Surgical Technology, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science
171

Purpose:  To prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The program combines the use of surgical instruments, skills, and techniques with the theoretical knowledge required to perform as a Surgical Technologist in the operating room.

Program Objectives:  Certified Surgical Technologists may practice in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical care centers, eye centers, dental surgery centers, sterilization processing departments, endoscopy departments, organ procurement and surgical sales representatives.  

Program Goals:

1. Communicate effectively utilizing spoken, written and technical skills with patients, physicians and coworkers.
2. Demonstrate behavior that corresponds with an ethical and legal standard of the profession, adhering to their scope of practice, with honesty and moral integrity required to uphold patient care standards.
3. Demonstrate self-direction, accountability and responsibility for maintaining surgical competency by pursing personal and professional development.
4. Demonstrates the application of the principles of asepsis and surgical conscience in a knowledgeable manner that provides optimal patient care in the perioperative setting.
5. Integrate knowledge and incorporate learned competencies for the delivery of patient care as an entry-level surgical technologist during basic surgical procedures.
6. Recognizes the importance of professionalism through membership in professional organizations, thereby earning the title of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), and understands the necessity of life-long learning as a contribution to society.
7. Integrate knowledge of human anatomy, pathophysiology and surgical procedural steps, to anticipate the surgical team’s needs.

Surgical Technology Program Mission Statement: The Surgical Technology Program at Virginia Western Community College’s mission is to prepare, within a scholarly environment, ethical, knowledgeable, competent and caring surgical technologists who will function as part of the surgical team across surgical settings. The Surgical Technology Program supports Virginia Western Community College’s Mission and Vision.

Admission Requirements: This is a restricted admissions program.  Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to credit-level coursework established by the college.  Please see the program-specific admission requirements at https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academics/health-professions/surgical-technology/.

Placement Requirements:  A placement recommendation for college level math with or without the co-requisite or successful completion of MDE 10 .  And, a placement recommendation for ENG 111 , ENG 111 /EDE 11* , or successful completion of EDE 10 .

Program Notes: Individuals who have a felony or misdemeanor conviction may not be eligible for licensure. This decision is made by the Virginia Board of Medicine. For questions regarding this issue, call Virginia Board of Medicine (804) 367-4400. Clinical agencies may require that students have periodic background checks and drug screenings completed at the student’s expense before beginning enrichment rotations, VWCC requires a clear background and drug test prior to admission. 

Retention Policy:  Satisfactory progress is demonstrated by achieving a grade of “C” or better in all curricular courses. Students must satisfactorily complete BIO 142*  with a grade of “C” or above before progressing to the second year of the program. Because curricular components build upon each other over the five semesters, students must complete required Surgical Technology courses in sequence.

AAS degrees prepare students for direct employment upon completion of the degree. However, many programs may also transfer to four-year institutions. Graduates may continue their career pathway by becoming a Certified Surgical First Assistant, Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse or a Surgeon.