Surgical Technology

What can I do in surgical technology?

A surgical technologist is a medical professional specialized in preparing the operating room and assisting doctors before, during and after surgery. Surgical technologists are also known as scrubs or scrub techs. They are a crucial part of a surgeon’s operating team and work under the supervision of surgeons in the operating room. Surgical technologists are responsible for many of the perioperative, intraoperative and postoperative duties including, but not limited to, ensuring the supplies, instruments and equipment are set up properly and ready to go, sanitizing the operating room and tools, positioning and prepping the patients for surgery, and cleaning the operating room after the surgery.

Where do surgical technologists work?

Surgical technologists typically work in hospitals and medical centers, but can also work in outpatient surgical centers, doctors’ offices and dental offices to assist with minor surgical procedures.

What characteristics and skills do I need to work in this field?

The necessary skills and characteristics required for a surgical technologist include the ability to work in high-pressure, emergency situations and to be able to act quickly and accurately. Surgical technologists must be able to work well with others, as they are a vital member of a surgeon’s operating team. Good communication skills also allow the surgical technologist to communicate effectively with their colleagues and patients. Surgical technologists must also pay close attention to detail and acquire great organization skills.

Learn more about Surgical Technology Technical Standards.

What does Trident Technical College offer?

Trident Tech offers a Surgical Technology program that prepares and educates students to enter the workforce with skills required in surgical technology. Students will learn from instructors with years of surgical technology experience. Graduates of this program will be skilled in providing proficient care to individuals in the surgical arena. Students are required to take 16 credits of general education core requirements in addition to 53 credits of major requirements. The program culminates in an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. This AAS degree focuses on practical, hands-on skills and technical knowledge designed to prepare students for taking the certification exam and entry into the field of surgical technology immediately upon graduation.

Trident Technical College Institutional Accreditation

Surgical Technology Program Accreditation

The Surgical Technology program at Trident Technical College has a site visit scheduled for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

https://www.caahep.org/

Program Goals and Outcomes

The goal of this program is “To prepare entry-level surgical technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.”

The student will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to practice as a certified surgical technologist by acquiring fundamental capabilities. Upon completion of the program the graduate surgical technologist shall:

• Assimilate knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology and pharmacology into clinical practice as an entry-level surgical technologist. (Cognitive)
• Demonstrate competency in surgical aseptic techniques and clinical judgement in the perioperative setting. (Psychomotor)
• Apply best practice regarding patient safety during perioperative routines, patient transportation, positioning and emergency procedures. (Psychomotor)
• Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of standards of practice in the use of medications and anesthetic agents during perioperative experiences. (Psychomotor)
• Demonstrate effective communication skills essential to work collaboratively with the surgical team and interact professionally with patients. (Psychomotor)
• Possess the knowledge and skills required to successfully pass the NBSTSA National Certification Exam. (Affective)
• Perform competently as an entry-level surgical technologist in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains. (Affective)

How does Trident Tech’s program compare to other programs and schools? 

Trident Tech offers a low-cost, affordable Surgical Technology program. Trident Tech's surgical technology program is the most affordable surgical technology program in the Lowcountry. Trident Tech will also apply any federal and state grants and scholarships you are eligible for (examples: Pell, S.C. lottery-funded tuition assistance, etc.).

In addition to affordability, Trident Tech has five campuses and is convenient for students to attend classes. The Surgical Technology program is located at Thornley Campus in North Charleston.

Other surgical technology programs in the area cost thousands of dollars and range in price anywhere from $14,000 to $21,000.

Program Contact Information

Richard Mohney
Surgical Technology Program Coordinator
843-958-5802
Richard.Mohney@tridenttech.edu

Ross Little
Surgical Technology Clinical Coordinator
843-958-5801
Ross.Little@tridenttech.edu

Krista Harrington
Health Sciences Dean
843-574-6077
Krista.Harrington@tridenttech.edu

Lori Fischer
Health Sciences Associate Dean
843-574-6480
Lori.Fischer@tridenttech.edu