Surgical Technology
Diploma
Contact Information
L. Gene Burke
706-771-4191
Augusta Campus - Building 900 - Room 913

Admission

Admission to the Surgical Technology program is competitive. Students must complete the Health Care Assistant program, which includes the Central Sterile Processing specialization in order to be considered for admission to the Surgical Technology program. General Core Courses (ENG 1010, MAT 1012 and PSY 1010) and designated Occupational Courses (AHS 1011, AHS 104, AHS 109 and SCT 100) must be completed in order to be evaluated for admission to the Surgical Technology program. For more information regarding this process, please contact the Admissions Office at (706) 771-4028.

Program Description

The Surgical Technology diploma program prepares students for employment in a variety of positions in the surgical field. Learning opportunities develop academic and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Surgical Technology graduates are prepared to function as surgical technologists in positions requiring advanced knowledge in surgical procedures. Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination for Surgical Technologist. High school graduation or GED is required for admission to this program.

Employment Opportunities

Surgical technicians are in demand for employment in hospitals, operating rooms, physicians’ offices, emergency rooms, ambulatory and day surgery centers, central sterile processing departments, and managerial roles, and more.

Notes:

• A grade of “C” or higher is required for all courses. A student will not be considered for admission to the Surgical Technology program if he/she has to repeat more than one course to obtain a grade of “C” or higher. This applies to applicable courses taken in any program at Augusta Technical College and transfer courses on all submitted transcripts.
• A student who does not earn a grade of “C” or higher in any course with the SUR prefix will have to wait one year before reentering the program. A student who does not earn a grade of “C” or higher in any two courses with the AHS, MAT, or SUR prefixes will not be allowed to reenter the Surgical Technology program.
• Prior to enrollment and participation in campus/clinical labs, students are required to submit completed medical and dental examination forms. These forms will be distributed by academic advisors. All required immunizations, including Hepatitis B, must be accompanied by documentation. Students who refuse to take the Hepatitis B vaccination series must sign a declination form and be aware that clinical practicum sites may refuse them an opportunity to gain clinical experience.
• Conviction of a felony or gross misdemeanor may prohibit employment in field and may make a student ineligible to take licensing/certification exam(s) required for the profession. A background check and/or drug screen may be required by some agencies before a student attends a clinical practicum. For more information, contact the appropriate program advisor.
• Student activities associated with the curriculum, especially while students are completing his or her clinical rotations, will be educational in nature. Students will not be receiving any monetary remuneration during this educational experience, nor will he or she be substituted for hired staff personnel within the clinical institution, in the capacity of a surgical technologist.