official documentation of ST training OR official documentation reflecting successful completion of a non-CAAHEP accredited surgical technology program as described in this information packet.
  • Employment Verification form

7. Check the Blackboard “Gradebook” for admissions decision approximately 10 days after the submission deadline.

Application period: 

April Start: February 6 - April 3 (April 3 is the closing date)  

October Start: July 25 – September 29 (September 29 is the closing date)

(All completed application materials must be received on the closing date by 5:00pm EST)

Acceptance Notification: 

Applicants will be notified of program acceptance status approximately 10 days after the application deadline via Blackboard.

Student Response:

Applicants must accept offered seat by the date stated in their acceptance notification.

Program Course Sequence

Prerequisite Courses (completed before application submission)

1. Medical Terminology: AHE 534
2. Anatomy and Physiology: AHE 519 Or Anatomy and Physiology Online: AHE 672

Foundation Module (10 weeks)

1. Pharmacology for AAD-ST: AHL 727
2. Microbiology for AAD-ST: AHL 728

Theory & Practice Module (20 weeks)

1. Surgical Technology Theory for AAD-ST: AHL 726
2. Surgical Technology in Practice for ADD-ST: AHL 725
3. Technological Sciences for the Surgical Technologist: AHE 715

Capstone Module (6 weeks)

1. Capstone for AAD-ST: AHL 729
2. Surgical Portfolio Review: AHL 724

Program Costs:

Estimated Textbook Cost for Program: $535
Total Program Costs: $3,058 (without textbooks)

Note: In addition to completing the required courses, students must register and take the CST exam within 30 days (before or after) of expected program completion date in order to receive graduation certificate from CCBC.

Program Contact Information

Contact Information:

AAD-ST Program Instructor: 

Amy Flagler

aflagler@ccbcmd.edu           

443-840-2774

Administrative Assistant: 

Carole Parlett

cparlett@ccbcmd.edu   

443-840-1887