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.
If you're seeking a career in a high-demand field, we can help make your education even more affordable.
The Career Pathways Scholarship may cover the cost of tuition, fees and books if you're enrolled in a qualifying program at GTC.
Please note: Pre-Health Sciences students who are currently enrolled as Associate in Science students are not eligible for the scholarship until they are accepted and enrolled into the School of Health Sciences program they have selected.
Surgical technologists may work independently or through a medical personnel agency.
National Outlook
Additional information about a career in surgical technology is available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and is a good national overview of the profession.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THE PROGRAM
Students in the Surgical Technology program will learn:
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).
Surgical Technology
Associate in Applied Science
Surgical Tech degree program details from our current catalog »
Sterile Processing Technology
Certificate in Applied Science
Click the program below to view the ideal grouping of courses in order by semester. This plan assumes a full-time schedule. Note, however, that many variables can affect this plan, and not every course is offered every semester. Please see your advisor to map out your own personalized progression toward graduation.
In addition to the Greenville Technical College admissions process, outlined in these Enrollment Steps, students interested in a program in the School of Health Sciences must also
The Surgical Technology program strictly adheres to all School of Health Sciences policies detailed on the Health Sciences admissions information page.
Participating in a Career Talk session for your program is a requirement for all Health Sciences students. Career Talk is an information session that covers all program information, the admissions process and all aspects of the career. Due to the complex nature of the weighted admissions process, students are encouraged to review the career talk as soon as they have an interest in the program to make sure they have a clear understanding of the career and the acceptance process.
Access the Surgical Technology Career Talk (pdf) »
The application submission process for GTC's Surgical Technology Program is now electronic. The electronic application will only be accessible during the application acceptance periods, March 15-May 15. Applications are not accepted during any other timeframe. Questions related to the Weighted Admission process may be directed to Melissa.Donald@gvltec.edu.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/1/2023-7/31/2024 | 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% |
| 8/1/2018-7/31/2019 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 100% |
| 8/1/2017-7/31/2018 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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