Surgical Technology, AS (Knoxville)

The Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program requires successful completion of 95.5 total quarter credit hours; and, is designed to be completed in six quarters over 18 months by full-time students. The curriculum requires a variety of general education courses, as well as foundational courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and microbiology for the Surgical Technologist.

The program prepares individuals to assist in the care of the surgical patient in the operating room and to function as a member of a surgical team. Students apply theoretical knowledge to the care of the surgical patient and develop skills necessary to prepare surgical supplies and equipment, maintain aseptic conditions, and assist surgeons during surgery.

Goals/Learning Outcomes

The goal of the South College Surgical Technology program is to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Graduates of this program of study will:

1. Demonstrate competency in the background information, content, and skills required for performance as a surgical technologist in the operating room.
2. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with all members of the health care team in terms of staff and patient needs.
3. Exhibit conduct that reflects practice standards that are legal, ethical, and safe.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Surgical Technology program offered at the Knoxville campus is seeking accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 25400 US Highway N, Suite 158 Clearwater, FL 33763, www.caahep.org, and (727) 210-2350. Accreditation must be awarded to the program prior to graduates being able to attempt the required certification examination to practice as a Surgical Technologist.

Admission

Student applying to this program must:

1. Be generally admitted to South College;
2. Meet specific health and/or essential functions pertinent to the responsibilities performed by the Surgical Technologist;
3. Complete five (5) hours of observation in a surgery suite as scheduled/approved by the Program Director.
4. Students will be required to consent to a drug screening and background check prior to beginning clinical rotations. Failure to pass the screenings may disqualify a student as a candidate for admission.
5. Clinical sites are dispersed; students may have to drive outside of the Knoxville area for clinical rotations.

Students will be accepted on a conditional basis until all admission requirements are met. Readmission to the program is limited to one time on a space available basis.

The Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program curriculum below is offered at the Knoxville campus.