The Surgical Technology program at Owensboro Community and Technical College has been awarded continuing accreditation status for another 10 years. The achievement marks another milestone for the program, which has maintained continuous accreditation since its initial recognition in October 1995.
“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 Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (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 10-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 Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (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 10 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, visit the program website here or contact Basham at [email protected].
