Surgical Technology
| Degree Type | Program Number | Program Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 105121 | STEC | 62.00 |
| Typical Start | Learning Format | Financial Aid | Estimated Cost | Location | Area of Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | In-Person | Available | 10961 | La Crosse | Health Sciences |
The operating room is a demanding and often stressful environment, and it takes a collaborative effort to ensure its smooth operation. If you thrive under pressure and can remain calm in challenging situations, you may find your calling as a surgical technologist. In this critical role, you will be an integral part of the surgical team, responsible for ensuring that equipment functions correctly, maintaining a sterile and safe environment, and ensuring the patient's comfort. Surgical procedures can vary from invasive to minimally invasive, diagnostic, or therapeutic, and you will gain experience in all these areas. Your duties will encompass both pre- and post-operative care, making you an indispensable member of the healthcare team.
Success in an operating room demands focus, dedication, and exceptional multitasking abilities. Before starting the program, all candidates will have the opportunity to gain insight through job shadowing experiences and witness surgeries in progress.
While some general studies courses are available online, with distance learning options at our regional locations, many of our program's core courses are taught face-to-face at the La Crosse Campus. These courses will consist of a combination of lectures, labs, and clinical rotations as you progress through the program.
You will be required to take a national certification exam as a final step before beginning employment as a surgical technologist. This certification ensures that you are well-prepared to excel in this vital healthcare role.
In addition, this program links directly to an apprenticeship pathway, providing hands-on, on-the-job learning opportunities. Learn about the Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship.
To view the Surgical Technology program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here (PDF).
Admissions Requirements
- Apply at www.westerntc.edu/how-to-apply
- Western’s Admission Coaches are available to help you through the application process. Have questions or need advice? Call 608-785-9200 or email AdmissionsCoach@westerntc.edu.
- Western must comply with a Waiting List Policy when academic programs meet capacity. This policy adheres to Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter TCS10.07.
Additional Requirements
- High School or GED/HSED Transcript
- To enroll in the Surgical Technology program, first apply for admission to the College, then electronically sign the program's Technical Standards and complete a background check. You can find links to these documents below. In addition, you must complete the program prerequisite of General Anatomy and Physiology 10806177 with a grade of “C” or better. Please see the details below.
- Surgical Technology Technical Standards
- Background Check (PDF)
- General Anatomy and Physiology
- If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
Career Opportunities
Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technician
Certified Surgical Technologist
Program Outcomes
- Apply healthcare and technological science principles to the perioperative environment
- Maintain principles of sterile technique in the surgical environment
- Provide a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for the patient
- Prepare the patient, operating room and surgical team for the preoperative phase
- Perform intraoperative case management in the scrub role
- Perform postoperative case management
- Function as an ethical, legal, and professional member of the healthcare team as determined by governing bodies
Accreditation
Western Technical College's Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).
CAAHEP Contact Information
9355 – 113th St. N. #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
ARC/STSA Contact Information
19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite 339
Parker, CO 80138
Phone: 303-694-9262
Fax: 303-741-3655
Email: info@arcstsa.org
Graduation Employment Stats - 2023, 2024, & 2025
| Graduates | 26 |
|---|---|
| Graduates Responding | 13 |
| Employed In Related Occupation | 11 |
| Employed In Non-related Occupations | 1 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 1 |
| Not In Labor Market | 0 |
| Graduates Responding Employed Part Time in Related Occupation | 2 |
| PT Average Hours per Week | 32 |
| PT Median Hourly Wage | $26.28 |
| PT Hourly Wage Range | $26.28 |
| PT Median Annual Salary | $52,000 |
| Graduates Responding Employed Full Time in Related Occupation | 9 |
| FT Average Hours per Week | 38 |
| FT Median Hourly Wage | $26.81 |
| FT Hourly Wage Range | $24.00 - $34.50 |
| Related Occupations | Certified Surgical Technologis, Surgical Technician |
Software & Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools.
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page.
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Additional Information
Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the documents below:
Program Contact
Steve Thompson
Program Chair, Surgical Technology
608-789-6095
ThompsonS@westerntc.edu
Career Pathways
This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.
Prior Learning
Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more about what may apply to this program.
Certificates
There are currently no certificates associated with this pathway.
Technical Diplomas
There are currently no technical diplomas associated with this pathway.
Associate Degrees
There are currently no associate degrees associated with this pathway.
University Transfer
Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10801136 - English Composition I | 3.00 |
| 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology | 4.00 |
| 10501101 - Medical Terminology | 3.00 |
| 10801196 - Oral/Interpersonal Comm | 3.00 |
| 10890106 - Strengths Seminar | 1.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10512127 - Exploring Surgical Issues | 2.00 |
| 10809198 - Intro to Psychology | 3.00 |
| 10512125 - Intro to Surgical Technology | 4.00 |
| 10512126 - Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1 | 4.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10806197 - Microbiology | 4.00 |
| 10512129 - Surgical Pharmacology | 2.00 |
| 10512130 - Surgical Skills Application | 2.00 |
| 10512128 - Surgical Tech Fundamentals 2 | 4.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10809172 - Introduction to Diversity Studies | 3.00 |
| 10512131 - Surgical Interventions 1 | 4.00 |
| 10512132 - Surgical Technology Clinical 1 | 3.00 |
| 10512133 - Surgical Technology Clinical 2 | 3.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10512142 - Surgical Interventions II | 4.00 |
| 10512135 - Surgical Technology Clinical 3 | 3.00 |
| 10512136 - Surgical Technology Clinical 4 | 3.00 |