Surgical Technology (AAS-SUR)

Program Location:  Bay Minette Campus

Nursing and Allied Health Division

Length: Five-Six Semesters

This program is designed to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists for employment as members of the surgical team in any surgical facility setting. Program instruction includes cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. Students may obtain their Certification as a Surgical Technologist after successful completion of this program and upon passing the national certification examination. Students will relate theoretical knowledge to the care of patients undergoing surgery and will develop skills necessary to prepare supplies, equipment, and instruments; maintain aseptic conditions; and assist surgeons with surgical procedures. Employment opportunities may be attained in labor/delivery departments, inpatient/outpatient surgery centers, hospital surgery departments, physicians’ offices, and central supply departments.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Admission is for fall semester of each year. A separate surgical technology application is due by July 15 for fall enrollment. To be eligible, applicants must:

  1. Be unconditionally admitted to the College and be an active student in good standing (Minimum 2.0 GPA).
  2. Submit all transcripts to the registrar or admissions by application deadline.
  3. Submit completed Surgical Technology Program Application by stated deadline.
  4. Complete or be in the process of completing the following five required general education courses with a grade of C or higher; ENG 101, MTH 100 or more advanced, BIO 201, BIO 202 or 220, and a Humanities elective (note ORI 101 is required of first time college students and BIO 103 is prerequisite to the Anatomy's unless the student has had other Biology coursework or a certificate/degree in a health-related field that may allow for a waiver of the BIO 103 requirement.
  5. Meet essential eligibility criteria.

Completion of the above requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. There is a class size limit of 24 students. Prospective students are rank ordered using a point system to determine acceptance into the program.

Students are selected based on the following point system:
  1. 3 points for an A, 2 points for a B, and 1 point for a C in MTH 100, ENG 101, BIO 201, BIO 202, and BIO 220.
  2. 1 point for a C or higher in PSY 200 or 210, SPH 106 or 107, and a Humanities elective such as Art or Music Appreciation, Theater, Ethics, Philosophy, Religion, or foreign language.
  3. 10 points for GPA of 3.1-4.0, 5 points for a GPA of 2.1-3.0, O points for GPA 2.0 or less.
  4. 1 point for Chemistry or an advanced Math.

Upon provisional acceptance into the program, students are required to provide a physical exam showing the ability to meet essential eligibility criteria (as outlined in the Surgical Technology application), CPR certification, proof of medical insurance, and records of immunization. Students will also be required to submit a background check and drug screen with results accepted by clinical affiliates. 

Note: Students desiring to obtain BLS CPR certification at Coastal may enroll in EMS 100 during the first semester of the Surgical Technology Program.

The courses listed in the below degree plan are required for an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Students are eligible to take the certification exam and work as surgical technologists upon completion of the degree.  A minimum of a 'C' is required in all program courses including the required general education courses in order to progress in the program.

This is a career program designed for students to go directly into the labor market upon completion. Although some of the courses in this program will transfer to four-year institutions, this program is not designed to be a transfer program of study; therefore, it is not subject to the terms and conditions of Alabama Transfers state transfer and articulation reporting system.

The Coastal Alabama Community College Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 
www.caahep.org 
9355 113th St N, #7709 
Seminole, FL 33775 
727-210-2350 

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) 
https://arcstsa.org/ 
19751 East Mainstreet, Suite #339
Parker, CO 80138 
303-694-9262

Semester One

ORI 101 will be required for those without prior college coursework as specified in the College Catalog. 

Principles of Biology, BIO 103, is a pre-requisite for Anatomy & Physiology I which is a pre-requisite for program admission.  (Contact the Biology Division Chair to determine if the requirement for BIO 103 may be waived.)

MTH 116, Mathematical Applications, does not meet the minimum requirement for Math.  

EMS 100 is an optional course for students to pursue CPR certification for the healthcare provider.

Item #
Title
Credits
BIO 103 or BIO 201  +
4
Sub-Total Credits
13

Semester Two

SPH 106 or 107 fulfills the Speech requirement.

Item #
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
14

Semester Three (Fall)

BIO 202 to be taken this semester, if not already completed.

Item #
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
16

Semester Four (Spring)

Item #
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
9

Complete Graduation Application

Complete the graduation application and begin the process of a review of your degree plan before your final semester.

Total credits:
60