Health Sciences

Surgical Technology

Surgical Technologists are integral members of the operating room team.  They work in cooperation with surgeons and registered nurses to deliver safe, direct patient care during all phases of surgery.  Technologists prepare and sterilize instruments and surgical supplies, assist physicians during surgical procedures, ensure necessary equipment  is properly maintained and available when needed, handle surgical specimens, maintain a sterile atmosphere in the operating room environment and complete necessary paperwork related to surgical procedures.

The comprehensive Surgical Technology program offers students the opportunity to prepare for entry-level positions as Surgical Technologists.  The three-semester curriculum gives students a balanced set of experiences in the classroom, laboratory and clinical setting.  Students are trained in procedures, aseptic (sterile) techniques, medical equipment nomenclature, human anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology for the operating room.  Graduates of the program may be employed in a variety of areas such as the operating room, labor and delivery, physicians' offices, and outpatient surgery centers.

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs in cooperation with the Joint Review Committee for the Surgical Technologist.  Graduates of he program are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for Surgical Technologists.

Special Requirements

Students are required to purchase and maintain blue scrub suits, white shoes, white hose, a name pin and protective eye wear at an approximate cost of $130.

Students must attain a grade of "C" or better in all required curriculum courses to complete the program successfully.  All courses in the curriculum may be repeated no more than once to obtain a grade of "C" or better.  No more than two curriculum courses may be repeated.  All Surgical Technology courses must be taken in the appropriate sequence.

In addition to the college's placement test and the admissions requirements for the Health Sciences department, specific admission criteria to the Surgical Technology program include:

• Acceptable admission test:

  • HOBET 46 composite percent (minimum reading 46 percent) and MTC writing sample score of 30; or

  • SAT 840 (minimum verbal 430); and MTC writing sample score of 30; or

  • ACT 18 (minimum verbal 17) and MTC writing sample of score of 30; or

• Successful completion of the Pre-Health Care certificate with a 2.5 GPA and "C" or higher in each course.

• High school diploma or equivalent

• High school or college credits in mathematics and science helpful

• Interview by the Surgical Technology Admission Committee

• Must be 17 years of age by date of program entry

• Certification in Basic First-aid and CPR