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Associate of Science in Surgical Technology

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What You’ll Learn

Surgical technologists are the surgeon’s right hand, serving as an essential part of the surgical team and helping to save lives.

The South College Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program is designed to provide students with training to help care for patients, prepare surgical supplies, maintain aseptic conditions before and during surgery, and assist surgeons during surgical procedures. Coursework include classroom and clinical hours.

In the AS in Surgical Technology program, you’ll work to build a foundation of knowledge and skills including:

  • 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
Process of trauma surgery operation. Group of surgeons in operating room with surgery equipment. Medical background, selective focus

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

Keys to Success

Surgical technology students should be extremely organized, detail-oriented, and motivated to protect patient health and safety. You will also need the ability to stand for 8 or more hours at a time to assist with long procedures or multiple surgeries in one day.

The instructors in the Surgical Technology program are available for tutoring and skills review several days each week for any help that you need. The Surgical Technology lab is open at various times so you can practice the skills you’re learning. Clinical experiences provide hands-on practical experience in a surgical environment

Associate of Science in Surgical Technology

Continuing Education

Additional Information

Accreditation or Approval

Knoxville

The Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program offered at the Knoxville campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) 9355 – 113th St. N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775, 727-210-2350).

South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. Questions about the accreditation of South College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

SACSCOC-Stamp-Color

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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