ARC/STSA would like to congratulate the following surgical technology programs for receiving initial accreditation. Please join us in acknowledging the dedication and hard work it took for these programs to reach an important milestone. 

Surgical Technology Programs

  • Roane State Community College (Harriman, Tennessee)
  • SOWELA Technical Community College (Lake Charles, Louisiana)
  • Walters State Community College (Sevierville, Tennessee)

Hear from the program directors on the impact of the accreditation process: 

“As a 23-year veteran of this profession, I have worked in the OR, advocated and educated with some of the most amazing professionals. Now that I am the program director at SOWELA Technical Community College, it is imperative that I maintain my principles to provide the same quality surgical technologist education I received. I knew that only after the program achieved CAAHEP accreditation with the assistance of the expert staff and site visitors from ARC/STSA, and only after requiring students to sit for the CST certification exam prior to graduation, would I be completely satisfied with my work. Only then would the students be empowered with the knowledge and commitment to lifelong learning that ensured they would exceed every expectation.” —Amy Broussard CST, CSFA, FAST, CRCST, AAS, Surgical Technology Program Director/Master Instructor, SOWELA Technical Community College, School of Nursing and Allied Health 

“The accreditation process allowed the opportunity to evaluate the program, identify strengths, reinforce concepts where weaknesses were evident and build a stronger program for the students. Certification is required for employment in the state of Tennessee. Therefore, accreditation is of vital importance in allowing students the opportunity to sit for the national exam. The process gave me, as a leader, a better understanding of the structure and design of the program. This, in turn, helps with advising potential students. Accreditation ensures the program is delivering quality education to students to produce exceptional entry-level surgical technologists.” —Stephanie Austin, BAS, CST, Program Director of Surgical Technology, Walters State Community College