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Surgical Technology - Associate in Applied Science

Program Requirements:

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Locations:

Grand Strand

Contact:

Admissions
(843) 347-3186

surgical technicians prepare for surgery

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.

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 quesions, please contact the program director.

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
  • Urine Drug Screening (UDS) 30 days prior to students enrolling in the Surgical Technology Program. An applicant with an unfavorable UDS 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.

Course Sequence and Progression Requirements
A minimum grade of "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.

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.

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

  • Hospital operating room departments
  • Obstetrical departments
  • Surgical supply and/or processing departments
  • Outpatient surgical centers
  • Surgeon office practices

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. 

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.

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.

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

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

Curriculum Sequence

First Semester - Fall Course Title Semester Credit Hours
AHS 102 Medical Terminology 3
BIO 210 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
ENG 101 English Composition  3
SUR 101 Introduction to Surgical Technology 5
SUR 126 Principles of Surgical Pharmacology 1
  TOTAL 16
Second Semester - Spring    
BIO 211 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
Humanities Elective 3
SUR 102 Applied Surgical Technology 5
SUR 103 Surgical Procedures 4
  TOTAL 16
Third Semester - Summer    
SUR 104 Surgical Procedures II 4
SUR 112 Surgical Practicum 4
  TOTAL 8
Fourth Semester - Fall    
BIO 225 Microbiology 4
SUR 105 Surgical Procedures III 4
SUR 113 Surgical Practicum II 6
  TOTAL 14
Fifth Semester - Spring    
PSY 201 General Psychology 3
SUR 114 Surgical Specialty Practicum 7
SUR 120 Surgical Seminar 2
  TOTAL 12
 

Total Credit Hours

66