Surgical Technology

What is Surgical Technology?

Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings such as medical offices, out-patient clinics, and the operating room. 

The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures.  This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic techniques and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

This program provides clinical experience built upon classroom instruction in the basic sciences, patient care, aseptic techniques and surgical procedures. CPR (for Healthcare Professionals) requirements must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in clinicals mid-October and must be kept current throughout the program.

Graduates receiving their degrees meet the requirements to take the national certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). All students must take this exam to graduate.

What are my career choices?

The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure 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 technologist work in medical offices, outpatient clinics and operating rooms. SCC's Surgical Technology program had a 100% job placement rate for 2022 and per the Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) Salary Map, the average KY salary is $23.85 per hour. 

What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?

Advising Plans

Length of Program

You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.

Pre-Admission Conference

A pre-admissions conference is required prior to applicant’s consideration by the Surgical Technology Admissions Committee. You can now participate in the pre-admission conference online.

After viewing the online pre-admission conference, a student may then print the application and verification form and hand in the completed documents to Tammy Day, Program Coordinator.

If a student applied to the program or attended a pre-admission conference in the past, the student must still view the online pre-admission conference each semester and submit a new application and other necessary information to be considered for acceptance.

Admission Documents

Pre-Admission Conference
Admission Point System
Program Application (please read the pre-admission conference before applying)

Additional Criteria

Students must undergo a drug/background check and submit the following documentation prior to clinicals:

• Current CPR certification from the American Heart Association
• Eye exam
• Physical exam
• Immunization records: MMR or titer, Tdap/Tetanus or titer, Varicella or titer, Hepatitis B or titer, TB skin test, Influenza, COVID-19

Accreditation

The Surgical Technology program at Somerset Community College is accredited through:

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), www.arcstsa.org

19751 E. Mainstreet
Suite #339
Parker, CO 80138
(303) 694-9262

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), www.caahep.org

9355 113th St. N
#7709 Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), www.sacscoc.org

SACS
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 679-4500

 

Professional Organization, Association of Surgical Technologists, www.ast.org

National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), www.nbstsa.org

3 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
(800) 707-0057