Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology

About the Program

Become an essential member of the surgical team and a trusted advocate for the patient in a wide range of surgical procedures.

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

As a Surgical Technologist, you will work with surgeons and circulating nurses to prepare the operating room. You’ll prepare equipment, instruments, and supplies for operative procedures; anticipate and provide for the needs of the surgeon; maintain aseptic technique during the procedure; and always act in the role of patient advocate.

Surgical Technologists are accurate and set high standards of practice. You must possess a high degree of manual dexterity, good eye-hand coordination, and be adaptable to changing technology in a fast-paced environment. To excel in the surgical technology profession, you must be deeply committed to quality patient-focused care and to working as a team member in a highly specialized area.

Your Educational Experience

As a student, you’ll learn in classrooms, skills labs, clinical settings, and online, thanks to the College’s emphasis on hybrid learning. You’ll learn material when it’s convenient for you, then come together in class to discuss what you’ve learned; or in skills labs, where you’ll apply that knowledge in a safe environment where surgical procedures can be simulated. You’ll gain 1,080 hours of hands-on experience in skills labs and clinicals – surpassing the requirements for licensure. So you’ll graduate from Sentara College prepared for one of the most challenging and rewarding careers anywhere. This approach to education is what makes Sentara College of Health Sciences one of the top healthcare schools in the region, and will set you apart from all others.

Surgical Technology at a Glance

  • Classes are held daytime, full-time - Monday through Friday
  • The Program is offered every August
  • The Surgical Technology Program has a simulated operating room lab, complete with prep area, trays, and selected equipment where students practice aseptic and surgical techniques
  • 1,080 hours of hands-on experience in skills labs, simulation, and clinicals
  • Learn and work in small groups, including 1:1 in clinicals
  • Gain clinical experience in renowned Sentara facilities
  • Now accepting applications for August 2025
  • Graduates receive priority placement within Sentara
  • 2024-2025 tuition, fees, and total cost of attendance

Career Opportunities in Surgical Technology

As a Surgical Technologist, you will enjoy employment opportunities across the country in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, operating rooms, and ambulatory surgery centers. Surgical Technologists assist physicians and surgeons in performing a variety of processes before, during, and after surgical procedures. You will graduate from Sentara College with a skill set that is in demand.

To learn about this program's state authorizations and compliance disclosures, please click here.

Interested in applying to this program?

Learn More

View all Facts

Accreditations & Certifications

Sentara College and the Surgical Technology Program are accredited and certified by:

Sentara College of Health Sciences is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)(abhes.org).

Sentara College of Health Sciences is certified to operate an institution of postsecondary education in Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Sentara College of Health Sciences' Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)(www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

The Sentara College of Health Sciences Surgical Technology Program meets the standards of the Association of Surgical Technologists Core Curriculum, 7th Edition.

The Sentara College of Health Sciences Surgical Technology program is programmatically accredited by ABHES.

Find Out If You´re Eligible to Apply

Have you graduated high school or equivalent?

Graduation from high school is a requirement. For more information please contact our Recruitment Office.

Are you a current US citizen or permanent resident?

We are only able to accept citizens or permanent residents. For more information please contact our Recruitment Office.

Have you completed college coursework?

Specific college credits are required. For more information please contact our Recruitment Office.

In order to apply, you must meet certain requirements. The list below represents the required courses that must be completed with a “C -” or higher. Please check off the courses you have completed to see if you qualify to apply!

Yes, you can apply!

Thank you. You have met the minimum qualifications to apply to the Surgical Technology program. (Transferability of coursework is not guaranteed and is only official after review from our Admissions Advisor. It is recommended that you received a transcript from our Recruitment Team prior to submitting your application.)

 

Also, prior to beginning your program, you are required to complete any remaining prerequisites with a “C-” or higher.

 

 

Apply Now

 

 

At this time you are missing some prerequisites for the Surgical Technology Program. For more information please contact our Recruitment Office.

Transfer Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: These lists contain courses currently offered at local and online colleges and are intended as a quick reference guide only. This is not necessarily a complete list at the referenced college and does not take the place of a transcript review from our College. Other courses at the referenced colleges below may satisfy our general education course requirements. Sentara College of Health Sciences will assist you with approval of general education courses not on the below list.

All coursework must be completed with a "C-" or higher.

General Education Course Equivalents at Select Colleges

Watch the Videos

What's Next