Surgical Technology Bridge

The Surgical Technology Bridge program is designed to allow currently certified non-degree surgical technologists to earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Surgical Technology. Surgical technologists enrolled in the bridge program must have completed their surgical technology certificate or diploma at a Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited surgical technology program. All major courses along with all related and general education course requirements must be met for the Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree.

Specific Requirements

General college admission requirements.
- Complete the application for admission.
- Successfully complete the college placement test.
- Official transcript of any prior college credit on file with the admissions office.
- Diploma or certificate in Surgical Technology from a CAAHEP-accredited program.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification is a prerequisite to admission and must be maintained throughout the program.
Final admission to the Surgical Technology program shall be contingent upon documentation of physical and emotional health that would provide evidence that is indicative of the applicant's ability to provide safe care to the public.
Satisfactory completion of required immunizations.
Current certification in Surgical Technology (CST) through the NBSTSA (National Board on Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) prior to taking the SUR-210 course.
Clinical agencies and/or credentialing bodies require criminal background checks and drug screens prior to admission to clinical sites.

Copies of diploma or certificate in Surgical Technology from a CAAHEP-accredited program as well as items 2-6 must be on file with the Surgical Technology Department.

Students must earn a minimum of 25% of all A.A.S. courses (17 credit hours) at A-B Tech.

Surgical Technology, related, and general education courses can be completed at the student’s own pace. It is understood that most students are employed full-time during their A.A.S. pursuit. Surgical technology course placement is contingent upon seat availability.

Courses requiring a grade of "C" or better: ACA, BIO, and SUR

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
BIO-168		4
This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement for transferability as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Anatomy and Physiology I ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ACA-115		1
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals. View course details for Success & Study Skills ‌‌
ENG-111		3
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition. View course details for Writing and Inquiry ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
BIO-169		4
This course provides a continuation of the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as metabolism, nutrition, acid-base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Anatomy and Physiology II ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
BIO-175		3
This course covers principles of microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms and human disease. Topics include an overview of microbiology and aspects of medical microbiology, identification, and control of pathogens, disease transmission, host resistance, and immunity. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of microorganisms and the disease process as well as aseptic and sterile techniques. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for General Microbiology ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
COM-120		3
This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication in both dyadic and group settings. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, apply basic principles of group discussion, and manage conflict in interpersonal communication situations. View course details for Intro Interpersonal Communication ‌‌
PSY-150		3
This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for General Psychology ‌‌
SUR-211		2
This course covers theoretical knowledge required for extension of the surgical technologist role. Emphasis is placed on advanced practice in complex surgical specialties, educational methodologies, and managerial skills. Upon completion, students should be able to assume leadership roles in a chosen specialty area. View course details for Adv Theoretical Concepts ‌‌
BUS-137		3
This course is designed to be an overview of the major functions of management. Emphasis is placed on planning, organizing, controlling, directing, and communicating. Upon completion, students should be able to work as contributing members of a team utilizing these functions of management. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Principles of Management ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
HUM-115		3
This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts. View course details for Critical Thinking ‌‌
SOC-210		3
This course introduces the scientific study of human society, culture, and social interactions. Topics include socialization, research methods, diversity and inequality, cooperation and conflict, social change, social institutions, and organizations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of sociological concepts as they apply to the interplay among individuals, groups, and societies. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for Introduction to Sociology ‌‌
SUR-210		2
This course is designed to provide individualized experience in advanced practice, education, circulating, and managerial skills. Emphasis is placed on developing and demonstrating proficiency in skills necessary for advanced practice. Upon completion, students should be able to assume leadership roles in a chosen specialty area. View course details for Adv SUR Clinical Practice ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

See advisor for course substitutions.

Program Total with SUR Diploma/Certificate courses: 33 credits plus above 34 credits = 67

At least 25% of the required total credit hours (17 hours) must be earned at A-B Tech.

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.