Spring 2020 Surgical Technology Handbook
Spring 2020 Surgical Technology Handbook
Spring 2020 Surgical Technology Handbook
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY
HANDBOOK
2020-2021
WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
ALLIED HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Surgical Technology Program and the Department
of Allied health, mental Health and Human Services, we are pleased to welcome you to the
Surgical Technology Program. We hope that you will have a gratifying, scholarly journey as
a Surgical Technologist student here at Kingsborough Community College.
This handbook is a supplement to the College Catalog and College Student Handbook. It
contains valuable information to facilitate your achievement of academic and professional
excellence as a Surgical Technology student.
All information contained in this handbook is subject to change. Changes will be published
as they occur. This handbook is accessible on the Kingsborough Website.
___________________________________
Jorge Zamudio, MS, CST
Assistant Professor
Program Director of Surgical Technology
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MISSION
The mission and philosophy of the Surgical Technology program is congruent with the mission, and goals of
Kingsborough Community College which value the importance of education, knowledge acquisition and love of
learning, as well as encouraging students in their recognition and responsibilities as members of society.
ACCREDITATION
Kingsborough Community College, a City University of New York is fully accredited and approved by the Commission
of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The College is a member of the
American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the American Council on Education (ACE), the League for
Innovation in the Community College, the Association of Colleges and Universities in the State of New York, the
Council of Higher Education Institutions in New York City, Junior College Council of the Middle Atlantic States, Middle
States Association of Colleges and Schools, New York State Association of Junior Colleges, and the Association of
College Unions-International.
The Surgical Technology Program of Kingsborough Community College received initial accreditation from the
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in November 2007 and currently has
continuing accreditation status. Accreditation exists to establish, maintain and promote appropriate standards of
quality for educational programs. These standards are used for the development, evaluation and self-analysis of
Surgical Technology Programs. Individuals who graduate from an accredited program are eligible to take the
certification examination offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
CERTIFICATION
A surgical technologist who is certified by the NBSTSA provides evidence to employers, other health care
professionals and the public that the certified individual has met the national standard for the knowledge that
underlies surgical technology practice. Certified surgical technologists demonstrate mastery of a broad range of
knowledge of surgical procedures, aseptic technique, and patient care by successfully completing the surgical
technology certification examination. Certification by the NBSTSA is nationally recognized and a mandatory term of
employment in New York State.
The procedure for applying for certification will be distributed during the last semester.
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Ste. 100
Littleton, CO 80120
www.nbstsa.org
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Students are eligible for membership in the Association of Surgical Technologists upon enrollment in the program.
During the final semester of the program, the student will become members of the Association of Surgical
Technologists for a variety of reasons. First, joining as a cohort, each individual student will be eligible for discounts
on the national certification exam. Next, the student will have access to student resources such as articles and
conference information. Lastly, to promote the ideology of a lifelong learner, the student will now have access to
continuing education articles, events and information. Applications for membership will be distributed during the
program.
Association of Surgical Technologists
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Ste. 200
Littleton, CO 80120
www.ast.org
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PHILOSOPHY OF SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
The philosophy of the surgical technology program addresses the learners’ roles in society, in the delivery of patient-
centered care, and in personal and professional growth through life-long learning. The philosophy reflects faculty
beliefs that surgical technology is a patient-centered discipline whose members strive for excellence and
demonstrate integrity by providing safe and ethical care to a diverse population of patients. Surgical technology
combines concepts from the biological, behavioral and social sciences with the goal to provide compassionate and
coordinated care based on respect for patient’s preferences, values, and needs. The outcome of care is dependent
not only on the quantity of technical competencies of the perioperative professional, but also on the teamwork and
collaboration of the surgical technologist who provides care that integrates best current evidence with clinical
expertise and values including cultural sensitivity and competence for delivery of optimal health care. The surgical
technologist uses the concepts of patient centered care, evidenced-based practice, teamwork and collaboration,
quality improvement, and patient safety. The faculty recognizes that education is a life-long commitment to
professional growth and development. The curriculum incorporates adult learning theories as a framework that
guides the integration of evidenced based practice, quality improvement methods, and safety. This provides the
student with an education that monitors the outcomes of care processes, minimizes the risk of harm to patients and
provides a format for communication and support of decision making. Surgical technology education at KCC
provides a framework for students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become competent
clinicians of surgical technology practice in the 21st Century.
Counseling Services
Room D-102
All Kingsborough students are eligible to receive free and confidential personal counseling through the Counseling
Services Center, where they will find a staff of trained and caring mental health practitioners who are committed to
providing high-quality services, in a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment, while always respecting
students as individuals and as members of a diverse school community. The center’s mission is to provide counseling
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that facilitates meaningful personal growth and the fullest academic development of each individual. The staff assists
students with adjustment, behavioral, emotional and/or academic challenges; provides ongoing education to the KCC
community regarding mental health issues; and offers consultation and assessment in crisis situations to the KCC
community. Through counseling you can gain assistance in developing positive coping strategies to help you balance
the challenging demands of school and personal life like stress, trauma, family concerns, loss, anxiety, depression and
life transitions. Specific services available include individual and/or group counseling; mental health screenings;
psycho-educational workshops; and academic skills workshops. When appropriate, referrals to experts on campus,
outside community, and/or mental health agencies are coordinated to provide mental health services. Students’
confidentiality and privacy are highly valued.
As of fall 2010 all Surgical Technology students must provide documentation as to legal status in one of these
categories:
a. U.S. Citizenship
b. Permanent residency
c. International Student with F1 status
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CRITERIA FOR RETENTION IN THE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
1. Receive no more than two grades below “C” in any of the required courses including core and co-requisites.
2. Students earning less than a “C” grade in any of the required courses may repeat the course one time. The
minimum grade for a repeated course is a “B.”
3. Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all Surgical Technology Courses to progress.
4. Students earning less than a “C” grade in a Surgical Technology Course may repeat the course one time. The
minimum grade for a repeated course is a “B.” (please review the readmission policy for more detailed
information.)
5. A second earned grade of less than “C” in any Surgical Technology course will result in dismissal from the
Program.
6. Clinical Performance in the practicum courses must be at a satisfactory level to remain in the program. This
satisfactory level is determined by the clinical instructor based on an evaluation rubric. Regardless of
accumulated grades during a practicum course, an unsatisfactory final evaluation will result in dismissal from
the program. Failure to achieve a minimum grade of 75%, or an unsatisfactory practicum course grade will
result in ineligibility to apply for readmission.
READMISSION POLICY
Students achieving a grade of less than “C” in any Surgical Technology core course must apply in writing to repeat the
course. Students must submit an “Intent to Return to Surgical Technology Program” form outlining what they
thought caused them to be unsuccessful and include a plan for success that demonstrates significant changes in how
they will approach the course.
Any student who has not attended a surgical technology course for more than one semester cannot be readmitted
into the program unless qualifying examinations have been passed in the courses previously completed with a
minimum grade of B+ (85% or better). Students that plan to return to a clinical practicum class must exhibit
proficiency in clinical practice by scheduling and passing a Practicum Examination prior to re-entry into the clinical
agencies. Failure to pass will result in the student’s dismissal from the program. Initial practicum assessment
completed at the end of the student’s first semester will determine if the student can progress in the program.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for graduation requires the completion of one of the programs of study, as outlined within the Programs
and Course Requirements section of this handbook, with an overall minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00
(at least a "C" average) for all courses taken at Kingsborough Community College; passing scores on all CUNY
assessment examinations; and, a passing grade in a writing intensive course. Students can review their progress
towards graduation on-line anytime by checking “Degree Works”. Each of the three filing periods (for an August,
January, or June degree) has a deadline. In order to graduate and be issued a diploma, all students must file an
application for graduation by the deadline given in the Academic Calendar during the current filing period so their
records can be reviewed. The student must be matriculated during their last term of attendance at Kingsborough
Community College. In order to receive a Kingsborough degree, a student is required to have completed the final 30
credits toward that degree while enrolled at Kingsborough. Where one or more credit-bearing courses to be included
in this sum are to be earned at another institution, prior permission must be obtained from the Committee on
Academic Review. Each request for permission will be considered case-by-case on the merits of the individual
circumstances. No permission will be granted if the total of the course credits results in less than 30 Kingsborough
credits completed for the degree. A graduate whose cumulative GPA is between 3.50 and 3.89 shall be graduated
with honors. The term “with honors” will be inscribed on the student’s diploma and noted in the commencement
program. Students seeking a waiver of graduation requirements may appeal to The Committee for Academic Review
in room M-386. Students who intend to continue their studies after graduation must file a readmission application
changing their curriculum to either a second degree or continue as a non-degree student. If the Registrar's Office
determines that a student has satisfied all the requirements for graduation and can be certified as a graduate, the
student must wait until the next major term (fall or spring) before attending again in their changed status.
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BLACKBOARD
Blackboard is a course management system that allows faculty to conduct fully on-line and hybrid (face-to-face)
classes. Faculty can post materials, deliver assignments and surveys, hold on-line discussion and many other course-
related functions. All currently-enrolled students and faculty can access the Blackboard system that is available 24/7
from anywhere on the internet. All surgical technology courses are expected to utilize Blackboard to communicate
course materials and important program information.
DISTANCE LEARNING
There are no courses in the Surgical Technology Program that are offered in a fully- online format. Surgical
Pharmacology (ST45) is offered in a hybrid format. All courses, regardless of format, adhere to the same standard of
rigor.
FATIGUE
Fatigue can certainly impair a health care worker’s ability to provide safe, professional care. All students need to
carefully assess his/her level of fatigue, school requirements in terms of lecture, on-campus labs and clinical
experiences and own work schedules. This assessment should carefully consider the potential impact of excessive
employment on his/her ability to provide safe, professional care. Each student has an ethical responsibility to ensure
that fatigue does not negatively impact student responsibilities.
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GRADING POLICIES
97-100 A+ 93-96 A 90-92 A-
87-89 B+ 83-86 B 80-82 B-
78-79 C+ 75-77 C 70-74 C-
66-69 D+ 60-65 D <60 F
A grade of C (75) is the minimum passing grade for all Surgical Technology courses. The final course grade is
determined by unit tests, oral presentations, practical examinations and final examinations for the didactic courses.
The grade for the Practicum is based on written assignments, evaluations of daily performance and a mid-semester
and final evaluation tool.
The student should recognize that the clinical practice of Surgical Technology demands that a professional attitude,
work habits, communication skills and manual dexterity are evaluated along with academic readiness. Clinical
evaluations are recorded as Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U). The Evaluation tool is divided into sections and any
skills evaluation section that has been designated as “U” at the end of the course will result in failure of the course
(F). A grade of (F) in a Practicum (clinical) course will result in dismissal from the program.
EXAM POLICY
To prevent any exam compromise, exams and quizzes given during the program shall not be redistributed to the
students after the exam is completed. Exams are retained for review by the Program Director and will remain in the
possession of the Department. Faculty will be available to review exams at a specified time. No tape recording of
exam review is permitted at any time.
GRADE APPEALS
Students who wish to appeal a grade should follow these guidelines:
1. Speak with the instructor first to understand the posted grade
2. If you are unclear about the posted grade, or are dissatisfied with the instructor’s response, then speak
with the Program Director
3. If that is unproductive, speak with the Department Chairperson
4. It that is unsuccessful, file an appeal with the Committee on Academic Review – Room M-386
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
One goal of the Surgical Technology Program is to prepare students to practice competently and professionally in the
health care work environment. Among the many desirable qualities are courtesy to others, punctuality for
obligations and completion of responsibilities. These qualities are also expected in the work environment.
1. Students are expected to attend all classes and required to attend all laboratory and clinical classes. Attendance
is taken at the beginning of each class and serves as a record of a commitment to the course.
2. A student arriving late for lecture (more than 15 minutes) will be marked as such. Three (3) late arrivals will
constitute one hour of absence.
3. Clinical instructors may send a student home that arrives late (15 minutes or more) to the clinical area. This will
be counted as a full day absence.
4. Absences of more than 15% of course hours will result in a grade of WU: this translates to no more than two
absences in the clinical agency for the ST5P and ST6P and no more than one absence in the clinical agency for
ST3P and ST4P.
5. Clinical experience is critical to the success of the Surgical Technology student. In order to be eligible to
graduate, the student must have completed 120 cases. Absences not only detract from experience, but also from
the total number of countable surgical procedures that can be assigned during a clinical experience. Failure to
complete 120 surgical procedures (according to an accreditor specific, regimented policy) will result in the
student’s inability to sit for the National Board Examination.
6. Complete participation in class is possible only when the student is able to focus attention on the class;
therefore, entering class after it has begun is disrespectful to faculty and classmates.
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Outcomes Indicator Examination
The Board of Directors of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical
Assisting (ARCSTSA) recognized the National Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam as an approved program
outcomes assessment indicator. This assessment tool is given to students at the completion of the Surgical
Technology Program. It is designed to assess the quality of the Surgical Technology curriculum. It is the student’s
responsibility to pay the exam fee. Your instructors and Program Director will explain the process and timeframe for
submission.
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All students entering the Surgical Technology program must be able to successfully demonstrate the ability to
perform all Essential Performance Standards. Determination is made on an individual basis as to whether or not
necessary accommodations or modifications can be made reasonably while assuring patient safety.
STUDENT CONFERENCES
Because of the varied demands of the practice of Surgical Technology, the program requires considerable
communication between instructor and student. Feedback comes in the form of grades, exams, clinical instruction
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and student conferences. The student will have a weekly clinical conference in which the student and instructor will
discuss the previous week’s clinical performance. Students having difficulties in the clinical setting may be required
to meet with the clinical instructor, the program director, or a lab specialist for remediation or discussion. A student
may contact and/or schedule an official appointment with any instructor during their allotted office hours.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
It is expected that students will be honest in ALL academic and clinical situations and perform independently on all
tests and written assignments and turn in work that is their own. Any form of cheating or attempting to cheat will
result in a course grade of “F”. Students who knowingly collaborate in cheating by assisting others will also be held
equally responsible. Learning assistance materials in the lab are for use by all students and are to remain there.
Removal of such items by individual students jeopardizes the learning of other students and is considered a breach of
integrity.
Students will demonstrate professional behavior on campus and in the clinical area, as evaluated by the faculty.
Unprofessional and unethical behaviors will also result in a failing (F) course grade. Examples, although not inclusive,
include belligerent behavior, verbal and non-verbal; lying; rudeness to patients, family members, staff, peers or
faculty; threats of physical aggression or any act of violence; removing property (any item) from the clinical agencies
or college; illegal drug/alcohol use before or during class or clinical hours.
Kingsborough Community College affirms the values of intellectual inquiry through its Academic Integrity policy. All
members of KCC’s academic community agree to follow the five core values of academic integrity: Honesty, Trust,
Fairness, Respect, and Responsibility. Making a positive commitment to these values will support your learning and
reduce the risk of failing an assignment/course, and/or suspension from the college, as a result of cheating and/or
plagiarizing. I encourage you to not only become familiar with the Academic Integrity policy and its definitions of
plagiarism and cheating, but also to develop strategies that will help you uphold the policy and ensure their academic
success. Please feel free to consult me if you have any questions or concerns.
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DRESS CODE
Students in ST200 will be required to wear a navy-blue scrub suit to the college lab sessions.
Surgical Technology students are representatives of Kingsborough Community College and therefore need to dress
accordingly when in the clinical agencies.
- All Students are expected to observe good personal hygiene. Only non-perfumed hygienic products are to be
used. There are no perfumes or colognes in the clinical setting.
- Fingernails should be short, clean and healthy. Some clinical agencies may have policies prohibiting the use of
nail polish and/or artificial nails; therefore, as a student it is not permitted in any clinical setting. Students must
be prepared to remove nail polish at the request of the clinical instructor or hospital personnel if they show up
on a clinical day with nail polish. Fake nails are not permitted at all.
- There is to be no jewelry worn to clinical sites. This includes earrings and other visible piercings.
- No attire/tinted glasses which cover the students’ eyes and/or face is permitted outside the parameters of
surgical attire.
- Students are required to wear scrub suits for clinical practice. The student will wear the assigned facility’s scrub
apparel consistent with hospital facility protocols and policies. A long sleeve, ¾ length white lab coat and
appropriate shoes are required for clinical days.
- Students must also have the KCC picture identification badge at all off-campus clinical agency experiences.
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS
Standard Precautions are expected to be implemented by all students in the clinical setting.
- Exudative lesions, weeping dermatitis or other possible communicable conditions should be brought to the
attention of the clinical instructor prior to giving care.
- Appropriate barrier precautions should be implemented to prevent skin and mucous-membrane exposure when
in contact with blood and other body fluids is anticipated.
- Exposure to blood, body fluids or needle sticks must be reported to the clinical instructor in a timely manner.
Students who have any change in their health status during the semester (due to injury, illness, pregnancy/childbirth)
are required to submit documentation to the Office of Health Services. Students must receive clearance from this
Office prior to returning to clinical agency experiences.
The student should be aware that they will be participating in real surgical interventions during their clinical rotation
and there is an inherent risk of being exposed to airborne or blood borne pathogens. Not all patients are aware of an
illness, or disease that they may have, nor are they required to disclose that information according to the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of Privacy (HIPPA). While we prepare the student for an entry-level
position as a Certified Surgical Technologist, the risk of contracting a disease or illness is understood to be a hazard of
the profession, but the safety of the student in the learning environment is a priority for the faculty and instructors.
If the student is alerted prior to the start of a surgical intervention that the patient does have any airborne or blood
borne pathogen, or considered a high-risk patient, then the student will be excused and not be allowed to participate
in the surgical intervention. The student should make their clinical instructor aware of the situation and an alternate
experience will be assigned to the student.
PROFESSIONALISM
The concept of professionalism in health care is motivated by the primary goal of providing quality service to the
health care consumer. It is also a concept that involves a commitment to the development and maintenance of a
level of knowledge, which enables the provider to utilize standards of care in the daily delivery of health care to the
consumer.
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The Surgical Technology Faculty is dedicated to providing students with the knowledge and background necessary to
develop a sense of professionalism, which will extend into their career.
CLINICAL ADVISEMENT
Consultation with the faculty is a crucial step in planning one’s academic program. Formal advisement is available
during the period schedule by the college. Please refer to the KCC Academic Calendar. Appointments can be
scheduled through the Nursing Department secretary. At other times, individual conferences can be scheduled with
the faculty. To ensure the faculty member has time to answer specific concerns, an appointment may be necessary.
Students who “drop in” for advice must remember that the faculty member may have other responsibilities or tasks
planned for that hour.
Placement in Clinical agencies varies each semester based on agency availability. Students who are employed in a
health care agency will not be assigned to that agency for clinical classes. Students who have special needs (i.e. work
schedule) must submit a request for consideration in writing to the Program Director no later than November 30 (for
spring placement) and May 30 (for fall placement). Every effort will be made to accommodate the request.
However, there can be no guarantees and students may need to make other accommodations.
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• Verify supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure
• Set up the sterile field with instruments, supplies, equipment, medications and solutions needed for the procedure.
• Perform counts with the circulator prior to the procedure and before the incision is closed.
• Pass instruments and supplies to the sterile surgical team members during the procedure
• Maintain sterile technique as measured by recognized breaks in technique and demonstrate knowledge of how to correct
with appropriate technique.
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NETIQUETTE
1. Be mindful that electronic communication does not convey facial expression or tone of voice. It is important
to consider what is written could be misinterpreted.
2. Typing messages all in caps is regarded by most internet uses as shouting; so unless you mean to yell at
someone, type your message in standard format.
3. It is appropriate to share your point of view as well as indicate disagreements with another’s posts- however.
It is not okay to make negative personal statements about another’s posts.
4. Since many people read their email on small screen devices, when appropriate, be brief.
5. Clearly indicate the nature of your email messages.
6. It you send an email from a personal email account, sign the message. Often the names of personal email
accounts are different from a person’s given name. Use the KCC email whenever possible.
CIVILITY
Kingsborough Community College is committed to the highest standards of academic and ethical integrity,
acknowledging that respect for self and others is the foundation of educational excellence. Civility in the classroom
and clinical setting as well as respect for the opinions of others is very important in an academic environment. It is
likely you may not agree with every topic that is discussed in the classroom. Courteous behavior and responses are
expected. Therefore, in this classroom, any acts of harassment and/or discrimination based on matters of race,
gender, sexual orientation, religion, and/or ability is not acceptable. Whether we are students, faculty, or staff, we
have a right to be in a safe environment, free of disturbance and civil in all aspects of human relations.
Incivility will not be tolerated and can be grounds for withdrawal from the program.
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FINANCIAL AID
Kingsborough’s Financial Aid Office is located in Room U-201. This office may be contacted by phone at 368-4644 or
accessed via the KCC website. In addition to answering any questions you may have regarding tuition, scholarships
and financial matters related to school, the office also distributes a copy of Student Budgets.
If you are admitted into the program and have many credits towards your AAS in Surgical Technology, there may be
some difficulty with maintaining your financial aid based on relevant courses needed for the degree. It is the
student’s responsibility to work with the financial aid office to maintain their matriculation status.
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ST 1–SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY I – (3credits, 3 hrs.)
This introductory course intends to introduce the student to the broad field of Surgical Technology. The Basic,
General, information section introduces the student to the Perioperative environment and professional roles of the
surgical team members. The Patient Care section is a comprehensive overview of the historical development of
surgery and the practice of Surgical Technology. Professional conduct is discussed in conjunction with
communication skills and surgical ethics.
Requisites: ENG 12, BIO 11
Co requisite: ST 2
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component as it relates to specialized equipment. The associated practicum is performed in the Hospital Setting as
the student develops competence in performing in the role of Surgical Technologist.
Prerequisite: ST 4, ST 4P Co requisite: ST5P Pre/Co requisite: BIO 51
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The following grid is a typical week for our program during the 12-week Spring semester:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8am- ST5 ST5 ST5P00 clinical ST2 lab section
-9:10am lecture lecture day 7a-3p
Open lab is not mandatory, but there is a proven track record of success for students that attend open lab at least twice a week
for at least an hour of committed practice, review or studying.
The following grid is a typical week for our program during the 12-week Fall semester:
8am- ST3 Clinical day for ST3 Clinical day for Clinical day for
10:10am Lecture ST6 students lecture ST6 students ST3 students
Open lab from
10:20-11:30 ST6 lecture ST6 Lecture 8am-4pm
11:30-12:40 Open lab for
practice, review,
12:40-3:30 and study groups Open lab for
practice,
review, and
study groups
The following grid is a typical week for our program during the 6-week Winter session (Fall “B”):
8:30-11:30am ST4 Clinical day for ST4 Clinical day for off
Lecture ST4 students lecture ST4 students
11:30-3:300 *Open lab for Open lab for
practice, review, practice,
12:40-3:30 and study groups review, and
study groups
*Open lab hours are subject to change
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