Surgical Technology

The Associate in Applied Science, Surgical Technology degree prepares skilled students to enter into the healthcare environment as surgical technologist. Graduates work under the supervision and delegatory authority of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists are experts in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique, combining the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures with the tools and technologies needed to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Admissions Information

It is strongly recommended that students have a comprehensive knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology.  Before beginning the program, it is advisable to minimally complete BIO 210 and AHS 102, but this is not a requirement for program entry/acceptance.  For any questions, please contact the program director, Erin Ivey .

Specific Admission Requirements for Program

Applicants will be accepted into the Surgical Technology program on a first qualified, first accepted basis. Once all requirements for admission into the program have been completed, the applicant will be offered a seat for the next available semester. 

• Criminal Background Check (CBC) 30 days prior to students enrolling in the Surgical Technology Program. An applicant with an unfavorable CBC may result in student being removed from desired program. Clinical sites/facilities determine applicant's eligibility to participate in clinical studies based on their policies
• Submit a Health Sciences Division Student Health Record Form indicating the candidate has the ability to perform the physical tasks required in the program prior to the start of the first semester.
• Proof of CPR certification for Health Care Providers.
• TEAS score of at least 58.7 taken within the last two years.

Course Sequence and Progression Requirements

A minimum grade of 77%, "C" or better is required for all courses for progression and graduation. Students must pass a criminal background check and urine drug screening 30 days prior to starting clinical each semester.

Student Resources

Student Resources

• Cost of Attendance
• A.A.S. Surgical Technology Program Specific Cost
• Program Handbook

Admissions Information

• Program Admissions Application
• STEPS Session

Forms

• Background Check
• Clinical Requirements

For more information about Surgical Technology, contact:
Erin Ivey - 843-477-2077

For more information about Health Science Admissions visit: www.hgtc.edu/healthscience.

Accreditation Status

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health, Education Programs, 9355 113th St. N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775. (p) 727-210-2350 (f) 727-210-2354.

For more information about HGTC's accreditations, click here.

Program Effectiveness

View Program Effectiveness

Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Mission

The Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Surgical Technology Program is committed to supporting and implementing the mission statement of the College and to providing quality educational program to prepare competent surgical technology graduates for entry level employment in a variety of contemporary health care environments and thereby contribute to meeting health care needs and supporting economic progress of the diverse communities served. Promoting a student-centered learning environment that fosters the development of surgical technology professionals who demonstrate a commitment to safe, patient centered care through effective clinical decisions, collaborative skills, and technological proficiency. And providing an educational foundation which inspires a commitment to life-long career education and professional growth.

Goals  

1. Students will be competent entry-level surgical technologist.
2. Students will have cognitive skills needed for surgical technologist.
3. Students will have psychomotor skills needed for surgical technologist.
4. Students will demonstrate affective/professional behavior appropriate for surgical technologist.
5. Student achievement and program effectiveness

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to apply basic principles of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and microbiology during the pre-operative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of patient care.
2. Students will demonstrate a safe level of practice and knowledge in their role as a surgical technologist.
3. Students will demonstrate ethical, legal, moral and cultural awareness as they relate to patient care and how this awareness fosters cooperation and success among members of the surgical team.
4. Students will be able to correlate the elements, action and use of medications and anesthetic agents used during perioperative experience.
5. Students will exhibit safe practice techniques in their role in preparing the intraoperative environment, patient positioning and emergency procedures.
6. Students will integrate principles of aseptic techniques as part of the perioperative experience.
7. Students will apply appropriate knowledge and skills when addressing the physical and psychosocial needs of surgical patients.
8. Students will value the professional characteristics of the surgical technologist.
9. Students will demonstrate the ability to create and maintain an effective sterile field throughout the perioperative experience.

Program Disclosure Statement

Applicants to the Surgical Technology program should be aware a current, unrestricted license or certification may be required to practice in the state in which you intend to reside/practice. Each state is unique in its licensure requirements. Students are encouraged to reach out to the program chair for more information and assistance with understanding professional licensure.

Career Outlook & Employment Opportunities

Supervised clinical practice in surgical environments prepares the student for entry-level positions in such areas as:

For more information about careers, visit O*Net Online for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Career Services for more employment resources. 

 

Required Courses and Sample Schedules