Surgical Technology at SCC
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings.
The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room or environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.
A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
Program Mission and Program Goal Statement
Mission: To provide students with the opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills to become employed as entry level Surgical Technologists.
Goal: To prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
Program Information and Next Steps
Please review the following information links. It is required that an applicant meet the Physical and Mental Community Standards before applying to the Surgical Technology program.
Program Admission Application
Spartanburg Community College is an open admissions college; however, acceptance into the Surgical Technology program is by selection. The Admissions Committee for the Surgical Technology program reviews and evaluates each application on an impartial basis. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.
You must be a currently enrolled student at SCC to apply for this program!
Apply to Spartanburg Community College if you are not already a current student. Students need to be accepted to Spartanburg Community College before applying for the program. All transcripts should be sent directly to the Spartanburg Community College Admissions department if you are transferring classes. Please contact them at (864) 592-4800 or admissions@sccsc.edu with any questions regarding transcripts. Students must have a 2.50 GPA or greater on the required college courses for the Surgical Technology program.
Program Overview
Surgical Technology, AAS
Program Start Date: Fall term
Minimum Program Length: 5 semesters, 62 credit hours
Program ID: AAS.SUR
Curriculum Code: 35377
Program Description
Surgical technology students learn to facilitate the surgical process by selecting sterile supplies, anticipating the needs of the surgeon, and assisting with the operation as directed by the surgeon. They also maintain aseptic technique and sterile conditions prior to and during surgery to minimize the risk of infection to the patient.
Practical Experience
Students work in lab simulations during the first and second terms and gain clinical experience in affiliated hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and physicians' offices during the second and third terms.
Professional Opportunities
Certified surgical technologist in operating rooms, labor and delivery suites, sterile processing departments, physicians' offices, veterinary hospitals, medical sales, organ, and tissue procurement teams.
Unique Aspects
A criminal background investigation (CBI) and drug testing are required at student expense for each Health and Human Services student who has been accepted into a Spartanburg Community College curriculum program of study. For more information, please visit the Criminal Background Investigations and Drug Testing Policy section of the SCC webpage.
Graduates will fulfill the eligibility requirement to take the National Surgical Technology Certifying Exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting to become a certified surgical technologist. Students must be a graduate of a CAAHEP accredited program to take the exam.
EEDA Career Cluster
Health Sciences
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Medical Terminology within the surgical environment.
- Facilitate the surgical process by selecting sterile supplies, anticipating the needs of the surgeon, and assisting with the operation as directed by the surgeon.
- Demonstrate professional responsibility in performance, attitude, and personal conduct.
- Find errors in aseptic technique and unsafe sterile conditions in an effort to minimize the risk of infection to the surgical patient.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the skills and procedures required of a surgical technologist in a professional/clinical setting.
- Demonstrate their ability to speak publicly, listen attentively, and respond effectively.
Course Requirements
- BIO 112 - Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology
- COL 101 - College Orientation
(NOTE: Students who place into two or more developmental areas are required to take in place of .) - ENG 101 - English Composition I
- MAT 110 - College Algebra
or - MAT 120 - Probability & Statistics
- PHI 110 - Ethics
- PSY 201 - General Psychology
- SPC 205 - Public Speaking
- SUR 101 - Introduction to Surgical Technology
- SUR 102 - Applied Surgical Technology
- SUR 103 - Surgical Procedures I
- SUR 104 - Surgical Procedures II
- SUR 105 - Surgical Procedures III
- SUR 108 - Surgical Anatomy I
- SUR 109 - Surgical Anatomy II
- SUR 110 - Introduction to the Surgical Practicum
- SUR 114 - Surgical Specialty Practicum
- SUR 120 - Surgical Seminar
Total Credits: 62
Semester Display
(Courses with *** are restricted and cannot be taken without permission of the department)
First Semester
- COL 101 - College Orientation
- ENG 101 - English Composition I
- MAT 110 - College Algebra
or - MAT 120 - Probability & Statistics
Second Semester
- BIO 112 - Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology
- PSY 201 - General Psychology
- SPC 205 - Public Speaking
- PHI 110 - Ethics
Third Semester
- SUR 101 - Introduction to Surgical Technology ***
- SUR 102 - Applied Surgical Technology ***
- SUR 108 - Surgical Anatomy I ***
- SUR 109 - Surgical Anatomy II ***
Fourth Semester
- SUR 103 - Surgical Procedures I ***
- SUR 104 - Surgical Procedures II ***
- SUR 110 - Introduction to the Surgical Practicum ***
Fifth Semester
- SUR 105 - Surgical Procedures III ***
- SUR 114 - Surgical Specialty Practicum ***
- SUR 120 - Surgical Seminar ***
Total Credits: 62
Surgical Technology Accreditation
The SCC Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Students who successfully complete Spartanburg Community College's Surgical Technology associates degree program are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam and upon passing will become certified surgical technologists. The last four graduating classes of Spartanburg Community College s Surgical Technology program have had a 100% pass rate on this exam.
Spartanburg Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Information Sessions
These sessions are optional. If you have any questions about the process of applications you are highly encouraged to attend at least one session. You do not have to be a current SCC student to attend an information session.
The Health Sciences Building, Giles Campus, Rm. 213
Please make sure you can meet the Physical and Mental Community Standards before you attempt to apply to the Surgical Technology program. All tasks must be proficient and not place self, patients or others in jeopardy. Demonstration/documentation may be required.
Physical and Mental Community Standards (PDF)
Spring 2024:
Thursday, March 14, 2024, | 10:00am
Surgical Technology Expenses
View or download the most current estimate of expenses for this program below: