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Associate of Science in Surgical Technology

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What You’ll Learn

Gain the skills needed to build a career as a surgical technologist with our Associate of Science (AS) in Surgical Technology. Make a difference in your patients’ recovery everyday by keeping the surgery area sterile, helping prep for surgery, assisting in lab testing, and more.

In the AS in Surgical Technology program, you’ll build a foundation for your career in patient care by providing the training and skills needed to help you become successful in the field. In this program you will:

  • Learn surgical procedures & clinical care
  • Familiarize yourself with the uses and effects of pharmaceutical drugs
  • Provide care that is respectful of individual patient preferences, needs, and values
  • Position, prep, and drape a patient
  • Become aware of sterilization procedures and the importance of keeping surgical areas clean
  • Get to know the role of microorganisms in the environment and how they affect our lives
  • Run lab tests and interpret the results of those tests
Associate of Science in Surgical Technology

What can I do with an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology?

Certified Surgical Technologist Operating Room Surgical Technologist Surgical Scrub Technologist Labor and Delivery Surgical Technologist Emergency Surgical Technologist Dialysis Technologist

15%* Estimated Job Growth

Keys to Success

If you love a fast-paced workday with a lot of activity, you may be a good fit as a surgical technologist! You’ll need well-developed communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and organization to help ensure success in the field.

In addition to the skills you’ll acquire throughout your surgical technology program, you’ll gain industry knowledge from our experienced faculty members who will help guide you towards the expertise required for pursuit of your future medical career.

Associate of Science in Surgical Technology

Continuing Education

Additional Information

Helpful Links

Accreditation or Approval

Asheville

The Certificate in Surgical Technology program offered at the Asheville campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org),(25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, 727-210-2350), based upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA). Accreditation was granted in 2009 for 10 years with the next review anticipated in 2019.

Knoxville

The application and self-study for the Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program offered at the Knoxville campus to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org),(25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, 727-210-2350) is being prepared for submission. As required by the accrediting agency, submission must be made four months prior to the institutional visit which is anticipated in fall 2020. The results of the visit will then be acted on by the agency in 2021. Accreditation must be awarded to the program prior to graduates being able to attempt the required certification examination to practice as a Surgical Technologist.

Admissions Requirements

Consumer Information

Amounts for tuition, fees, books, and supplies are subject to change. South College follows the required methodology provided by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for the reporting of employment information for graduates. This information is compiled on an annual basis and submitted to the Commission by October 15 each year for graduates during the most recently completed reporting year (July 1-June 30). For more detailed information related to the calculation of graduate employment rates, please click here.

*The career options listed above are a small sample of potential job titles, and are not meant to be comprehensive. Students may or may not find employment in these positions. Job growth statistics are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014–2024 projections. Note that the Bureau does not publish estimates for all job titles, so in some cases these numbers are an approximation based on similar job titles.

Success at South College

Shawn Domm

I chose South College because it came highly recommended from mentors of mine, the faculty is second to none, and the program fits my ever-changing lifestyle. I also chose it because of the flexibility. My wife is still serving in the United States Air Force on Active Duty, and this means that we move when they tell us to move.

- Shawn Domm, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Elizabeth Ferichs

One of the major reasons I chose South College was for the smaller class sizes. It allows more one-on-one time between students and professors, which enhances the learning experience for me.

- Elizabeth Frerichs, Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Adam Hatcher

I went to college originally straight out of high school with the intent of majoring in musical performance with a concentration in theoretical studies. I was not prepared to for college at that point, so I decided to gain some experience and maturity by joining the work force full-time. After working for 10 years, I felt it was time to try school again.

- Adam Hatcher, Bachelor of Business Administration
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