Become a Surgical Technician
Prepare to join the operating room team with hands-on training in aseptic technique, perioperative principles, instrumentation, and clinical externships. Designed to launch you into entry-level roles across hospitals and surgical centers.
Program Length: Approximately 19 months
Externship Hours: 420 total hours across two placements
Career Start: Entry-level roles in hospitals and surgical centers
Program Overview
The Associate Degree Surgical Technician program prepares students to pursue entry-level surgical technology positions in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, medical centers, and public and private surgical centers.
Students learn about the surgical profession, develop the fundamental concepts and principles of aseptic technique, and practice the skills needed to participate effectively on a surgical team.
Key Topics
- Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative principles
- Introduction to intraoperative pharmacology
- Concepts of anesthesia administration
- Surgical furniture, equipment, and supplies
You Will Learn To
Identify common equipment and surgical supplies (suture, needles, drains, catheters, dressings) and explain their use.
Apply aseptic technique and maintain a sterile field.
Assist the surgical team by passing instruments, holding retractors, cutting sutures, and counting supplies.
Handle and label surgical specimens.
Curriculum Highlights
Anatomy & Physiology
- Digestive system
- Integumentary system
- Musculoskeletal system
- Cardiovascular system
- Reproductive system
Perioperative Practice
- Preoperative preparation
- Intraoperative procedures
- Postoperative care
- Surgical wounds & incisions
- Suture materials & wound healing
Instrumentation & Equipment
- Surgical furniture & setup
- Common instruments & supplies
- Sterilization & packaging
- Counting & documentation
Clinical Externships
Before graduation, students complete 420 hours of hands-on experience across two externships, working directly with surgical teams.
Hands-on responsibilities may include:
- Participating in OR setup and breakdown
- Practicing sterile technique and safe patient transfer
- Assisting with instrumentation and counts
- Documenting and communicating with the perioperative team
Career Outcomes
Graduates pursue entry-level roles in:
Hospitals – Operating rooms & specialty suites
Medical Centers – Ambulatory and acute care
Public & Private Surgical Centers – Outpatient surgical services