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 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 American Heart Association (AHA) 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 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 2023-24 catalog.