Owensboro Community and Technical College

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OCTC Surgical Technology Program Reaccredited for 10 Years

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (12/16/2024) — The Surgical Technology (ST) program at Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) has been awarded Continuing Accreditation status for ten years by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), following the recommendation from the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). This prestigious achievement marks another milestone for the program, which has maintained continuous accreditation since its initial recognition in October 1995.

CAAHEP is the premier accrediting body for surgical technology programs nationwide, while ARC/STSA serves as the only CAAHEP-recognized Committee on Accreditation for educational programs in surgical technology and surgical assisting. These organizations work together to ensure programs meet the highest standards of educational quality and professional preparation.

"This reaccreditation is a testament to the excellence of our Surgical Technology program and its vital role in meeting the healthcare workforce needs of our region," said OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams. "We are grateful to our faculty, our clinical staff, and our clinical partnerships for their dedication to maintaining the highest educational standards, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to serve their communities with distinction in surgical settings."

The comprehensive evaluation process included an extensive site visit conducted by a team of volunteer Certified Surgical Technologists under ARC/STSA supervision. The team conducted thorough interviews with program faculty, college administration, clinical affiliates, employers, advisory committee members, graduates, and current students to assess program quality and effectiveness.

The accreditation review examined six critical outcomes:

  • Student retention rates
  • CST examination participation
  • First-time pass rates for the CST examination
  • Graduate placement success
  • Graduate satisfaction levels
  • Employer satisfaction ratings

"This ten-year continuing accreditation demonstrates our program's sustained commitment to excellence in surgical technology education," said Professor Zara Basham. "Our success is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, the support of our clinical partners, and the hard work of our students."

The CAAHEP accreditation ensures that OCTC surgical technology students remain eligible for valuable professional opportunities, including:

  • Access to the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) national Certified Surgical Technologist examination
  • Eligibility for annual scholarships from the Foundation for Surgical Technology, ARC/STSA, and the NBSTSA
  • Recognition of their education by healthcare employers nationwide

The outcomes-based accreditation process involved rigorous evaluation of three years of program data, including the current academic year. Following the site visit, the team's findings were reviewed and approved by both the ARC/STSA and CAAHEP Boards of Directors before the final accreditation award was granted, adhering to standards that have been continuously refined since their initial adoption in 1972 and most recently updated in 2023.

The OCTC Surgical Technology Program has educated and trained skilled surgical technologists since 1995, preparing graduates for essential roles in surgical healthcare teams. This 10-month Associate in Applied Science degree program prepares students for the national certification exam. The program graduates have earned a 100% first-time pass rate for ten consecutive years. The program's CAAHEP accreditation status can be verified through the CAAHEP website, where all accredited surgical technology and surgical assisting programs are listed by state. For more information about the program, please visit https://owensboro.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/surgical-technology.aspxor or contact Basham at zara.baham@kctcs.edu.

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Owensboro Community & Technical College is one of the sixteen community and technical colleges that make up the Kentucky Community & Technical College System. OCTC serves the KY counties of Daviess, Hancock, Ohio and McLean. OCTC has three campuses in Daviess County and a Center and Annex in Hancock County. OCTC strives to serve the communities in the service area by providing associate degree education for transfer, state of the art technical education for students focusing on entering the workforce, customized business and industry solutions through the Workforce Solutions division, and adult education and business and industry testing through the SkillTrain unit.

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The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is the Commonwealth's largest postsecondary institution with 16 colleges and more than 70 campuses. We also are Kentucky's largest provider of workforce training and online education. Through partnerships with business and industry, we align our programs to meet the needs of local employers. We help students fulfill their dreams of creating a better life through programs that lead directly to jobs or help them transfer to one of our four-year partners.

Connect with OCTC: Owensboro.kctcs | Facebook.com/owensboroctc | Twitter@OCTC_Tweets | Instagram OwensboroCTC

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