Surgical Technology | Western Technical College

Surgical Technology

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Associate Degree

Program Number: 

105121

Credits: 

62.00
Financial Aid Eligible

Typical Start: 

Summer

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.

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 $9,953* 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

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

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