Surgical Technology

New Degree and New Admission - Summer 2024 - Please refer to the Degree Plan for Summer 2024.  The current degree plan will end Spring 2024.

Click here for the Curriculum for Summer 2024.

The Surgical Technology program prepares graduates for entry-level employment in the surgical environment. This program prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and surgical staff, to maintain, monitor, and enforce the sterile field and adherence to aseptic technique by preoperative, intraoperative surgical team, and postoperative personnel. Includes instruction in instrument and equipment sterilization and handling; surgical supplies management; wound exposure and closure; surgical computer and robot operation and monitoring; maintenance of hemostasis; and patient and team scrubbing. The Surgical Technologist assists the physician during surgical procedures by ensuring that necessary equipment is properly maintained and immediately available, passing instruments to the surgeon, handling surgical specimens, and maintaining a sterile atmosphere in the operating room.

The Associate in Applied Science Degree requires 3 semesters of surgical technology courses and 18 credit hours of prerequisites. Program graduates are required to take the National Certification Exam from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) upon completion of program requirements for graduation. Graduating students must meet the requirement of 120 clinical cases achieved, based on criteria of the Surgical Technology Core Curriculum.

The Surgical Technology program has continuing accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP), 254000 U.S. HWY 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, Florida, 33763, Phone: 727-210-2350; Fax 727-210-2354; www.caahep.org

The student considering Surgical Technology must be conscientious, orderly, and meticulous with details. In addition, Surgical Technologists must have the emotional stability to work in a fast-paced environment and the ability to handle the demands of surgeons.

The student shall not be paid by the clinical affiliation site during the clinical component of the program, nor shall the student be substituted for paid personnel during the clinical component of the program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for the College, admission to the Surgical Technology program requires:

1. Unconditional admission to the College.
2. 2.5 GPA calculated on completed academic core courses.
3. minimum 2.0 GPA at Southern Union.
4. Transfer students must enter SUSCC on clear academic status (minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average).
5. Official transcripts received in Records Office (Wadley Campus) from all postsecondary institutions attended and high school or GED transcripts for those who have never attended Southern Union.
6. Student meet eligibility requirements for English 101 and Math 100 and satisfaction of the College reading requirement.
7. Application for the Surgical Technology Program.
8. Ability to meet and comply with standards and policies in the current College Catalog and Student Handbook.
9. Ability to meet all health/ clinical requirements as stated in the current Surgical Technology Student Handbook.

Admission to the Surgical Technology Program is competitive, and the number of students admitted is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Applicants are rank-ordered for acceptance using a points system based on grades earned in ENG 101, ENG 102, BIO 201, BIO 202, (BIO 111 or BIO 103), (SUR 108 or HPS 114), (SPH 106 or SPH 107), HPS 105, PSY 200 and MTH 100. Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Students are admitted once each year, fall term only.

Progression Requirements

Progression through the Surgical Technology program requires:

1. Cumulative GPA of 2.0.
2. Minimum grade of “C” in all required courses. 
3. Satisfactory level of mental and physical health, including current immunizations, Hepatitis B vaccinations (or signed waiver), annual TB testing, and ability to meet the Essential Functions and annual physical exam requirements. 
4. Current health insurance.
5. Current CPR certification at the American Heart Association, Health Care Provider level. 
6. Clear drug screen. 
7. Clear background check.

Students who do not meet progression requirements must withdraw from the Surgical Technology program and apply for readmission.

Readmission Requirements

Students who interrupt progression through the professional phase of the surgical technology program of study must apply for readmission to the program. Readmission is based on academic eligibility and space availability. Readmission requires:

1. Successful completion of a surgical technology course with a lab or clinical component within the past 12 months. 
2. Proof of competency in any previous coursework as required by the program.
3. Cumulative GPA of 2.0 at SUSCC.
4. Application for readmission to program.
5. Applicant meets all progression requirements.

NOTE: Students who have previously completed the certification option are not required to request readmission in order to earn the Associate in Applied Science option.