Under the supervision of a surgeon, surgical technologists assist in the set-up of an operating room with sterile instruments, equipment and linens. During surgery, they are responsible for maintaining the sterile field and passing instruments, sutures and sponges. Surgical technologists may assist the circulator with patient care and clean and stock rooms after the surgical procedure.
Greenville Technical College's Surgical Technology curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience, gained in a realistic, state-of-the-art simulated operating room.
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Surgical technologists enjoy flexible career paths, working either independently or through medical personnel agencies.
While most are employed in hospital operating rooms and labor and delivery rooms, they are also in demand across specialized settings. Additional opportunities exist in outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and the private offices of physicians and dentists
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The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of Allied Health Education Program (www.caahep.org) upon recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assistants (www.arcstsa.org).
Students who successfully complete Greenville Technical College's Surgical Technology Associate Degree program are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam and, upon passing, will become certified surgical technologists.
Students who successfully complete first semester of Phase II of the Surgical Technology program will have earned a certificate in Sterile Processing and completed 60 clinical hours of hands-on training in a local hospital.
Professional Licensure and Certification Requirements
Students who are considering an academic program that may allow them to pursue professional licensure in another state are strongly encouraged to check that state’s information and contact the appropriate licensing agency for additional information and guidance before beginning the program.
Greenville Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.
Questions about the accreditation of Greenville Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
The Surgical Technology program is designed as a two-phase program, where Phase I includes your general education and related courses, which may be taken at Greenville Technical College or any articulating college.
Upon successful completion of Phase I, qualified students are eligible to apply for Phase II of the Surgical Technology program. Admission into the Greenville Technical College Surgical Technology Phase I program does not guarantee admission into Phase II of the program.
The application and admission process for Phase II is competitive and requires additional steps beyond admission to the college.
| Item | Cost | When Due |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Refer to current tuition rates* | Each semester |
| Criminal Background Check/Drug Screen | Approximately $100 | Before beginning Phase II |
| Physical Exam/Immunizations | Cost varies | Before beginning Phase II |
| CPR Certification | Approximately $100 through the American Heart Association | Before beginning Phase II |
| Books/Laptop Computer | Approximately $2000* total | Before beginning Phase II |
| Uniforms and Clinical Supplies | Approximately $250* | Before beginning Phase II |
| Lab and Course Fees (includes Exit exam and 1 NBSTSA exam) | Approximately $1000 | Before beginning Phase II |
| Graduation Pin | Cost varies $25 - $75 | Summer Semester |
These costs are estimates only. Transportation, meals, laundering of uniforms, etc. not included.
*Some of these costs may be covered by financial aid.
Surgical Technology Mission Statement
The Surgical Technology Department is dedicated to the preparation of individuals to meet the health care needs of the public. Graduate surgical technologists will be able to provide competent care to individuals, families and communities. Competent care encompasses the promotion of health and wellness, knowledge in health care policy, promotion of advocacy, utilization and participation in competency-based education and application of leadership skills in a variety of health care settings.
Surgical Technology Student Handbook »
Program Goals
The goal of the Surgical Technology Program is to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
The program will provide opportunities/resources to equip the student with skills required to become gainfully employed as a CST.
Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology, the graduate will:
Student O1: demonstrate a knowledge base in surgical technology necessary to function as an entry-level graduate.
Student O2: demonstrate professional behavior related to judgment, attitude, teamwork, and communication.
Student O3: demonstrate competency in surgical technology practices.
Program Outcomes: The Surgical Technology program will:
Program O4: prepare competent entry-level technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Program O5: provide opportunities/resources to equip students with skills required to become gainfully employed as a CST.
| Reporting Year | # of Students Graduated | # of Students Taking the CST Exam | # of Students Passed | % of Students Passing the CST Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/1/2025-7/31/2026 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 100% |
| 8/1/2024-7/31/2025 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 100% |
| 8/1/2023-7/31/2024 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 100% |
| 8/1/2022-7/31/2023 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 100% |
| 8/1/2021-7/31/2022 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 100% |
| 8/1/2020-7/31/2021 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 100% |
| 8/1/2019-7/31/2020 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 100% |
Academic Program Director
Melissa Donald, MSN, RN, CNOR, CST
Melissa.Donald@gvltec.edu
864-250-8565
Surgical Technology Instructor
Brenda Moon RN, CST
Brenda.Moon@gvltec.edu
864-250-8298