Surgical Technology
Associate Degree
**Due to high demand, enrollment is limited. Please consult your academic advisor for next available seating in this program and other possible opportunities.**
***Effective Fall 2026, MAT 155 Contemporary Mathematics will be the required Math course for the Surgical Technology Program. Please contact your Surgical Technology Academic Advisor for questions or concerns.***
Surgical Technology Program Information
Mission & Vision
The Surgical Technology program at Trident Technical College prepares students to
become competent, entry-level surgical technologists through a dynamic curriculum
and hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills
needed to pass the national certification exam and meet the needs of the community.
The program strives to be a Center of Excellence by staying aligned with innovative practices and advancing technology. Faculty foster a supportive, team-based learning environment built on respect, communication, and real-world application. Students are trained to uphold a strong surgical conscience, maintain proper aseptic technique, and serve as advocates for patient safety as vital members of the surgical team.
Program Goals & Outcomes
The program prepares students for entry into the profession by developing skills across
three areas: knowledge, technical ability, and professional behavior.
Graduates will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology in clinical settings
- Demonstrate competency in aseptic technique and perioperative procedures
- Promote patient safety during surgical care, transport, and emergencies
- Understand and assist with medications and anesthesia practices
- Communicate effectively with patients and surgical team members
- Meet requirements to pass the NBSTSA National Certification Exam
- Perform successfully as entry-level surgical technologists
Technical Standards:
Students enrolled in the Surgical Technology program must meet essential technical standards to successfully complete all phases of the program and meet industry expectations. To ensure readiness, students may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform these essential functions:
Standards:
- Use of judgment and problem-solving
- Ability to prioritize responses and interventions in emergency situations
- Application of ethical standards
Example:
- Performing closing counts while prioritizing sterile team members’ request
Standards:
- Ability to perform functions such as standing for prolonged periods of time (4 to 6 hours) while navigating surgical field environment.
- Ability to stand in one confined area for extensive periods (excess of 4 to 6 hours)
- Ability to lift instrument trays up to 25 pounds. Ability to push and manipulate large, heavy equipment (over 100 pounds)
Examples:
- Lengthy proceduresthat often require abstinence from nourishment and restroom breaks while standing in one confined area
- Lifting heavy instrument caskets
- Moving equipment Transferring patientsfrom stretcher to Operating Room (OR) bed and back
Standards:
- Fine and gross motor skills and the ability to perform multiple motor tasks simultaneously.
- Manual dexterity to retrieve requests supplies or instruments and pass them quickly and smoothly to the team members
Examples:
- Passing instruments to multiple sterile personnel while holding retractor(s)
- Passing instrumentation and supplies to sterile team members
Standard:
- Ability to hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator’s mouth/lips
Standards:
- Visual ability to have peripheral and depth perception and ability to distinguish shades of color
- Visual ability to see 20/20 or better with or without use of corrective lenses/glasses
- Visual ability to recognize hand signals
Examples:
- Visualizing hair-thin suture and micro-needles to maintain correct counts during procedure
- Visualizing hand signals during surgery
Standards:
- Comprehensive understanding of spoken and written English language to include complex medical terminology, the ability to read medication/prescription labels, directions for dosage and use in an accurate and expedient manner
- Ability to verbally and in writing report client data to the healthcare team, requiresreading and writing on charts
Example:
- Reading and creating medication labels Communication with fellow team members
Standards:
- Ability to work with others in a variety of settings and situations
- Maintaining hygiene and dress or uniform requirements
- Ability to listen to others and determine their wants and needs and respond quickly
Standards:
- Ability to adapt to changing environments and workrelated challenges while maintaining composure in stressful situations
- Ability to maintain utmost integrity and aseptic technique
Example:
- Surgical conscience
Important Links
Health Sciences Online Application
Trident Technical College Admission Application