South College Atlanta earns initial accreditation for associate degree in surgical technology program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 10, 2024

South College has been awarded initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) for the Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program at its Atlanta campus.

“Surgical technologists have critical roles in healthcare settings, and the Associate of Science in Surgical Technology at South College offers excellent educational instruction in the classroom and practical training with clinical hours,” said Josh Huffaker, president of the South College Atlanta campus. “By earning initial accreditation in this degree program, we show our commitment to both an outstanding education and the preparation of students to start their careers after graduation.”

Surgical technologists learn skills to help care for patients, prepare for surgery, keep areas sterile and assist surgeons during surgical procedures. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median pay for surgical technologists is $60,610 per year. Additionally, the field is expected to grow at 6% through 2033.

CAAHEP accredits educational programs that prepare health professionals in a variety of disciplinary areas. Programs are accredited when it is determined that they meet the educational standards and guidelines established by the profession. The Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) has determined South College Atlanta’s Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program is in compliance with nationally established accreditation standards. For more information about CAAHEP, visit caahep.org.

South College offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE.

To learn more about South College or the Surgical Technology program, visit south.edu.

About South College

South College serves more than 14,000 students and is proud of its more than 17,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.

About CAAHEP Accreditation

The Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (caahep.org) upon recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).