Surgical Technology (A.A.S.)

Students intending to apply to the Walters State Community College Surgical Technology program may begin working on the general education courses at any time. All prerequisite program courses must be completed prior to application. The program professional courses must be taken in sequence and are offered only at the Walters StateSevierr County Campus except for the clinical courses. 

Walters State Community College is supported by state funding and therefore must consider in-state residents before out-of-state residents for acceptance into the Surgical Technology program. Please contact the Office of Admissions for assistance in determining Tennessee residency. 

The Surgical Technology program adheres to the core performance standards adopted by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Admission to and progression in the Surgical Technology program is not based on these standards but should be used to assist the student in determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary. The standards are:

• Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment;
• Interpersonal abilities sufficient to effectively interact with individuals, families, and
  groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds;
• Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written
  form;
• Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small
  spaces;
• Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective surgical care;
• Auditory abilities sufficient to monitor and assess surgical needs;
• Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in surgical care;
• Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment.

If a student believes that one of more of the standards cannot be met without accommodation or modification, the Surgical Technology program will determine whether or notaccommodations or modification can be reasonably made. A student should contact the Director of Surgical Technology for assistance. 

Eligibility Criteria for Admission

• Have an overall minimum GPA of 2.0;
• Have official copies of previous college transcripts sent to WSCC Admissions Office;
• Attach an unofficial copy of your college transcripts to the application.

Selection Criteria

These items are the areas in which students are awarded program application ranking points.

• Grades 1st received in program BIOL courses
  (Students who complete BIOL 2010/11, 2020/21, and 2230/31 prior to program admission increase their chances of academic and clinical success in the Surgical Technology program.)
• Students who are enrolled in BIOL 2010/2011 and BIOL 2020/2021 for summer term will be given consideration, with possible conditional admission into the Surgical Technology program pending final summer grades.
• Designated Admission Exam: ACT 19 or > or HESII-A2 > 80% on all sections. Admission exams must have been completed within the last 5years;
• Overall GPA in all required general education and prerequisite courses;
• Completion of all general education requirements;
• Qualified applicants will be contacted by phone to schedule an interview.

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Tuition is set each June by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Tuition and fees for the current academic year may be viewed on the Cashiers Office website.

All tuition and fees are subject to change by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

*A Specialized Allied Health Science Fee of $25 per credit hour will be applied to all Allied Health Science courses. See Tuition and Fees link above.

** Program courses taken in an online format are subject to a distance education fee.

Books, Supplies and Additional Program Expenses

• Books
  Visit Walters State Bookstore for book titles and prices
• Supplies
  Uniforms, clinical and lab supplies
• Liability Insurance
  Physical examination and immunizations
• CPR certification
  Criminal background check/Drug screening
• Credentialing Requirements

Four types of financial aid are available; federal, state, institutional and other sources. Students need to send FAFSA information to the college for consideration for state and/or federal money (lottery scholarships, Pell grants, etc.). WSCC is an eligible institution for Hope (lottery) scholarships. For specific information please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Cost & Aid