Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Contact Information: Van Bates 615-353-3691, Program Site E-mail: SurgTech@nscc.edu​
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, www.caahep.org, 727-210-2350) on recommendation by the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARCSTSA, www.arcstsa.org, 303-694-9262).

Surgical Technology education prepares students for employment in a variety of surgical settings. The program includes extensive classroom time as well as practical experience preparing Surgical Technology students for all major specialties in the operating room.

NSCC Surgical Technology Program Goal Statement

The Surgical Technology program is an educational experience that produces competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains and prepares them to successfully complete the National Certification Exam.  Built on a solid foundation of knowledge in anatomy, medical terminology, and microbiology, the program provides the qualified and motivated applicant with experiences in a learner-centered environment that is supportive and responsive to individual needs. Learning experiences are facilitated by qualified faculty and/or preceptors and designed to help the student learn to independently apply sound theory to practice.

Graduates of the program should be able to:

• Recognize elements of good patient care and prioritize them before less important elements in the operating room;
• Behave professionally in a stressful environment with demanding personalities while remaining calm and focused; and
• Accurately plan for and perform duties of a surgical technologist in the scrub role in common surgical specialties.

Admission Requirements

• Must submit an NSCC Application for Admission;
• Must have high school diploma or GED;
• Must have satisfied all learning support  and ESOL requirements prior to starting the program;
• Must submit a complete Surgical Technology Program application by the appropriate deadline;
• Selection will be based on a composite score consisting of points from GPA, critical thinking assessment (Insight Assessment), completion of open enrollment courses.

Students are encouraged to complete the four Open Enrollment courses before beginning the core surgical technology courses.  Open enrollment courses include:  BIOL 1000, SURG 1304, SURG 1305, and SURG 2310. One of the criteria determining admission into the Surgical Technology program will be based upon completion of these courses. 

Anticipated estimated costs to the student will include tuition, books, lab supplies, medical services (lab analysis for titers), CPR certification, and membership and exam fees. Taking the National Certification Exam is a requirement to complete the program.

NOTE: Prospective students will be required to provide a copy of a background check and drug screening. NSCC does not use the background check or drug screenings as criteria for admission to the program. Background checks and/or drug screenings are required by clinical sites as a condition of participation. Students are required to participate in a variety of clinical experiences to successfully complete the program.

Grading Policy

The student majoring in Surgical technology must receive a “C” or higher in each prerequisite course and in subsequent core courses. “C” or higher in all courses is a graduation requirement.