Programs & Courses

Accredited

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

1361 Park St., Clearwater, FL. 33756

Tel:  727.210.2350

 

and the

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Certified Private Vocational Institution with The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Affliate Member of The Association of Surgical Technologists

Meets the Standards of the

National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting

 

Surgical Technology

Special Bulletins

  • Now Accepting Applications for July 2011.
  • Attend an Academic Planning and Information Session. 

The Surgical Technology Program began in the early 1950s in response to the need for qualified individuals to work in the hospital’s operating rooms. With over 50 years of experience teaching students to become competent Surgical Technologists, we welcome you to consider choosing our College.

As a Surgical Technologist you will be responsible for working with the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses to prepare the operating room with equipment, instruments and supplies for any operative procedure, anticipating and providing for the needs of the surgeon, maintaining aseptic technique during the procedure, and preparing instruments for reprocessing.

A Surgical Technologist is accurate and sets high standards of practice. They must possess a high degree of manual dexterity, good eye-hand coordination and be adaptable to changing technology in a fast-paced environment. Individuals who choose the surgical technology profession are deeply committed to quality patient-focused care and working as a team member in a highly specialized area.

Surgical Technologists are employed in a variety of healthcare settings including hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgical centers, physician’s offices, or the surgical or business industry.

Your Exceptional Learning Experience

  • Your Learning Experience is like no other. You will be well prepared with the competence and confidence you need to work as a Surgical Technologist.
  • 41-semester credit Program.
  • Divided into three major sections: Didactic, skills lab and preceptored clinical.
  • Didactic instruction is 345 hours in length and includes anatomy and physiology review, surgical technology surgical procedures, microbiology, patient care and concepts, technological sciences, and instrumentation.
  • Clinical instruction and skills laboratory instruction total 810 hours.  Instruction includes fundamental procedures, surgical technique, basic surgical skills development and individualized care. 
  • Transfer by credit is available to students who qualify.  See below for additional details.
  • Graduates of the Program receive a diploma in Surgical Technology and are expected to take the National Certification Exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) as a requirement for graduation from the Program. 

Prerequisites

Prior to submitting an application for admission, a minimum of Human Anatomy & Physiology I w/ lab must be completed and proof of enrollment in Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab. The prerequisites must be completed at an accredited institution with a “C” or better prior to starting the Program.  Prerequisites are not offered at Sentara College of Health Sciences.  Acceptance decisions may not be made until all required prerequisite courses are completed. 

High School Level – High School Diploma or GED
College Level Semester Credits
Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II w/ lab 5-8
Medical Terminology *

* Credits vary by course and school. Course and competency exam must be verified by the College.  Contact hours or college credit hours will be reviewed for approval.

If you are unsure of an acceptable prerequisite, please contact the School before registering at Request More Information

Useful Links

Transfer by Credit for Surgical Technology Program

External Transfer Students:

  • The Surgical Technology Program attended must be an ACICS or CAAHEP accredited program and must be a student who attended but did not complete the Program.
  • When considering awarding credit for Surgical Technology courses completed, the College uses factors such as final grades, hours for class and clinical experience, and similarity of the courses/clinical time completed.
  • Transfer students must attend a minimum of ST 301 and ST 310.

General Information Concerning Transfer Opportunity:

  • When considering awarding transfer by credit, the College uses factors such as transcripts, verification of employment, years of experience, and references.
  • For comprehensive details on all tranfer guidelines requirements visit the College Catalog.
  • Before consideration for tranfer by credit, applicants must meet Program admission requirements and be admitted into the respective Program.
  • The Allied Health Admissions Committee will review the applicant file to determine best course of action for the applicant.
  • Transfer credits are considered credit from other institutions accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditations (CHEA).
  • Admission to a particular course/semester is contingent upon available space in the course for which the student is requesting to enter. Placement availability will be determined by the Program Official.
  • If you are considering and feel you qualify for transfer by credit, attend an Academic Planning & Information Session or set an individual appointment with the Lisa Waterfield at lmwaterf@sentara.com