Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

Associate of Applied Science
Laurel 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
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
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.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Laurel Ridge Community College within your first year via College Connect
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
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

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.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

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.
Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology
65
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology
65
Course Grad Req 171 (2024-25 Catalog)
65
Admissions Requirements
14
Student Development Requirement
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
BIO 141 Requirement
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 111 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
SUR 100 Requirement
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Medical Terminology Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
HLT 105 Requirement
1
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Applicants with current BLS certification for Healthcare Providers through the AMA will be awarded credit for HLT 105.
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
1st Semester Requirements
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Acceptance into the AAS Surgical Technology degree is required to enroll in all SUR courses except SUR 100.
BIO 142 Requirement
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SUR 140 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SUR 145 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SUR 150 Requirement
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
2nd Semester Requirements
13
SUR 135 Requirement
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SUR 240 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SUR 245 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SUR 250 Requirement
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CST Elective OR ENG 112
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
3rd Semester Requirements
14
SUR 210 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SUR 260 Requirement
8
Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Ethics Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
4th Semester Requirements
13
SUR 254 Requirement
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SUR 296 Requirement
5
Earn 5 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SUR 298 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Sociology or Psychology Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Residency
65
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 48 credits may be applied to this program.
GPA
65
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
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...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Laurel Ridge Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
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
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Surgical TechnologyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearNot Specified
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1071.00Health Specialties Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
29-9093.00Surgical AssistantsAssist 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
29-2055.00Surgical TechnologistsAssist 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
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 65 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology at Laurel Ridge Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $163 Per Credit $10,595 $0 $10,595
Fees
Student Activity Fee $2 Per Credit $130 0 $130
Auxiliary Fee $4 Per Credit $260 0 $260
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Some courses include materials fees in the cost of tuition or use free materials, and other courses require students to purchase texbooks or other materials. Laurel Ridge does not charge fees for parking or graduation. Tuition and fees are the same regardless of whether students attend online or in person. Tuition and Fees are subject to change.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.