Surgical Technology | Western Technical College

Surgical Technology

Share
Associate Degree

Program Number: 

105121

Credits: 

61.00
Financial Aid Eligible

Typical Start: 

Summer

It takes a collaborative effort to ensure that things run smoothly in the operating room, where conditions can be stressful and demanding. If you can stay calm in these types of situations, you may consider the critical role of a surgical technician. You would be the member of the surgical team who makes sure that equipment is working properly, that the environment is sterile and safe, and that the patient is comfortable. Surgeries can be invasive, diagnostic, or therapeutic, and you’ll gain experience in all these areas. Your responsibilities will include pre- and post-op care as well.

It takes focus, dedication, and the ability to multi-task to work in an operating room. All candidates will have a job shadowing experience prior to the start of the program and will observe a surgery in progress.

Some courses are available online, with distance learning options available at our regional locations. Study will include lab courses from the beginning, with clinical rotations scheduled as the student progresses.

Graduates take a national certification exam before beginning employment.

To view the Surgical Technology program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here.

Surgical Technology image
Estimated Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost

Surgical Technology

This program will cost about $10,300* based on tuition and basic program fees. There may be additional fees for books, materials, and testing. For more information on tuition costs, visit the Tuition Page.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Graduation Employment Stats

Surgical Technology 2020-2021 Graduation Employment Stats

Graduates11
Graduates Responding8
Employed in Related Occupation7
Employed in Non-related Occupations0
Seeking Employment0
Continuing Education0
Not in Labor Market0

Salary Data - Related Employment

Part TimeFull Time
Responding52
Average Hours Per Week40
Median Hourly Wage$24.00
Hourly Wage Range
Median Annual Salary$49,916

Respondents in Related Occupations

  • Certified Surgical Technologist, Surgical Tech, Surgical Technologist

Career Opportunities

Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technician
Certified Surgical Technologist

Program Outcomes

  • Living responsibly
  • Refining professionalism
  • Cultivating passion
  • 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

Admission Requirements

College Requirements

Application
$30 Application Fee
High School or GED/HSED Transcript

Additional Requirements

To enroll in the Surgical Technology program, first apply for admission to the College, then read 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.

Software and 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

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

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

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

Transfer Agreements

University of WI - Oshkosh
Viterbo University

Tell Me More

Still have questions about our programs? Fill out this form.