Surgical Technology, A.A.S. - SUR3
Surgical technologists are members of the operating team who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, RN’s and other personnel to deliver patient care before, during and after surgery. Surgical technologists may earn professional credentials by passing a certifying exam. If successful, they are granted the designation of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
The primary responsibility of surgical technologists is to maintain a sterile field by adhering to aseptic practice during a procedure. Through clinical and didactic instruction they learn to pass instruments, sutures and supplies during a procedure. They are taught to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients undergoing a surgical procedure.
The surgical suite is a dynamic and exciting place to work, but at times surgical technologists may be exposed to communicable diseases and certain unpleasant sights and sounds.
Employment opportunities are endless. With such a diverse educational background, jobs may be found in operating rooms, labor and delivery, central sterile processing, surgical assisting and emergency departments. Surgical technologists may elect to join organ procurement teams, medical sales, cardiac cath labs or product research.
Admission: Acceptance into Piedmont Technical College’s SUR program is competitive and is limited to 20 students to begin fall semester. See the college calendar or website for application dates.
To become eligible for entry into the Surgical Technology major studies coursework, applicants must complete the following:
- Complete the following courses (minimum "C" grade required):
Course List Courses Course Title Credit Hours AHS 102 Medical Terminology 3 BIO 112 Basic Anatomy and Physiology 4 ENG 101 English Composition I 3 MAT 155 Contemporary Mathematics 3 PSY 201 General Psychology 3 - Minimum grade point average for the above courses of 3.0. A grade point average calculator can be found under the Application and Advising tab.
- Good academic standing at the college.
Students are required to maintain a current American Heart Association “Basic Life Support” certification throughout the major studies courses.
Major Studies Courses: Completion of the Associate Degree in Applied Science with a major in Surgical Technology requires three (3) semesters upon acceptance to the major studies coursework.
| Courses | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Courses | ||
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| MAT 155 | Contemporary Mathematics | 3 |
| BIO 112 | Basic Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Elective Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Required Core Subject Areas | ||
| SUR 101 | Introduction to Surgical Technology | 5 |
| SUR 102 | Applied Surgical Technology | 5 |
| SUR 103 | Surgical Procedures I | 4 |
| SUR 104 | Surgical Procedures II | 4 |
| SUR 106 | Advanced Surgical Procedure | 2 |
| SUR 110 | Introduction to Surgical Practicum | 5 |
| SUR 114 | Surgical Specialty Practicum | 7 |
| SUR 115 | Terminology for Surgical Technology | 2 |
| SUR 116 | Basic Surgical Procedures | 3 |
| SUR 120 | Surgical Seminar | 2 |
| Subtotal | 39 | |
| Other Courses Required for Graduation | ||
| AHS 102 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| AHS 155 | Special Topics in Health Care | 3 |
| AHS 170 | Fundamentals of Disease | 3 |
| or AHS 205 | Ethics and Law for Allied Health Professions | |
| AHS 180 | Health Careers Preparation | 3 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 67 | |
Graduation Plan
Fall Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| AHS 102 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| AHS 180 | Health Careers Preparation | 3 |
| BIO 112 | Basic Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| AHS 155 | Special Topics in Health Care | 3 |
| AHS 170 or AHS 205 |
Fundamentals of Disease or Ethics and Law for Allied Health Professions |
3 |
| MAT 155 | Contemporary Mathematics | 3 |
| PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Elective Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| SUR 101 | Introduction to Surgical Technology | 5 |
| SUR 102 | Applied Surgical Technology | 5 |
| SUR 115 | Terminology for Surgical Technology | 2 |
| SUR 116 | Basic Surgical Procedures | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| SUR 103 | Surgical Procedures I | 4 |
| SUR 104 | Surgical Procedures II | 4 |
| SUR 110 | Introduction to Surgical Practicum | 5 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| SUR 106 | Advanced Surgical Procedure | 2 |
| SUR 114 | Surgical Specialty Practicum | 7 |
| SUR 120 | Surgical Seminar | 2 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Total Hours | 67 | |
Application Process
This is a limited enrollment program that has special admissions requirements. These requirements must be completed before you can be accepted.
If you are a new student, there are three key steps to complete before entering the program:
- Step 1: Apply to the college and complete the enrollment process
- Step 2: Take the necessary courses and testing (if required) to become Program-Ready
- Step 3: Apply to the program
Are you Program-Ready?
Before applying for program entry, be sure you meet the requirements for acceptance. Start by connecting with an advisor and review program requirements.
We've also provided the resources below to assist you with the program acceptance process.
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheets are designed for students and advisors to review program-specific requirements and program application procedures. Please make an appointment with your advisor to discuss your academic goals and progress, and to develop your individualized degree plan.
GPA Calculator
There are minimum GPA requirements for program-ready coursework. The Program-Ready GPA Calculator can be used to calculate your GPA.
Application Worksheet
The application worksheet is used to calculate points toward competitive program entry.
Health Care Program Acceptance Data
These are NOT the scores required to be accepted. These are scores from past applicants that were accepted. Since the applicant pool changes each time, there is no way to predict how high the application points need to be for acceptance into the program.
Guided Pathways
Guided Pathways are designed to assist students in scheduling the order of courses to become program-ready or to complete the Health Care Certificate for their desired program.
Apply to the Program
Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to become program ready, it’s time to apply to the program.
Applications are accepted for the fall entry into college healthcare programs on the following schedule:
- Application Dates - May 1-16
- Notification of Program Acceptance Emails Sent - Mid June*
Program applications must be submitted during the scheduled dates for this program to be considered.
Note: If you haven't already done so, you must apply to the college before completing the program application.
Complete The Program Application
* Students accepted into any Healthcare program will be required to attend a program orientation. Accepted students will NOT be excused from attending this mandatory orientation.
Current Student Program Resources
Surgical Technology Handbook
Health Care Division Handbook
This handbook is designed to be utilized in conjunction with the PTC Academic Catalog, PTC Student Calendar and Handbook and PTC Health Care webpages. Please refer to them for additional information.
Health Care FAQ
We strongly recommend that students review the Health Care Division FAQ to be fully aware of our program entry requirements.
Health Care Readmission
Health Care readmission students who fail or withdraw from a Health Care curriculum class must complete and submit a readmission application in order to be considered for readmission.
Accreditation Information
The Surgical Technology program is accredited by:
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org
upon the recommendation of:
The Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARCST/SA)
19751 East Main Street, Suite #339
Parker, CO 80138
(303) 694-9262
www.arcstsa.org
Pass Rate
Graduates of the Surgical Technology program are awarded the credential of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) upon the successful completion of National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Examination. The program's Certified Surgical Technologist Exam Pass Rate for the 2022 cohort is 100%. The past rate for the 2023 cohort is 87%.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Purpose Statement
The mission of the Surgical Technology Program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to gain employment as a surgical technologist and become contributing members of the health care team. This will be accomplished by (1) preparing competent graduates in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains, and (2) meeting or exceeding the criteria set forth in the current Standards and Guidelines for the Accredited Educational Program in Surgical Technology.
Minimum Program Outcomes
The minimum goal expectation of the Surgical Technology program at Piedmont Technical College is, “To prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.” Specially the goals of the Surgical Technology Program are to:
A. Graduate entry-level surgical technologists who are academically and technically competent. (Cognitive and Psychomotor Domains)
B. Promote a collaborative learning environment for students that stimulates personal and professional growth. (Affective Domain)
C. Assist the student in the development of the technical competencies necessary for employment in the field. (Psychomotor and Cognitive Domain)
D. Provide meaningful clinical experiences for skill refinement. (Psychomotor Domain)
E. Apply life-long learning processes by attending continuing educational programs. (Cognitive Domain)
F. Facilitate student development of professional attitudes and responsibilities. (Affective Domain)
G. Meet the needs of the community.
H. Assess the curriculum and resources on an annual basis.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Integrate theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, medical terminology, microbiology and pharmacology in the delivery of safe practice as an entry level surgical technologist.
- Demonstrate the application of principles of aseptic technique while providing optimal patient care in the surgical suite.
- Demonstrate proficiency in skills and procedures required of a surgical technologist in the clinical/professional setting
- Demonstrate communication skills to work effectively as a surgical team member, and professionally interact with healthcare professionals and patients.
- Apply knowledge of legal, ethical and moral behaviors to reflect a professional and competent entry level Surgical Technologist
- Demonstrate safe practice techniques regarding perioperative routines, patient transportation, positioning and emergency procedures.