SCC Surgical Technology Program on the rise following record-breaking year

Published on Jul 24, 2026

Somerset Community College's (SCC) Surgical Technology Program is celebrating a historic year of achievement as the program continues its rise as one of Kentucky's premier surgical technology education programs. From championship victories and exceptional student outcomes to record-breaking enrollment interest and strong graduate employment outcomes, the program has established new benchmarks for success.

The program captured the 2026 Kentucky State Assembly Scrub Bowl Championship, defeating teams from across Kentucky and neighboring states while showcasing the knowledge, professionalism, and technical skills of SCC's students.
SCC students also achieved a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the 2026 Outcomes Assessment Examination (OAE), a key measure of student preparedness and program effectiveness. In addition, the majority of graduates secured employment by the time of graduation, reflecting the strong demand for skilled surgical technologists and the reputation SCC graduates have earned among healthcare employers.

The momentum continues to build. The Surgical Technology Program received the largest applicant pool in its history for the upcoming academic year, a testament to growing awareness of the profession and confidence in the quality of education provided at SCC.
“The impact SCC Surgical Technology students are having on the healthcare field is truly remarkable,” said SCC Dean of Health Sciences Corey Moore. “The excellence they demonstrate in the classroom is translating directly into operating rooms across Kentucky, where they are making meaningful contributions to patient care and surgical teams. We are incredibly proud that SCC.”

The program's growth has been fueled in part by the innovative recruitment and career exploration efforts of Tammy Day, Program Coordinator, and Eric Overby, Clinical Coordinator. Together, they have developed engaging outreach initiatives that introduce prospective students to careers in surgical technology and help them better understand the vital role surgical technologists play within the healthcare team.

Overby has further expanded the program's reach through his educational social media presence on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. Through his Eric Unmasks platforms, he shares information about surgical technology education, career opportunities, and life in the operating room with an audience of more than 40,000 followers and subscribers. His content has helped bring national visibility to the profession while connecting thousands of prospective students to educational opportunities.

"Surgical technology is one of healthcare's hidden gems," Moore added. "Many students are unaware of the profession until they have an opportunity to see it firsthand. Eric and Tammy have been incredibly innovative in creating those opportunities, helping students explore a rewarding career path while contributing to the workforce needs of our region and state."
The profession continues to offer strong career opportunities for graduates. Across Kentucky, surgical technologists and related healthcare support occupations are expected to remain in demand as healthcare systems expand services and require highly trained professionals to support surgical teams. Surgical technologists play an essential role in ensuring procedures are performed safely and efficiently, working alongside surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality patient care.

As healthcare systems continue to seek highly trained surgical professionals, SCC's Surgical Technology Program remains committed to preparing graduates who are ready to succeed from day one.

With a state championship, record enrollment interest, exceptional examination outcomes, and strong graduate employment outcomes, the future has never looked brighter for Somerset Community College's Surgical Technology Program.

As the program continues to produce highly skilled graduates who are making a difference in operating rooms throughout the Commonwealth, now is the perfect time to begin your own journey. Contact SCC advisors at (606) 679-8501 or visit campus to enroll for fall classes beginning August 17.