OCTC's Surgical Technology Students

100% First Time Pass Rate for NBSTSA

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OWENSBORO, KY (06/21/2017) Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) is proud to announce that the 2016-2017 Surgical Technology Program graduates took the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) National Certification Exam on June 8,2017 and achieved a first-time pass rate of 100%. Students must pass this national exam to obtain certification.

OCTC surgical technology students achieved a 100% first time, pass rate for the fourth consecutive year. The 2016 national average first-time, pass rate was 76%. The students not only passed but did so in unprecedented fashion. The OCTC class average score was 84%, the highest average in the program, during the tenure of Zara Basham, program coordinator. "This group of students continues to surpass all expectations, I couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments" added Basham.

In addition, two students scored at the top of the class, outpacing their peers. Sabrina Rice scored 158/175 (90%) while Anna Berry earned an unprecedented score of 167/175 (95%), which included a perfect score in three of eight categories.

All OCTC technical programs have some form of an end of program assessment, in healthcare programs this assessment is a state or national licensure exam. The performance instrument allows students to demonstrate knowledge and skills in their field. It is beneficial to the faculty to measure their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. For colleges, the test scores create a positive impact, meets state and federal accountability requirements and provides educators with valuable assessment data.

OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams added "Our healthcare program faculty work with the students to ensure they are well prepared to sit for the licensure exams and so they are ready to be a qualified member of the workforce. To have scores this high speaks to the dedication of the faculty and the students."