Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technician
Prepare for a rewarding career in the operating room with the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technician program at Blake Austin College. This hybrid program combines flexible online coursework with hands-on lab training and clinical externships to help students develop the technical and practical skills needed for entry-level surgical technology careers.
Students receive training in aseptic technique, perioperative principles, instrumentation, surgical procedures, and patient care while gaining real-world experience working alongside surgical teams in clinical settings.
Program Highlights
- Program Length: Approximately 19 months
- Learning Format: Hybrid program with select classes offered online
- Clinical Training: 420 externship hours across two placements
- Career Preparation: Designed for entry-level roles in hospitals and surgical centers
Flexible Hybrid Learning
The Surgical Technician program is offered in a hybrid format, allowing students to complete some coursework online while participating in essential in-person labs and clinical experiences. This flexible structure helps students balance school with work and personal responsibilities while still receiving the hands-on training required in surgical technology.
Program Overview
The Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technician program prepares students to pursue entry-level opportunities in a variety of healthcare environments, including hospitals, medical centers, and public and private surgical centers.
Students learn the fundamentals of the surgical profession, including sterile techniques, patient safety, surgical instrumentation, and perioperative procedures. The program focuses on developing the knowledge, professionalism, and technical skills needed to effectively support surgeons and healthcare teams during surgical procedures.
Key Topics Covered
- Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative principles
- Introduction to intraoperative pharmacology
- Concepts of anesthesia administration
- Surgical furniture, equipment, and supplies
- Sterile technique and infection control
- Surgical procedures and instrumentation
You Will Learn To
- Identify common surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies and explain their use
- Apply aseptic technique and maintain a sterile field
- Assist surgical teams during procedures by passing instruments and handling supplies
- Support surgical procedures through proper counting and documentation practices
- Handle and label surgical specimens appropriately
- Communicate effectively with surgical staff and healthcare teams
Curriculum Highlights
Anatomy & Physiology
Students study body systems and foundational healthcare concepts, including:
- Digestive system
- Integumentary system
- Musculoskeletal system
- Cardiovascular system
- Reproductive system
Perioperative Practice
Coursework includes:
- Preoperative preparation
- Intraoperative procedures
- Postoperative care
- Surgical wounds & incisions
- Suture materials & wound healing
Instrumentation & Equipment
Students gain knowledge of:
- Surgical furniture & setup
- Common instruments & supplies
- Sterilization & packaging procedures
- Counting techniques & surgical documentation
Clinical Externships
Prior to graduation, students complete 420 hours of supervised clinical externship experience across two placements. During externships, students work directly with surgical teams in real healthcare environments to strengthen their hands-on skills and professional experience.
Clinical responsibilities may include:
- Participating in operating room setup and breakdown
- Practicing sterile techniques and patient transfer procedures
- Assisting with instrumentation and surgical counts
- Supporting communication and documentation within the perioperative team
Career Outcomes
Graduates may pursue entry-level opportunities in:
- Hospitals and operating rooms
- Medical centers and acute care facilities
- Ambulatory surgery centers
- Public and private surgical centers
- Specialty surgical practices
If you are looking for a flexible hybrid healthcare program that combines online learning with hands-on surgical training and clinical experience, the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technician program at Blake Austin College can help you take the next step toward a rewarding career in healthcare.