Associate of Applied ScienceSurgical Technology

The purpose 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.

Both general education and surgical technology courses are included in the program of study; clinical laboratory experiences are planned in local healthcare facilities under the direct guidance of the Surgical Technology faculty. Students enrolled in the surgical technology program have the same privileges and responsibilities accorded all students of the College.

• The student will demonstrate knowledge of healthcare science and surgical technology concepts to care for patients perioperatively.
• The student will demonstrate professional behaviors in a variety of settings as an integral part of the surgical team.
• The student will demonstrate competence in the implementation of skills, tools, and technologies to facilitate the surgeon’s performance.

All candidates must meet the regular admission requirements as stated in the current catalog.

To become an eligible surgical technology applicant, each individual must submit:

• Completed current surgical technology application;
• Current placement examination scores;
• Final high school transcript or high school equivalency certificate;
• Transcripts of all previous university/college/technical schools attended; and
• Minimum TEAS score of 50%

Both the College application and the surgical technology application can be found at trcc.edu/apply. Applications received by mail or other traceable means must be postmarked by midnight on the appropriate deadline dates.

The Surgical Technology Admissions Committee uses the following minimum requirements for the initial screening of applicants:

1. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00, or if current high school student with no college GPA, rank in the upper one third of their high school graduating class.
2. Satisfactory performance on the TEAS exam must be current within two years of application deadline. Examination must be completed by application deadline.

Visit the Testing Services page for more information about the TEAS exam.

In the event that two or more applicants receive the same overall score, the applicants will be ranked according to TEAS reading comprehension score, then the TEAS Science score, then the TEAS Math score. Alternates will replace students in the ranked order as space becomes available and will be notified by letter. If not granted admission by the first day of class for the cohort, then the alternate must reapply.

Applicants will be notified of their admission status by letter. Individuals selected are required to have a physical examination, pre-admission drug screen, and criminal background check prior to starting their first surgical technology course.

Final admission is contingent upon submission of a satisfactory confidential medical history and examination, negative drug screen, a negative criminal background check, and completion of pre-surgical technology courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.

1. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 throughout their enrollment in the surgical technology program. Students must also comply with college policies regarding probation and suspension, as outlined in the Three Rivers College Catalog.
2. In order to progress in the surgical technology sequence:
   1. Students must achieve satisfactory clinical performance, satisfactory skills lab performance, and a minimum grade of “C” for each surgical technology course to progress to the next course.
   2. Students failing to achieve satisfactory clinical performance or skills laboratory performance will receive a course grade of “F” regardless of the grade in the theory portion of the course.
   3. A student can fail or withdraw from a surgical technology course one time. A student can only be readmitted to the program one time.
   4. Students must achieve a minimum grade of “B” in Anatomy and Physiology I and II.
   5. Supporting general education courses must be taken in the sequence listed in the student’s program option if not completed before acceptance into the surgical technology program.

• The student will demonstrate knowledge of healthcare science and surgical technology concepts to care for patients perioperatively.
• The student will demonstrate professional behaviors in a variety of settings as an integral part of the surgical team.
• The student will demonstrate competence in the implementation of skills, tools, and technologies to facilitate the surgeon’s performance.