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. Graduates may continue their career pathway by becoming a Certified First Assistant, Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse or a Surgeon.

Theresa Akyaa
2023 graduate Theresa Akyaa is Laurel Ridge Community College’s 2023 Outstanding Graduate from the Fauquier Campus.
Read StoryProgram Information and Curriculum
Surgical Technology, AAS
This is a G3-eligible program. Click here to learn more.
Program Description/Purpose: Designed to prepare students as entry-level surgical technologists. 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.
Occupational Outcomes: 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. Graduates may continue their career pathway by becoming a Certified First Assistant, Physician Assistant, or Registered Nurse.
Program Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will apply knowledge to illustrate professional responsibility, attitude, and personal conduct in the classroom and clinical setting.
- Students will develop and apply fundamental surgical technology skills and concepts in practice.
- Students will apply knowledge and skills to perform within their scope of practice.
- Students will recognize the interdependent role of the surgical technologist in performing in the clinical setting. Students will be able to articulate the cultural and socioeconomic differences of patients and hospital staff.
- Students will effectively grasp and manage the fundamental concepts of human anatomy in the clinical setting.
Accreditation Status
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113TH St. N #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727) 210-2350 Fax: (727) 210-2354
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to the general admission requirements established for the College, entry into the Surgical Technology Program requires:
- Completion of Laurel Ridge Community College application for admission;
- Completion of Laurel Ridge Community College Surgical Technology Program application and submission of all information as outlined below to the Health Professions Division Office;
- Submission of official college transcripts for evaluation of transfer credit and submission of the Credit for Prior Learning form found at https://laurelridge.edu/admissions-and-course-prerequisites/;
- Must show competency in MDE 10or eligibility forLoading…MTH 154and readiness forLoading…ENG 111to satisfy requirements without taking remediation;Loading…
- Curricular GPA of 2.5 or higher based on the specified prerequisite courses (SDV 100,Loading…BIO 141,Loading…ENG 111,Loading…SUR 100,Loading…HIM 111, andLoading…HLT 105);Loading…
- Completion of all prerequisite courses noted in the course curriculum. Students who are currently enrolled in a prerequisite course may apply; acceptance into the program will be contingent upon passing the courses with a "C" or 70% or better prior to beginning the Surgical Technology program curriculum;
- Meeting certain computer competencies prior to entering the surgical technology program. Students without the required knowledge and skills are encouraged to enroll in ITE 152,Loading…CSC 110, or equivalent. Please review the Computer Competency Checklist at https://laurelridge.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Computer-competency.pdf. If you already have this knowledge and these skills, please submit the signed checklist with your application packet;Loading…
- Meeting with the Director of Surgical Technology or Surgical Technology faculty;
- Completion of the ATI TEAS test for allied health professions entrance exam. Scores may be utilized for two years from the initial testing date. All testing must be completed prior to the March 31st application deadline. A minimum score of at least 45% is required to apply to the Surgical Technology program.
Admission to the Surgical Technology program is on a competitive basis. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the Surgical Technology program. Applicants not selected for admission into the program must submit a new application packet each year. Deadline for submission of completed applications is March 31st at 12:00 p.m. The completed packet must contain the following:
- Program Application
- Unofficial Laurel Ridge Community College transcript
- Official College transcripts from other colleges or universities
- Essential Computer Competency Checklist
All fees charged for required testing, liability insurance, health insurance, books, uniforms, criminal background search, drug screen, and physical screen are the responsibility of the students.
The selection of students is based upon:
- Completion of all admission requirements
- GPA earned in all prerequisite courses
- ATI TEAS test score with a minimum of 45%
- Consideration will be given to students who live within the service area
Upon acceptance to the AAS Surgical Technology program, the student will be given instructions during orientation with regard to the following:
- Background and drug testing (program acceptance is contingent upon results as required to the satisfaction of affiliating clinical agencies)
- Completion of a physical exam
- Completion of required immunizations
- Proof of health insurance
- Completion of all required forms
- Failure to meet the above requirements will be cause for administrative withdrawal of the student from the Surgical Technology program.
Courses are displayed under the semester in which they are regularly offered and are recommended to be taken in this sequence to ensure timely graduation. It is possible that a course shown in a particular semester may not be offered due to low enrollment or other factors.
Prerequisite Courses
- SDV 100 - College Success Skills OR
- SDV 101 - Orientation to Health Professions
- ENG 111 - College Composition I OR
- ENG 115 - Technical Writing
- HIM 111 - Medical Terminology I OR
- HLT 143 - Medical Terminology I
- BIO 141 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- HLT 105 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 1
- SUR 100 - Introduction to Surgical Technology
Acceptance into the AAS Surgical Technology program is required to enroll in all SUR courses with the exception of .
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Program Total: 65-66 Credits
1 Applicants with current BLS certification for Healthcare Providers through the AMA will be awarded credit for
In Demand G3 Program - $$ for Tuition and Fees
Discover our IN-DEMAND and STACKABLE credentials and education programs that are eligible for more funding than ever before through the G3 Scholarship! Learn more about the G3 program.
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Tuition and Funding Options
Tuition rates for this program are approximately one-third the cost of attending a four-year college or university in Virginia. Compare savings now!
An estimated $15.2 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships are awarded to Laurel Ridge Community College students each year. We are committed to using all available funds to help you gain access to a college education.
Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments.
View all financial aid, payment options, and more HERE.
Success in Surgical Technology
- Spotlight on Laurel Ridge Students: Student Success in Surgical Technology
- Student Success: Hollie Hurdle
- Student Success: Ashley Seabolt
Surgical Technology Application Packet
- Surgical Technology Program Application for Admission
- Surgical Technology Fact Sheet
- Surgical Technology Fees and Expenses
Laurel Ridge Community College National Certification pass rate:
- 2020-2022 = 70%
- 2021-2023 = 78%
The program application with all required documentation must be completed and turned in to Room 134 of the Science and Health Professions Building at the Middletown Campus.
TEAS Testing
Testing begins in mid-December and runs through April 1.
- One retake permitted 2 weeks after initial test.
- Reserving a Seat
- Step 1: Reserve a Seat at your preferred Campus using the links below.
- Step 2: Check your email for a Confirmation of your seat request, which will contain vital information about paying for and completing your exam.
- TEAS Testing Dates 2025
Middletown Campus
Fauquier Campus
Luray-Page County Center
Need Accommodations?
Testing accommodations are available for the ATI TEAS exam. Students are required to have a letter of accommodation to receive alternate testing conditions for the exam.
All testing must be completed within the testing centers’ normal hours of operation. Testers with extended time accommodations should consider this when reserving their seat. For testing center hours, please see the Testing Center web page.
To best facilitate testing accommodations, please follow these instructions:
- Students who require testing accommodations will need to first contact the Office of Accommodations and Disability Servicesto obtain a letter for any necessary accommodations.
- Once a letter of accommodations is acquired, the student must then forward the letter to the Testing Center where testing will take place:
- Middletown Campus – testing-middletown@laurelridge.edu
- Fauquier Campus – testing-fauquier@laurelridge.edu
- Luray-Page County Center – testing-luray@laurelridge.edu
- The student will then be contacted to schedule a new testing date, depending on the accommodation, and receive further instructions on how to register for the exam.
CAAHEP Accredited
The surgical technology program is CAAHEP accredited.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
P:727-210-2350
F:727-210-2354
mail@caahep.org
Gainful Employment
The US Department of Education under 34 CFR 668.412 (d) and (e), requires colleges to disclose a variety of information for any financial aid eligible program that “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.” The information provided below is the best available to us. We hope that this information is helpful to our current students and to prospective students as they make their career and educational choices:
Have a Question?
Do you have a specific question about this program or how to get started at Laurel Ridge? Please use the form below and a member of our staff will respond as soon as possible.
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