Surgical Technology

The Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare students for careers as members of a surgical team in the operating room under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. Following successful completion of the program, students are qualified to sit for the National Certifying Examination. The Surgical Technology program provides quality surgical technology education to the geographically large and rural service area of East Tennessee.

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. Indicate AS Health Programs as the desired major on the WSCC application form.
2. Follow college policy for advising prior to registration.
3. Successfully complete all required Learning Support courses prior to the selection process.
4. 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 3^rd semester of the Surgical Technology program. Any transfer credits for BIOL courses must be less than 10 years old.

Selection to the Surgical Technology Program

Online applications for the Surgical Technology program are available on the Surgical Technology website from February 1 until May 31 In order for applicants to have priority consideration for entrance for the following fall semester; applications must be submitted by the published deadline. 

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 the appropriate department by the published application deadline receives all records and documentation.

Selection of each class will be made by the Admission and Progression Committee whose membership consists of:

• Dean of Health Programs
• Director of Surgical Technology
• Surgical Technology faculty
• Health Programs faculty
• Practicing CST
• Vice President for Academic Affairs (ex officio)

The Admissions and Progression Committee will rank each student based on predetermined criteria. The criteria include but are not limited to:

• First grades received in the required biology courses (BIOL 2010/2011, 2020/2021, and 2230/2231).
• Number of successfully completed courses.
• Overall grade point average of required college courses excluding learning support course grades.
• Individual panel interview with the Admissions and Progression Committee.

Additional ranking points can be obtained for either ACT/ACT Residual score of 19 or greater (or equivalent SAT score) OR a defined score on an assessment exam. (Specific information is available on the Surgical Technology website or in the health programs office). All test scores must be less than 5 years old. The top ranked applicants will be selected for each class. Decisions made by the committee are final.

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

Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screen

Criminal background checks and drug screening are a requirement at affiliated clinical sites used 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.  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 and required science 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 appropriate Vice President.

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.

Successful admission and completion of the Walters State Community College 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.