Surgical Technology
Course Requirements
Program Overview
The Surgical Technology (SUR) program prepares individuals to assist in the care of the surgical patient in the operating room and to function as a member of the surgical team.
Students will apply theoretical knowledge to the care of patients undergoing surgery to develop skills necessary to prepare supplies, equipment, and instruments; maintain aseptic conditions; prepare patients for surgery; and assist surgeons during operations.
- Surgical Technology students are able to gain experience with actual surgical equipment.
- Students are able to use simulation devices with surgical equipment.
- Students gain thorough knowledge of a variety of surgical procedures.
- Students learn the importance of sterile technique and infection control in the operating room.
- Students are exposed to a variety of medical and surgical facilities to maximize the learning experience.
In addition to the academic focus, the clinical aspect is a unique aspect of the program. In the clinical setting, students learn to master skills necessary to be successful in their chosen field. The clinical rotations expose students to a wide variety of clinical experiences and potential employers.
For more information about Surgical Technology:
CAAHEP-Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
NBSTSA -National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
AST-Association of Surgical Technology
Credentials & Employment
Graduating students are eligible to take the National Certification Exam.
Employment opportunities include labor/delivery/emergency departments, inpatient/outpatient surgery centers, dialysis units/facilities, physicians offices, and central supply processing units.
Additional Information
The Surgical Technology program offers both a Diploma and an Associate Degree. Completion of the Associate Degree program prepares the graduate to be a practitioner with a broader knowledge base in the field of Surgical Technology.
The SUR program begins only in the fall semester. Classes are held in the day-time only, and only some general education classes can be completed online. Classes are held at the main campus in Pinehurst. Clinical assignments take place at various locations in Moore and surrounding counties.
Criminal background checks and drug screens are required for the Surgical Technology program. Results are viewed only by clinical affiliates. Students may be prohibited from clinical education at specific clinical affiliates based on results, which could prevent students from progressing in the program.
Admissions Process
- College Application: Complete an SCC admissions application online. Set up your SCC student email account. Complete online or attend the College new student orientation.
- Transcripts: Submit official (sealed) high school/high school equivalency and all college transcripts to the admissions office.
- Course Placement Requirements: Students must place into ENG 111 without a corequisite and out of DMA math modules 010 through 050 or Transition Math Tiers 1 and 2.
- Prerequisite Classes: Any developmental English and math classes indicated by the placement test. Students are encouraged to begin general coursework before program entry.
- GPA: All applicants must have at least a 2.0 GPA to be considered for admission.
- HESI A2 (Admission Assessment Exam): A 75+ cumulative score is required to apply in Early Consideration. Students who do not achieve a 75 may apply in Late Consideration. Students may only take the HESI A2 twice in an academic year (September-May). HESI A2 scores for tests taken within the last three years will be reviewed. Tests must be scheduled in advance; dates and registration are online. Test cost is $55, subject to change.
- Health Sciences Application: Submit an online application by the deadline listed below. The application is located on the Health Sciences webpage.
Application Deadlines
Early Consideration: Last Friday in January
Late Consideration: Last Friday in April
Essential Functions
Before official enrollment in SUR Program courses, students must present a personal statement to verify that they can fulfill certain essential functions. These include, but are not limited to: Physical Ability, Visual Acuity, Hearing Acuity, Speech/Communication, Critical Thinking, Emotional Stability, Personal Attributes, and Ability to Travel.
A complete list of essential functions can be obtained from the Program Coordinator.
Program Mission
The major goal of the Surgical Technology curriculum is to equip competent graduates with entry-level knowledge, technical and behavioral skills in the cognitive, motor, and effective learning domains. Entry level competency is achieved through a combined theoretical, laboratory and clinical educational program. Student surgical technologists must be capable of delivering safe patient care by recognizing potential hazards to the surgical patient, maintaining strict aseptic technique, and by functioning efficiently and be able to apply critical thinking skills in conjunction with the other members of the health care team to deliver the highest possible level of patient care.
Program Accreditation and Outcomes
The Surgical Technology Program at Sandhills Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th Street N #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727‐210‐2350
www.caahep.org
mail@caahep.org
Students of Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited programs are required to take the national certification exam administered by the National Board on Certification in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) within a four-week period prior to or after graduation.
Because the use of computers is integral to this curriculum, some courses are delivered in an online format.
Accreditation & Program Outcomes
Estimated Program Expenses
In addition to tuition and books, students are responsible for extra costs for uniforms, supplies, medical exams, criminal background checks and drug screens, insurance, and travel. Refer to the Surgical Technology Student Handbook above for a full list of program costs.
| ITEM | IN-STATE COST | OUT-OF-STATE COST |
| Tuition* | $5,320.00 | $18,760.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $175.00 | $175.00 |
| Technology Fee | $240.00 | $240.00 |
| Textbooks | $600.00-800.00 | $600.00-800.00 |
| General Education Course fees | $0-100.00 | $0-100.00 |
| Additional Program fees | $280.00 | $280.00 |
| Malpractice Insurance** | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Admission Physical | $175.00-700.00 | $175.00-700.00 |
| Criminal Background Checks & Drug Screens | $138.00 | $138.00 |
| Medical Record Tracking | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| X-ray Dosimeter*** | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Clinical Uniforms/Shoes | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Materials and Supplies | $200.00-210.00 | $200.00-210.00 |
| Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) membership (optional) | $45.00 | $45.00 |
| National Surgical Technology Certification Exam | $190.00-290.00 | $190.00-290.00 |
| Exam Study Packet | $247.00 | $247.00 |
*Program credit hours: 70 – $76.00 per credit hour in-state tuition, $268.00 per credit hour out-of-state tuition.
Does not include tuition and costs for prerequisite courses, which vary by student.
**Malpractice insurance: $18.00 per academic year.
***X-ray Dosimeter: $25 per semester (3 semesters)
Contact Information
General Health Sciences Admissions Questions
donadiot@sandhills.edu
Jordan Sprouse, Associate Professor, Program Coordinator
161 Kennedy Hall
910.695.3918
sprousej@sandhills.edu
Taylor Cox, Clinical Coordinator
162 Kennedy Hall
910.695.3838
coxt@sandhills.edu