Surgical Technology: Diploma

Operation career success.

As a surgical technologist, you’ll be an integral member of the health care team.

Program Description

Surgical Technology is an exciting profession where the work environment is both intense and dynamic.

Surgical Technologists are essential members of the surgical team who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other personnel to deliver patient care and before, during and after surgery.

Scrub, circulating, first assisting and second assisting surgical technologists have primary responsibilities for maintaining a sterile field and being constantly vigilant to ensure all members of the team adhere to aseptic techniques.

Surgical Technologists are in high demand locally and nationally. South Carolina’s annual mean wage for surgical technologists is $39,120, according to 2017 reports from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Earnings can increase substantially with time and experience.

TCL’s full-time Surg-Tech program is 50 credit hours completed in three consecutive semesters. Courses include general education, science and surgical technology classes taught in the college classroom, in campus laboratories and multiple clinical education sites throughout Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper.

PLEASE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A HEALTH SCIENCE ADVISOR PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION. CALL 843-525-8267 FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

Accreditation & Accolades

Technical College of the Lowcountry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Technical College of the Lowcountry.

Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology (ARC-ST)
6 West Dry Creek Circle; Suite 210 / Littleton, Colorado 80120-8031 / 303-694-9262
The program prepares competent graduates in the cognitive, psychomotor, and effective learning domains, and meets all criteria set forth in the current Standards and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program in Surgical Technology.

YEAR	TCL PASS RATE	NBSTSA NATIONAL PASS RATE
2018	100%	70%
2017	100%	70%
2016	100%	70%
2015	100%	70%
2014	92%	74%
*** DATA COLLECTED FROM NBSTSA

See the Curriculum →

Quick Facts

Quick Fact 1

Employment opportunities are expected to grow by 15% between 2014 and 2024.

Quick Fact 2

The one-year, three-semester Surgical Technology program is 50 credit hours.

Quick Fact 3

South Carolina’s annual mean wage for surg-techs is $39,120

What People Are Saying

“Surgical Technology is a great career choice because it’s hands-on, exciting and rewarding.”

JoLane Collins Program Director

FAQs & Additional Information

toggle all

Important Additional Admission Requirements

Applicants interested in the Surgical Technology program must first complete the college admission application process. The student will then make an appointment to meet with a Health Sciences Advisor. Acceptance into the college does not guarantee admission into a health sciences program. Applications for admission to the Surgical Technology program may only be obtained from Health Sciences Advisors. Call 843.525.8267 for additional information and to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

What does this program cost?*

Tuition: 50 credits x $190 per credit = $9,500.

Remember, this is before S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance and other financial aid, which could drop your costs by more than half. In fact, after financial aid, many TCL students attend for free.

*Based on Fall 2019 in-state, in-service-area tuition. Your actual cost may differ. Does not include fees, books and other costs. Qualifications vary.

Additional Career & Education Opportunities:

Many Surgical Technologists have a desire to continue their education after completing a Surgical Technology program. There are various ways in which the Surgical Technologist can accomplish this goal. The Surgical Technologist can specialize in a specific branch of surgical medicine, such as orthopedics, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic, or peripheral vascular surgery. The experienced Surgical Technologist can also become a traveling Surgical Technologist. There are also positions available in veterinary medicine. Degrees in business or healthcare administration will prepare the Surgical Technologists for a career in medical device sales or in the management of a healthcare department or facility. An advanced degree in education or a field related to Surgical Technology (such as biology or applied sciences) will allow a Surgical Technologist to meet the educational requirement to teach at a college or university. Many Surgical Technologists have also gone on to obtain advanced degrees in Physician Assistant studies. The Surgical Technologist can also advance through additional training and education to become a Surgical First Assistant.

Is this program for you?

Yes, particularly if you:

• Desire to become an integral part of an exciting and rewarding career.
• Want to play an essential role in changing patients’ lives.
• Are searching for a career with unlimited potential in a highly sought after field within the health care industry.

Other Resources

Gainful Employment: Learn more about the Surgical Technology Diploma.