Surgical Technology Career Pathway

Under the supervision of a surgeon, surgical technologists assist in the set-up of an operating room with sterile instruments, equipment and supplies. Before and after surgery, the surgical technologist prepares the operating room and assists the circulating nurse with patient care. During surgery, they are responsible for maintaining the sterile field, passing instruments, and assisting the surgeon. Additional duties include cleaning, restocking rooms and sterilization of instruments.

Greenville Technical College's Surgical Technology curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience gained in a realistic, state-of-the-art simulated operating room.

IN HIGH SCHOOL

Eligible students:

Available to students in 10^th - 12^th grades.

Physical requirements: 

Student must be able to perform the technical standards recognized by the Surgical Technology program - see the SUR Career Talk for details.

Recommended courses:

Phase I of the Surgical Technology program can be completed in high school.

• ENG 101 English Composition
• MAT 120 Probability and Statistics or MAT 110 College Algebra
• BIO 210 Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIO 211 Anatomy and Physiology II
• BIO 225 Microbiology
• PSY 201 General Psychology or SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
• SPC 205 Public Speaking
• College Transferable Humanities Elective

When:

Courses are offered through Early College in the morning/afternoon, Monday through Thursday, online and in person.

Where:

Courses are taught at one of Greenville Tech’s campuses.

Result:

High School Graduation + Ready to apply for Phase II of Surgical Technology Program at GTC

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

After high school, students may apply for Phase II of the Surgical Technology Program at Greenville Technical College. Phase II consists of the courses below and can be completed in three consecutive semesters.

Recommended courses:

• SUR 101 (Intro to Surgical Technology)
• SUR 102 (Applied Surgical Techniques)
• SUR 123 (Sterile Processing)
• SUR 103 (Surgical Procedures I)
• SUR 104 (Surgical Procedures II)
• SUR 110 (Intro to Surgical Practicum)
• SUR 111 (Basic Surgical Practicum)
• SUR 120 (Surgical Seminar)

Result: 

Graduates are awarded the Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science and are eligible to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam.

Average salary of $53,000 per year