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School of Health Professions

Surgical Technology

  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Program Snapshot

Your Learning Options
In-Person, Hybrid, Online

66 Credit Hours

Estimated Time to Complete
2 years (4 full-time semesters)

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour
$176.00 | Calculate your costs

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Why Surgical Technology?

Embark on a comprehensive education in Surgery Technology that ensures you are equipped with the skills and expertise needed for success in the field.

  • Dive deep into surgical procedures, asepsis principles, sterile techniques, and the proper handling of surgical instruments and equipment.
  • Benefit from a balanced approach with classroom learning, hands-on labs, and clinical settings to refine your skills.
  • Gain real-world experience through clinical rotations in hospitals or surgical centers.
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Students have access to a new surgical technology lab at the recently renovated Downtown Campus.

Paying for College

We are committed to using all of the available funds to help you gain access to a college education. In fact, more than 91% of our students graduate without any educational debt. In 2023, Reynolds Community College students received over $21 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships with the average aid awarded totaling over $4,000 per student.

Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments. Textbook Assistance and Laptop Lending Programs are also available. Be sure to explore all the types of financial aid available as well!

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G3 financial assistance at Reynolds can help cover tuition for select programs like this one! Starting something new or changing a career path can be scary, but if you want to earn workplace certifications or an academic degree that leads to a career, G3 tuition assistance can help remove the financial barrier of going to college.

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Why Reynolds?

We are more than a community college.

Reynolds is the key that unlocks the door to your academic and professional success. Here you will find a safe place to start. We will help you explore, dream, succeed, try, and try again. Our amazing faculty and highly personalized advisors, your Reynolds Navigators, are well known for guiding you to discover that "aha moment.” That means an outstanding college experience, less debt, more freedom, and a solid start on your future.

A surgical technologist arranges surgical tools.
Affordability

Enjoy lower tuition fees at Reynolds, making education more accessible and reducing financial burdens on students.

Clinical Experience

Work under the guidance of experienced surgical technologists and healthcare professionals to apply your learned skills in a live environment.

A surgical technologist carefully holds a pair of surgical scissors.
A surgical room with a collection of surgical tools.
Experienced Faculty

Learn from seasoned professionals in health professions and surgical technology. Our faculty brings valuable real-world insights, enriching your educational experience.

The only secret is to keep going… If you fall 100 times then you get up 101 times.

Keya Wingfield

2009 Graduate, Food Network Baking Champion

Keya Wingfield

From Reynolds to a Career in Surgical Technology

Studying surgical technology offers individuals a unique opportunity to actively contribute to the healthcare field by playing a crucial role in surgical procedures. With hands-on training and specialized knowledge, students can become integral members of surgical teams, assisting surgeons and ensuring the smooth operation of the operating room, all while experiencing the fulfillment of making a positive impact on patient outcomes.

Class Highlights

SUR 150 - Surgical Instrumentation

Explore a wide range of instruments used in surgical procedures. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the identification, handling, and maintenance of surgical instrumentation.

SUR 250 - Surgical Pharmacology

Learn about the drugs commonly used in surgical settings, including anesthetics, antibiotics, and pain management medications.

SUR 210 - Surgical Procedures

Delve into complex techniques used in various surgery specialties like OB/gyn, plastics & reconstruction, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic, and orthopedics.

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Program Roadmap

Get all the details on our Surgical Technology program, including class sequences, admission requirements, financial considerations, and more.

Additional Program Information

PURPOSE: The Surgical Technology AAS program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level careers as members of a surgical team in the operating room under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures

More information, including all current program policies can be found in the Surgical Technology Student Handbook.

OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES: This program will prepare students for entry-level employment as surgical technologists in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty clinics. Preparing students for required certification exams as required for employment. The programs emphasize hands-on experience through clinical rotations in hospitals or surgical centers, which is essential for understanding the operating room’s dynamics and the functioning of a surgical team. The curriculum has a strong emphasis on adhering to safety and infection control standards to prevent complications and ensure patient safety.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Graduates from the AAS Surgical Technology degree program will be required to exhibit the following program-specific learning outcomes in three learning domains:
  • Cognitive domain:
    • Understand the importance of ethical principles and legal standards
    • Integrate knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, and microbiology
    • Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Psychomotor domain:
    • Deliver patient care with ethical considerations
    • Demonstrate compassionate interventions towards patients and healthcare team members
    • Display professionalism by showing respect, reliability, and competence within the surgical environment
  • Affective domain:
    • Deliver patient care with ethical considerations
    • Demonstrate compassionate interventions towards patients and healthcare team members
    • Display professionalism

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: General college curricular admission and program-specific criteria.

APPLICATION TO THE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM: Applications may be submitted via email for the Surgical Technology program from February 1 through May 31 for applicants to have priority consideration for entrance for the following fall semester. Students who have completed their prerequisite courses may obtain an application by emailing alliedhealthadmissions@reynolds.edu and requesting one.

Any applications received after the published application deadline may be considered by the Department Chair on a space-available basis. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the appropriate department receives all records and documentation by the published application deadline.

PROGRAM NOTES: A criminal background check and drug screen are required upon admission to the Surgical Technology AAS program. Random drug screens and repeat background checks may be required for current or returning students at any time. A student with an unsatisfactory background check and/or drug screening will be dismissed from the Surgical Technology AAS program.

A student accepted to the Surgical Technology AAS program must sign an Assumption of Risk document that serves to provide a general outline of hazards encountered within surgical technology. This list includes, but is not limited to, exposure to infectious, biological, chemical, environmental/mechanical, and psychosocial hazards, as well as loss of personal property.

READMISSION PROCEDURES: A student who has an absence of greater than 12 months within the Surgical Technology AAS program must meet current admission and curriculum requirements and satisfy the following criteria:

  1. The applicant must submit a readmission request in writing to the department chair at least thirty (30) days prior to application. The request must be a detailed personal reflection of the reason(s) for the absence or unsuccessful performance and a plan of correction.
  2. One (1) readmission to the Surgical Technology degree program will be permitted.
  3. The applicant applying for readmission may be required to interview with the Department Chair and other program faculty.
  4. An acceptable level of discipline-specific competency may need to be demonstrated prior to readmission. A student with previous unsatisfactory clinical performance must be recommended for readmission by consensus of the program faculty. Note: The Department Chair will verify that all readmission documents including licensure/credentials are current and valid.
  5. Readmission is contingent upon the availability of space.
  6. Students who are dismissed for reasons associated with academic misconduct or code of ethics violations will not be considered for readmission.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: Selection of Health Professions CSC (plan code 221-190-01) on the Reynolds Community College general admission application. (Please Note: VCCS student email accounts are the only accepted email account for all correspondence)

  1. BIO 141, BIO 142, or any BIO equivalent transfer courses for credit must be taken within 10 years of admission into the first semester of the program.
  2. All prerequisite courses for the AAS Surgical Technology Program (SUR 100, BIO 141, ENG 111, SDV 101, HLT 143, and HLT 105) must be completed prior to the program application deadline or provide evidence of enrollment with successful completion prior to the first semester of the program.
  3. Submission of official college transcripts to the Registrar’s Office for consideration of transfer credit for courses is required. All decisions for transfer credit are determined by the Registrar’s Office. The applicant is solely responsible for confirming transfer credits are posted by the Registrar. An additional copy of the transcripts must accompany the program-specific application.
  4. Curricular GPA of 2.5 or higher in the fourteen (14) credits of general education prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or above (SUR 100, BIO 141, ENG 111, SDV 101, HLT 143, HLT 105).
  5. Applications are ranked based on completion of coursework and curricular GPA.
  6. A selected applicant must accept or deny admission electronically, via their Reynolds student email account, as directed, via the Accepted Student Response Form by the identified date or forfeit their seat.

CONTINUATION IN THE PROGRAM: A student must maintain the following standards or they will be dismissed from their respective program.

    1. A grade of “C” or better in each surgical technology course and a grade of “C” in required science course.
    2. Completion of curricular courses as specified by the degree checklist. A student may only enroll in the courses listed in their qualified semester.
    3. Evidence of personal health insurance and physical examination prior to clinical training.
    4. Be physically and mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the program as defined in the program’s Functional Skills Requirements (see below).
    5. A student deemed ineligible to return to a clinical site due to conduct violations will not be eligible for re-admission into the Surgical Technology AAS program.

The Reynolds Policy of Student Conduct (Policy 1-35) applies to all students regardless of the program in which they are enrolled.

Successful completion of the Reynolds Community College Surgical Technology AAS program does not guarantee state registration or national certification to practice.  Graduates must successfully complete the required state or national examination and registry requirements for the locality in which they are seeking employment.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS: Students entering the Surgical Technology AAS program must possess the following functional skills:

  • Sufficient eyesight to observe patients, manipulate equipment, and visually monitor the sterile field in dim light;
  • Sufficient hearing to communicate with patients and members of a health care delivery team, hear necessary sounds during the operation of equipment, and hear muffled, masked voices.
  • Satisfactory speaking, reading, and writing skills to communicate effectively in English in a timely manner;
  • Sufficient bilateral finger and hand dexterity to manipulate equipment and instruments.
  • Ability to lift, stoop, or bend in the delivery of safe patient care;
  • Satisfactory physical strength and endurance to stand for extended periods, push equipment, and move immobile patients; lift heavy instrument sets, and
  • Satisfactory intellectual and emotional functioning to ensure patient safety and to exercise independent judgment and discretion in performing tasks associated with the role of a surgical technologist.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the regular college tuition and fees, the program requires the following (these costs are approximate and subject to change):

Program Fees
Uniform (per set) $50.00
Operating Room Shoes $50.00
Textbooks and Required Supplemental Materials $600.00
National Certification Examination Fee - must be paid by end of 3rd semester (includes review materials and student membership fee) $257.00
Background Search, Drug Screen, Fingerprinting $150.00
Surgical Technology Student Supplies $160.00
Varied Physical Examinations (immunizations, titers, if needed) varies
Proof of health insurance varies
Clinical facility costs related to onboarding $60.00

 

PROGRESSION THROUGH THE PROGRAM: Reynolds relies on affiliation agreements with community agencies to provide clinical education opportunities for surgical technology students. The rapid changes in health care law, standards of practice, technology, content of credentialing examinations, and availability of qualified faculty increasingly necessitate sudden changes in the program’s course content, policies, procedures, and course scheduling. As a result, the college cannot guarantee every student continuous and uninterrupted clinical and course instruction as outlined in the printed catalog curriculum for this program. Circumstances beyond the control of the college may necessitate the postponement of course offerings or changes in the sequencing and/or location of scheduled courses or clinical assignments. Additionally, the college may have to change the instructor for courses after instruction has started.

CLINICAL CONTRACTS: Individual contracts are in effect with each affiliate clinical agency, and these contracts differ in requirements for students. In general, contracts include the following:

  1. Clinical facilities reserve the right to dismiss a student from their facility at any time. Students must wear the proper uniform, in accordance with program and health care agency standards.
  2. Students must follow all published health care agency policies.
  3. Students must meet the health, immunity, and immunization requirements specified by the affiliated health care agency. Failure to comply with these requirements will prevent the student from meeting specific course learning outcomes required for program progression.
  4. Students release the facility, its agents, and its employees from any liability for injury or death to self, or damage to personal property, arising from participation in the clinical experience. (An Assumption of Risk form is signed and placed on file upon acceptance into the program.)
  5. Students are financially responsible for any medical care required while in the clinical setting.
  6. Students must maintain current certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers, or an alternative CPR certification as approved by the Department Chair.
  7. Demonstration of professional behavior is expected at all clinical learning experiences. Faculty may direct a student to leave the clinical setting if unacceptable behavior is observed.
  8. The health care agency may deny a student participation in clinical learning experiences based on the results of the required background check and drug screening.
  9. Students may be required to attend a health care agency orientation as scheduled in order to remain enrolled in a clinical course.
  10. To maintain enrollment in a clinical course, students must submit all required clinical documentation for each assigned clinical rotation. Failure to do so will prevent the student from meeting specific course learning outcomes required for program progression.

EXPECTATIONS: The student is required to complete a sequence of courses and learning experiences provided at the college and selected community health care agencies. During these experiences, the Surgical Technology faculty will observe, monitor, and evaluate the student’s ability to achieve program outcomes through lab skills, direct patient care, and clinical practice.

FOUR SEMESTER CURRICULUM MODEL: Students who enter the program with (American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers) certification are not required to complete HLT 105 and will receive credit by ABLE.

NOTE: Current CPR certification is required during all clinical courses.

Pre-requisites (must be completed prior to admission)
Course Credits
BIO 141 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4
ENG 111 College Composition I 3
SDV 101 Orientation to Health Science 1
SUR 100 Introduction to Surgical Technology 2
HLT 143 Introduction to Medical Terminology 3
HLT 105 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 1
Semester Total 14
Semester I (Fall)
BIO 142 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4
SUR 140 Surgical Care I 3
SUR 145 Surgical Care Skills I 3
SUR 150 Surgical Instrumentation 2
Semester Total 12
Semester II (Spring)
SUR 135 Infection Control 2
SUR 240 Surgical Care II 3
SUR 245 Surgical Care Skills II 3
SUR 250 Surgical Pharmacology 2
PSY 230 Developmental Psychology 3
Semester Total 13
Semester III (Summer)
SUR 210 Surgical Procedures 3
SUR 260 Surgical Technology Clinical Practicum 8
ENG 112 English Composition II 3
Semester Total 14
Semester 4 (Fall)
SUR 254 Professional Issues in Surgical Technology 2
SUR 296 On-site Training 5
SUR 298 Seminar and Project 3
PHI 220 Ethics 3
Semester Total 13

 

ACCREDITATION: The Reynolds Community College AAS Surgical Technology program has an initial site visit scheduled for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (www.caahep.org). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor the guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

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