Surgical Technology, AAS

This is a G3 eligible program.  Click here to learn more.

Designed to prepare students as an entry-level Surgical Technologist.  The program combines the use of surgical instruments, skills, and techniques with the theoretical knowledge required to perform as a Surgical Technologist in the operating room.  The program will provide the foundation in didactic, laboratory and clinical instruction that will enable individuals to perform as competent entry-level Surgical Technologists.  Upon successful completion of the program students are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technologists exam.  Possible occupations for graduates include Certified Surgical Technologists in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical care centers, eye centers, dental surgery centers, sterilization processing departments, endoscopy departments, organ procurement and surgical sales representatives.  Graduates may continue their career pathway by becoming a Certified First Assistant, Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse or a Surgeon.

ACCREDITATION STATUS:  The program is accredited by:

Upon completion of the Surgical Technology Program, the graduate will demonstrate the following entry-level competencies:

• Exhibit professional behaviors and skills in the surgical environment
• Utilize effective verbal and written communication
• Exhibit caring intervention to the client and members of the health care team
• Participate in collaborative care
• Prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and effective (behavior) learning domains
• Provide patient care in an ethical manner
• Provide the community with professional, competent and desirable entry-level certified surgical technologists
• Discuss, demonstrate and apply appropriate surgical technology procedures and protocols in various healthcare settings and situations
• Correlate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and microbiology to their role as a surgical technologist
• Practice professional, value directed actions based on didactic and clinical knowledge, ethical principles and legal standards as members of the surgical team
• Correlate the elements, action and use of medications and anesthetic agents used during the perioperative experience
• Demonstrates safe practice techniques in regard to perioperative routing, patient transportation, positioning and emergency procedures
• Function safely and effectively in the surgical technologist role
• Promote lifelong learning fostering the development of professional and personal growth, critical thinking and leadership

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the general admission requirements established for the College, entry into the Surgical Technology Program requires:

1. Completion of Laurel Ridge Community College application for admission.
2. Completion of Laurel Ridge Community College Surgical Technology Program application and submission of all information as outlined below to the Health Professions Division Office.
3. High school diploma or GED - official transcripts must be forwarded to the Admissions and Records office at Laurel Ridge Community College with initial college application.
4. Submission of official college transcripts for evaluation of transfer credit and submission of the Credit for Prior Learning form found at https://laurelridge.edu/current-students/admissions/.
5. Must show competency in MDE 10  or eligibility for MTH 154  and readiness for ENG 111  to satisfy requirements without taking remediation.
6. Curricular GPA of 2.5 or higher based on the specified prerequisite courses (SDV 101 , BIO 141 , ENG 111 , SUR 100 , HIM 111  and HLT 105 ).
7. Completion of all prerequisite courses noted in the course curriculum.  Students who are currently enrolled in a prerequisite course may apply; acceptance into the program will be contingent upon passing the courses with a “C” or 70% or better prior to beginning the Surgical Technology program curriculum.
8. Meeting certain computer competencies prior to entering the surgical technology program.  Students without the required knowledge and skills are encouraged to enroll in ITE 152 , CSC 110  or equivalent.  Please review the Computer Competency Checklist at https://laurelridge.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Computer-competency.pdf.  If you already have this knowledge and these skills, please submit the signed checklist with your application packet.
9. Meeting with the Director of Surgical Technology or Surgical Technology faculty.
10. Completion of the ATI TEAS test for allied health professions entrance exam.  Scores may be utilized for two years from the initial testing date.  All testing must be completed prior to the May 15^th application deadline.  A minimum score of at least 45% is required to apply to the Surgical Technology program.

Admission to the Surgical Technology program is on a competitive basis.  Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the Surgical Technology program.  Applicants not selected for admission into the program must submit a new application packet each year.  Deadline for submission of completed applications is May 15^th at 12:00 p.m..  The completed packet must contain the following:

1. Program Application
2. Official high school transcript demonstrating high school completion or official GED scores
3. Unofficial Laurel Ridge Community College transcript
4. Official College transcripts from other colleges or universities
5. Essential Computer Competency Checklist

All fees charged for required testing, liability insurance, health insurance, books, uniforms, criminal background search, drug screen and physical screen are the responsibility of the students.

Selection of students is based upon:

1. Completion of all admission requirements
2. GPA earned in all prerequisite courses
3. ATI TEAS test score with a minimum 45%
4. Consideration will be given to students who live within the service area

Upon acceptance to the AAS Surgical Technology program, the student will be given instructions during orientation with regards to the following:

1. Background, drug testing and fingerprinting (program acceptance is contingent upon results as required to the satisfaction of affiliating clinical agencies)
2. Completion of physical exam
3. Completion of required immunizations
4. Proof of health insurance
5. Completion of all required forms
6. Failure to meet the above requirements will be cause for administrative withdrawal of the student from the Surgical Technology program