Documentation of all required immunizations must be submitted Surgical Technology Program Lead prior to clinical rotation in the second year of the program. If immunizations expire, or new requirements are added while the student is in the program, the students must obtain the necessary immunizations and provide documentation at his or her own expense.

Proof of required immunizations is required by the recommendations of the CDC, Oregon Health Authority and/or adopted by the infection control department of the clinical site affiliates. Additional immunizations may be required during the student’s educational program if mandated by any of the aforementioned entities.

Acceptable documentation of proof of immunization may include:

• A signed immunization record
• A copy of laboratory results demonstrating proof of immunity

Immunizations

• Tuberculosis (TB) PPD Testing: A one-time two step negative PPD test is required, 1-3 weeks apart.  Or student can show proof of current negative PPD’s for three consecutive years. Students with a positive PPD must have a chest x-ray and provide documentation to the Surgical Technology Program leads office that demonstrates no active Tuberculosis, or complete a QuantiFeron gold blood test showing negative results.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap): Within the last 8 years. Td is not acceptable as this vaccine does not contain Pertussis.
• Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR): Documentation of 2 doses MMR vaccine or record of laboratory serology (titers) results, proving immunity.
• Varicella (Chicken Pox): Student will be required to provide documentation of inoculation series (2 shots) or record of positive serology (titer) results, or from a medical provider.
• Hepatitis B (Hep B): Three injections are required over a six month period. A titer may be done if the student believes they have had Hepatitis B immunizations, but cannot find documentation. Surgical Technology students must have documentation of all three injections or positive titer will allow you to complete clinical rotation. Any conditions to this rule will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Hepatitis A (Hep A): Currently not required, but strongly recommended for all health care professionals. Two injections are required. The second one must be at least 6 months after the first one.
• Current Year Seasonal Flu immunization: Many of the drug stores currently administer flu shots. Seasonal flu shots are usually administered from late September to May for the current seasonal flu season.

If immunization status is not kept current and documented in the student’s file, student will not be allowed to participate in the laboratory courses or the clinical courses.

Immunization Requirement Checklist

Tuberculosis- (TB/PPD testing) --two steps, 1 to 3 weeks apart, OR 3 consecutive annual PPD, OR Quantiferon Gold blood test.

            Date of 1^st PPD                                                      Date of Results                             

Date of 2^nd PPD                                                     Date of Results                             

            Annual PPD                                                           Date of Results                             

            QuantiFeron Gold test                               Date of Results                             

Tdap within the last 8 years

            Date of Tdap                                                         

MMR- 2 doses or 1 MMR Titer

            Date of 1^st MMR                                                   

            Date of 2^nd MMR                                                   

            Or

            Date of MMR Titer                                                            Result                                

Varicella-(Chickenpox) 2 doses or 1 Varicella Titer

            Date of 1^st Varicella                                              

            Date of 2^nd Varicella                                              

            (Or note from medical provider, indicating results of Varicella infection)

             Date of Varicella Titer                               Result                               

Hepatitis B-(Hep B) 3 doses or Titer

            Date of 1^st dose                                                    

            Date of 2^nd dose                                                     (must be at least 1 month after 1^st dose)

            Date of 3^rd dose                                                     (must be at least 6 months after 1^st dose)

            Or

            Date of Heb B Titer                                                Result                               

Flu Immunization- Current seasonal year (After October 1 of the year you’re applying for)

            Date of Flu vaccine                                   

A secondary entity will be involved in maintaining the documentation you provide which is called CastleBranch. More information will be provided by Program Lead.

Surgical technologists work in a cool, brightly lit, fast-paced environment. Prolonged periods of standing on hard surfaces are necessary. Surgical technologists often begin their work shift very early, and on-call availability for emergency surgeries during the weekend or at night may occasionally be required.

1. Physical Abilities – Surgical Technologists should be able to lift and/or carry a minimum of 50 pounds, though not for a sustainable amount of time. He or she must possess adequate range of motion of the joints to stand, sit, bend over, reach overhead, squat, walk, and to safely and competently perform all duties required.  Sufficient manual dexterity to perform surgical technology competencies is critical.  Surgical Technologists may be required to stand in various positions (back slightly bent, arms extended holding items, etc.) or walk for prolonged periods of time. Absence of chronic skin conditions on hands and arms is necessary to safely perform the functions of a surgical technologist. The ability to identify allergies to items or substances to which the person may be exposed within the career and sufficiently deal with those while maintaining the ability to perform the job duties is necessary.
   
   
2. Vision, Hearing and Smell - The senses of vision, hearing, and smell affect the ability to collect information safely and accurately and perform functions. These senses should be within normal ranges, or the use of corrective devices should be utilized as needed for the safe and competent performance of duties.
   
   
3. Communication Skills - The Surgical Technologist must be able to read, write, and clearly speak English. Throughout the curriculum, methods to improve the ability to communicate with people who do not speak English, are from diverse cultures, have compromised abilities to communicate, and are developmentally delayed and/or disabled are taught and developed.
   
   
4. Cognitive Abilities – Surgical Technologists must be able to multi-task and prioritize. The ability to organize, accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously, and manage time is critical. The Surgical Technologist must have a flexible attitude, demonstrate the ability to adapt to change, and be willing to take direction. Surgical Technologists must have the ability to understand the rationale for the procedures being performed to apply theoretical concepts to practical use. The cognitive skills of applying mastered skills or concepts to new procedures, making decisions quickly, and creatively adapting when solving problems are important.
   
   Due to the confined, stressful environment, emotional stability is a must. The surgical technologist may be called upon to react quickly in an emergency. The ability to maintain composure in highly stressful situations is essential.
   
   
5. Honesty and Integrity – Honesty and integrity are critical personal attributes for Surgical Technologists. Surgical Technologists are responsible for handling sensitive personal medical information.  Students must recognize that the inability to maintain these standards of ethical behavior will result in dismissal from the program, may result in dismissal from employment in the field, and may even have legal consequences.  These qualities are reinforced continually within the program courses.