Program Details
Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology
Associate of Applied ScienceLaurel Ridge Community College
Designed to prepare students as an entry-level Surgical Technologist. The program combines the use of surgical instruments, skills, and techniques with the theoretical knowledge required to perform as a Surgical Technologist in the operating room. The program will provide the foundation in didactic, laboratory and clinical instruction that will enable individuals to perform as competent entry-level Surgical Technologists. Upon successful completion of the program students are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technologists exam. Possible occupations for graduates include Certified Surgical Technologists in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical care centers, eye centers, dental surgery centers, sterilization processing departments, endoscopy departments, organ procurement and surgical sales representatives. A Graduates may continue their career pathway by becoming a Certified First Assistant, Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse or a Surgeon.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Designed to prepare students as an entry-level Surgical Technologist. The program combines the use of surgical instruments, skills, and techniques with the theoretical knowledge required to perform as a Surgical Technologist in the operating room. The program will provide the foundation in didactic, laboratory and clinical instruction that will enable individuals to perform as competent entry-level Surgical Technologists. Upon successful completion of the program students are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technologists exam. Possible occupations for graduates include Certified Surgical Technologists in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical care centers, eye centers, dental surgery centers, sterilization processing departments, endoscopy departments, organ procurement and surgical sales representatives. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Only students admitted into the degree program may enroll in SUR courses, with the exception of SUR 100.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | This program is G3 eligible. IN-DEMAND credentials and education programs that are eligible for more funding than ever before through the G3 Scholarship. This is a competetive enrollment program, meaning students must apply and be accepted in order to complete the program. Not all applicants will be accepted. The application includes course and GPA requirements, an entrance exam, physical examination, immunications, criminal background check, drug screening, and more. For full details please visit our website. |
Doing More With Your Degree | Graduates may continue their career pathway by becoming a Certified First Assistant, Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse or a Surgeon. |
Program Successes & Highlights | The Surgical Technology degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). |
Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students transferring to Laurel Ridge with an Associate Degree or higher already completed will be able to transfer in applicable credits to their degree and will have SDV 100 waived. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Laurel Ridge does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation. |
Credit for Prior Learning | https://laurelridge.edu/credit-for-prior-learning/ |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market. We offer many courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. Our student life team offers many ways for students to get involved including clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | The catalog year in effect at the time a student was formally admitted into their curriculum at Laurel Ridge. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog placement is tied to semester start selected in the application. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://laurelridge.edu/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Not Specified |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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25-1071.00 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
29-9093.00 | Surgical Assistants | Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-2055.00 | Surgical Technologists | Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
Cost To Complete
