ΜΗΠΔ΄«Γ½

Menu icon

Lake Area Tech Surgical Technology Program Earns National Accreditation

Posted on: May 23, 2025   |   Category: News
Mockup01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 2025

Lake Area Tech Surgical Technology Program Earns National Accreditation

WATERTOWN, SD – ΜΗΠΔ΄«Γ½ has been awarded initial accreditation for its Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). 

Lake Area Tech Vice President Cam Corey said the accreditation validates the program’s quality and reflects the commitment of faculty and staff to meeting industry standards.

β€œThis recognition is the result of tireless work by our Surgical Technology team, clinical partners and college leadership to build a program that not only meets but exceeds national standards,” Corey said. β€œWe are proud to offer our students a path to success in one of South Dakota’s high-demand healthcare careers.”

The Surgical Technology program prepares students to become vital members of surgical teams through a combination of classroom instruction, simulation lab training and hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum emphasizes surgical instrumentation, sterilization techniques, anatomy, aseptic technology and operating room procedures.

Accreditation was granted following a comprehensive review and site visit conducted by CAAHEP and its review board. The evaluation assessed the program’s curriculum, faculty credentials, clinical partnerships and student outcomes.

β€œCAAHEP accreditation assures students, employers and patients that Lake Area Tech’s program meets or exceeds nationally-established standards for quality education and professional preparation,” Corey said. β€œThis is a significant milestone for the program and our college.”

The accreditation coincides with a major construction project that will create three new, state-of-the art simulation labs, three new classrooms and dedicated support space for the Surgical Technology program. The expansion project will be completed in time for the 2025 Fall semester.

For more information about the Surgical Technology program, visit or contact the Admissions Office at (605) 882-5284.