Surgical Technology, AAS

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

Program Description/Purpose: Designed to prepare students as entry-level surgical technologists. 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. 

Occupational Outcomes: 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, or Registered Nurse.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will apply knowledge to illustrate professional responsibility, attitude, and personal conduct in the classroom and clinical setting.
2. Students will develop and apply fundamental surgical technology skills and concepts in practice.
3. Students will apply knowledge and skills to perform within their scope of practice.
4. Students will recognize the interdependent role of the surgical technologist in performing in the clinical setting. Students will be able to articulate the cultural and socioeconomic differences of patients and hospital staff.
5. Students will effectively grasp and manage the fundamental concepts of human anatomy in the clinical setting.

Accreditation Status

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113TH St. N #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727) 210-2350     Fax: (727) 210-2354                

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 the 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/admissions-and-course-prerequisites/;
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 March 31^st 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 March 31^st 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.

The 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 of 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 regard 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 a 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.

Courses are displayed under the semester in which they are regularly offered and are recommended to be taken in this sequence to ensure timely graduation. It is possible that a course shown in a particular semester may not be offered due to low enrollment or other factors.