Surgical Technology

The Surgical Technology program provides quality surgical technology education to the geographically large and rural service area of East Tennessee. The program prepares individuals to apply to take the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam.

This program is designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.  

Degree: Associate of Applied Science

Emphasis: Surgical Technology

Admission

Due to limited enrollment, there are special admission policies for Walters State Community College.

Applicants must:

1. Complete the Walters State Community College (WSCC) admissions process to become an admitted student, be at least 18 years old by the end of spring semester of the year petitioning for admission AND
2. Must meet one of the following minimum academic requirements:
   1. Students must attain a composite score of 19 or above on the ACT taken within the last three years OR attain a GPA of 2.5 or better after completion of at least eight semester hours of general education courses required in the selected degree program and an overall GPA of 2.0 prior to the published application deadline. The completed courses must be required in the Surgical Technology program and include BIOL 2010/2011 and 2020/2021.
   2. Students 21 years of age or older must attain a GPA of 2.5 or better after completion of at least eight hours of general education course and an overall GPA of 2.0 prior to the published application deadline. The completed courses must be required in the Surgical Technology program and include BIOL 2010/2011 and 2020/2021.
3. Meet the following admission requirements:
   1. Satisfy all learning support competencies prior to acceptance into the Surgical Technology program.
   2. Complete an interview to be considered for admission to the program. The top candidates will be selected for an interview based on the admission criteria point system.
   3. Be able to physically meet the demands of the job as defined by the discipline, available industry standards and the public’s expectations.
4. The applicant must complete the electronic application by the published program deadline. Go to http://www.ws.edu. Click on Academics>Health Programs>Surgical Technology>Apply Online and complete the Surgical Technology Program application through the Health Programs Application Portal.
5. The Program Director/Clinical Coordinator will complete a list of recommended candidates for admission to their program indicating that all of the general and program admission criteria and required documents have been verified.
6. Final selection of students will be made by the Surgical Technology Admissions Committee.
7. Admission to the degree program is required prior to enrolling in Surgical Technology discipline-specific courses.
8. Students will be notified electronically by email of acceptance to Surgical Tech degree program. Students must acknowledge their acceptance via reply email by the designated response date stated in the acceptance email.

All students meeting minimum criteria will be considered competitively. MEETING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE. Preference will be given to Tennessee residents.

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks and drug screening are a requirement at affiliated clinical sites utilized for training in healthcare related programs. Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow your presence at their facility. Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow your presence at their facility. This would result in your inability to successfully complete the requirements of the program. Students will be responsible for the costs of the background check. Additionally, a criminal background may preclude certification with licensure or employment. More information is available from your program director.

Health Guidelines

Complete required physical exam/health verification prior to enrollment. Students will be responsible for the cost of the physical examination and required immunizations and/or testing.

Students will be required to meet all health guidelines of affiliated clinical agencies including current AHA CPR for healthcare provider. Personal health insurance may be required by some agencies. Students are highly encouraged to carry personal health insurance and are responsible for costs incurred due to injury or illness while enrolled.

Program Application Deadline

In order for applicants to have priority consideration for entrance for the following fall semester, applications should be submitted by the published deadline. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Any applications received after the published application deadline may be considered by the Program Director on a space available basis. It is the student’s responsibility to assure that all records and documentation are received by the appropriate department by the published application deadline.

Conditional Admission

A student must maintain the following standards or he/she will be dismissed from his/her respective program.

1. A grade of “C” or better in each specialty course.
2. Completion of specialty courses as specified by the degree checklist.
3. Evidence of malpractice insurance and physical examination prior to clinical training.
4. Be physically and mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the program as defined in each program’s Core Performance Standards.

The WSCC policy of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions applies to all students regardless of the program in which they are enrolled. In cases where alcohol and drug violations occur, disciplinary action, as well as the decision whether to test for alcohol or drugs, will be processed through the Dean of Health Programs and the Assistant Vice Presidents.

Readmission Procedures

1. Students applying for readmission must meet all admissions criteria for the selected degree program.
2. The applicant must submit a readmission request in writing to the Program Director at least thirty (30) days prior to enrollment. The request must be a detailed personal reflection of the reason(s) for the unsuccessful performance and a plan of correction.
3. One (1) readmission to the Surgical Technology degree program will be permitted.
4. The applicant applying for readmission may be required to interview with the Program Director and other program faculty, if applicable, before the review date by the Surgical Technology Admissions Committee. Interview requirements are listed on the program webpage.
5. An acceptable level of discipline-specific competency may need to be demonstrated prior to readmission. A student with previous unsatisfactory clinical performance must be recommended for readmission by consensus of the program faculty. Note: The Program Director will verify that all readmission documents including licensure/credentials are current and valid.
6. Readmission is contingent upon the availability of space.
7. Students who are dismissed for reasons associated with academic misconduct or code of ethics violations will not be considered for readmission.

MEETING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE. Preference will be given to Tennessee residents.

Successful admission and completion of the Smoky Mountain Consortium Surgical Technology program does not guarantee state or national licensure or registration to practice as there may be additional state/national criteria required for attainment of various allied health licenses/certifications.