Overview - Surgical Technology
Classes taught in the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technologist degree
will train you to work under medical supervision, assisting with invasive surgical
procedures. This degree combines knowledge of human anatomy, application of sterile
and aseptic techniques, and surgical procedures. Surgical technologists are allied
health professionals and work as part of a surgical team, often under the direct supervision
of surgeons. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification
exam.
View the Surgical Technology A.A.S. admissions and academic details.
Career Information
The career finder can help students decide upon the best career path for their area of study. It can provide valuable insights about occupations, salary, and employment trends related to each program of study offered at Walters State Community College. View the projected job growth and labor statistics for this academic program by entering a location.
*Modern Campus Pathways uses data provided by Lightcast.
The Walters State Experience
Why Should You “Write Your Story” at Walters State?
At Walters State, we focus on your success. Our classes are small and professors care about their students’ academic and career goals. Transfer to four-year colleges and universities is seamless through the Tennessee Transfer Pathway and articulation agreements. Want to start a career right after Walters State? Our technical certificates and associate of applied science degrees will train you for in-demand jobs in exciting fields, such as public safety, healthcare, technology and business.
Highlights
- Walters State has been twice awarded Tennessee Community College of the Year.
- Small classes and outstanding faculty who are focused on student success.
- 98% job placement rate for technical education graduates.
- Seamless transfer of classes to four-year colleges through the Tennessee Transfer Pathway program and articulation agreements.
Cost and Admissions
Apply to WSCC
Students must apply, meet admission requirements, and be accepted by Walters State Community College (WSCC).
Students are encouraged to:
- Indicate AS Health Programs as the desired major on the WSCC application form.
- Follow college policy for advising prior to registration.
- Successfully complete all required Learning Support courses prior to the selection process.
- Receive a grade of "C" or higher on all required BIOL courses including BIOL 2010/2011, 2020/2021, and 2230/2231. These courses are not required to complete prior to admission of the program. All BIOL courses must be completed with a satisfactory grade of "C" or higher by the end of the 3rd semester of the Surgical Technology program. Any transfer credits for BIOL courses must be less than 10 years old.
Funding Your Education
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.
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.
Program Outcomes
Outcomes
| Years | Retention | CST Pass Rate | Graduation Placement |
| 2024 | 79% | 64% | 100% |
| 2023 | 76% | 69% | 100% |
| 2022 | 81% | 92% | 92% |
Accreditation
Tennessee Code Annotated 68-57-101 states persons employed as a surgical technologist in the state of Tennessee shall:
- Have completed a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs CAAHEPP);or
- Successfully completed the surgical technologist exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting NBSTSAA).
Walters State Community College Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation on Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). Graduates from an accredited program will be eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting NBSTSAA).
Commission on Accreditation on Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Phone: 727.210.2350
Fax: 727.210.2354
https://www.caahep.org/
Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
(ARC/STSA)
Phone: 303.694.9262
Fax: 303.741.3655
https://www.arcstsa.org/
