At the March 2012 ARC/STSA Board of Directors meeting, the Grace Period Procedure for demonstration of compliance with Standard III.B. – proof of a NCCA-approved credential in surgical technology was reviewed and revised.

Effective August 1, 2014, programs must demonstrate that all newly appointed core surgical technology faculty (program director, clinical coordinator, core instructors) hold a NCCA-approved credential in surgical technology (CST, CSFA, or CST/CSFA) at the time of appointment, as required by the Standards. Programs will not be granted a grace period to demonstrate compliance for non-CST eligible appointments. New appointments to core faculty positions on or after August 1, 2014 should meet all of the standards qualifications at the time of their appointment.

Programs that do not demonstrate compliance with Standard III.B.1.b – Program Director Qualifications, Standard III.B.2.b – Clinical Coordinator Qualifications, or Standard III.B.3.b. – Core Faculty Qualifications will be determined to be in non-compliance with CAAHEP Standards, which can result in Administrative Probation, Accreditation Probation, or Withdrawal/Withholding of accreditation.

Please note that any individual with an approved action plan for obtaining proof of a NCCA-approved credential in Surgical Technology prior to August 1, 2014 will be permitted to complete their approved plan of action. In addition, no extension beyond August 1, 2014 of any previously approved plan of action to obtain a NCCA-approved credential in Surgical Technology will be granted.

The ARC/STSA Grace Period Procedure and CCST6e Implementation Approval Process Change Notification Form acknowledging receipt of information regarding these changes is being sent to all program directors and is to be submitted to the ARC/STSA on or before May 1, 2012.

On September 30, 2011, the ARC/STSA formally notified programs that all CAAHEP-accredited programs are required to implement the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology, 6e [CCST6e] for all new cohorts (classes) starting on or after January 1, 2013. Under Standards III.C. and V.E.3., the sponsor (school) must adopt and submit documentation verifying continued alignment with the latest edition of the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology.

At the March 2012 ARC/STSA Board of Directors meeting, a streamlined application process for approval of implementation of the CCST6e was adopted and will be available for use on or after May 1, 2012. The streamlined process includes submission of the 2013 Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology, 6e (CCST6e) Implementation Approval Report [CCIAR-6e] and applicable supporting documentation indicated in the CCIAR-6e. The CCIAR-6e is available online at www.arcstsa.org/index.php/educators/educators-surgical-technology/st-forms-and-facts/.

The ARC/STSA Grace Period Procedure and CCST6e Implementation Approval Process Change Notification Form acknowledging receipt of information regarding these changes is being sent to all program directors and is to be submitted to the ARC/STSA on or before May 1, 2012.

The new, sample Program Effectiveness Plan Form – SA has been developed to better assist surgical assisting programs in developing a comprehensive plan for assessing program goals, program resources, and program outcomes, as required under Standard II.C., Standard III.D., and Standard IV.B.1.

Check out these updated forms!

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Additional assessment topics may be required by your institution, institutional accreditor, and/or state approval agency (if applicable).

A copy of this sample form is also found in the 2012 Standard Interpretive Guide (SIG-ST).

Programs are not required to use this form.