Technical Certificate
Contact Information: Van Bates 615-353-3647, E-mail: SurgTech@nscc.edu

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  

To prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. 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  

Program Admission: students will be seated in the Program based on successful completion of all criteria below:  

• Must apply to the program during the current cycle.  

• Applications must be renewed each June to be considered for the following year.  

• Applicants will be seated based on the following: 

• Successful completion of SURG 1304, SURG 1305, and SURG 2310 (C or higher)—not required for admission 

• Grade Point Average 

Anticipated estimated costs to the student will include tuition, background check and drug screening, books, lab supplies, medical services (lab analysis for titers), CPR certification, and membership and exam fees. Taking a 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 course. “C” or higher in all courses is a retention and graduation requirement.