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Enrolling in a surgical technology program is a great start to a lifetime of lucrative job security. The Department of Labor estimates that the demand for qualified surgical techs will increase rapidly over the next 6 years. Surgeons. The job market has never been better for graduates of surgical technology programs.
Choosing a school with the flexibility, financial aid options, and credential that’s right for you can be tricky. Virginia College is a technical school with years of experience assisting students in learning the skills necessary to launch a career as a surgical technologist.
Virginia College offers Associates Degrees in Surgical Technology, Associates Degrees in Applied Science, and a Surgical Technologist Diploma at several of its campuses.
Associate of Surgical Technology
Students enrolled in the Associate of Surgical Technology program at Virginia College can expect a combination of general education, surgical tech classes, and first-hand experience. Virginia College prepares its students to enter the workforce as a surgical technologist immediately following graduation. The program takes up to 2 years to complete.
Surgical tech courses at Virginia College cover the all skills and knowledge essential to the job. Students take classes in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, microbiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Instruction delves into specific elements of the human body such as the organs, vascular system, and neurological system. Students learn standard techniques used in the operating room such as sterilization, controlling infections, patient care, reconstructive methods, and specialized surgical processes.
As part of the Associate degree course at Virginia College, students will courses in the humanities that will augment the skills learned in surgical technology training. Students may work with the director of the program to design a course load that is most appropriate for the student’s individual needs.
In addition to in-class instruction, Virginia College boasts state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment that simulate real-world surgical environments. Students acquire their skills through hands-on practice under the supervision of competent and professional instructors.
Surgical tech students at Virginia College are required to participate in an externship at a local hospital for graduation. Students work as a first assistant for a minimum of 80 surgeries. Many graduates have
Virginia College places an emphasis on post-graduation job placement. All candidates for an Associates Degree in Surgical Technology must complete classes in career planning and management. A career placement center also assists students in preparing for interviews, revising their resumes, and finding employment after receiving their credential.
Programs culminating in an Associates Degree in Surgical Technology are available at the following Virginia College campuses:
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Mobile, Alabama
- Montgomery, Alabama
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Biloxi, Mississippi
- Pensacola, Florida
- Augusta, Georgia
- Jacksonville, Florida
Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology
The Associate of Applied Science degree track at Virginia College is practically identical to that of an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology. The course requirements and time frame does not change. Both programs require students to undergo a combination of general education and surgical technology courses. An externship at a local hospital is also mandatory. The only difference is the campus locations that offer the degree. The following Virginia College branches grant Associate Degrees in Applied Sciences.
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Austin, Texas
Both credentials are equally reputable and prepare students for thriving careers as surgical technologists.
Surgical Technologist Diploma
Virginia College offers a diploma in Surgical Technology at its Mobile, Alabama campus. A diploma is a good choice for a student with prior health care experience or a busy schedule. A diploma can be completed in less time than Associate’s degree and does not include general education classes in the humanities for graduation.
Students enrolled in the surgical technology diploma program take classes that cover the basic techniques and duties of a surgical tech. Course work include classes in anatomy, physiology, biology, pharmacology, and microbiology. Students also learn the correct process for sterilization of instruments, controlling infections, and diagnosing wounds. Instructors with professional experience in the field train students in medical terminology, ethics, and law, alongside operating room procedures.
An externship is required for graduation. Surgical tech students complete a minimum of 80 cases in a supervised environment, gaining real-world experience and practicing what they’ve learned at the same time. All graduates of the surgical tech diploma program at Virginia College are skilled in all aspects of surgical technology and able to segue into a successful career immediately after graduation.
Virginia College places strong importance on assisting students with job placement. All diploma students must take classes in career management and a dedicated career service department is an available and invaluable resource.
General Information
Virginia College opened its first campus in 1992 in Birmingham, Alabama. Since then, Virginia College has expanded to include a multitude of campuses all over the southeast United States. With a focus on prepping students quickly and affordably for lucrative careers in the field of their choice, Virginia has been turning out skilled professionals since day one. The school currently offers Associates Degrees, Baccalaureate Degrees, and Diplomas.
Students at Virginia College enjoy small class sizes and personalized attention from qualified, professionally trained instructors. A flexible mix of online, evening, and daytime classes make it easy for students to complete their education in their own time.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Enrolling at Virginia College is easy. The first step is visiting a local campus to learn more about the. Both students and admissions officers can fill out a picture of what applicants can expect as a student at Virginia College. Financial aid is also readily available to eligible students. Virginia College does require that applicants possess a high school diploma or GED for admission. Some programs may require college credit as well.
An efficient career services department sets Virginia College apart from its peers. Free assistance is available to students even before they enroll. Applicants can participate in free career counseling to determine what degree program is best for them. The staff members are also well connected throughout several major industries and generate leads on potential jobs for graduates and students alike.
Accreditation
Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).
