What will I learn?
Surgical technologists work side-by-side with surgeons to ensure positive outcomes for surgical patients. They prepare surgical instruments, supplies, equipment and medication for use at the sterile field. Surgical technologists anticipate the needs of the surgeon by connecting procedure steps and instrumentation. Surgical technologists are an integral part of the surgery, routinely assisting with retraction of tissue, handling of specimens and counting of supplies and instruments. Surgical technologists typically work in hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.
Students in the program learn about anatomy, physiology, aseptic technique and surgical procedures. Training takes place in the classroom, laboratory and clinics.
Associate of Applied Science
The goal of the Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree program is to prepare competent, entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains. Graduates of the program will be able to apply fundamental theoretical knowledge in the practice of surgical technology; acquire and evaluate emerging surgical knowledge; effectively and safely manipulate surgical equipment, instruments and supplies; consistently maintain sterile techniques; and demonstrate the formation of a strong sterile conscience.
The program has limited enrollment and admits one class each fall. The prerequisite courses must be completed or in progress prior to application for program admission. Prospective students should contact the Surgical Technology Program director for admission deadlines. Applicants must be in excellent physical health and be able to perform the rigorous physical tasks required of the profession. In addition, candidates must have a stable emotional temperament to be able to function safely and use good judgment under stressful conditions. Drug screening and criminal background checks may be required by clinical affiliates for those accepted into the program.
Available at the Cheyenne main campus.
What can I do with this degree?
Graduates from surgical technology typically start in entry level positions in hospitals and medical clinics.
Visit Career Coach for additional information about Surgical Assistants.
Visit Career Coach for additional information about Medical Equipment Preparers.
Visit LCCC's Career Resources to find tools for selecting the right program for you and marketing yourself to future employers.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, which allows graduates to take the national certifying examination sponsored by the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
- Association of Surgical Technologists (professional association)
- National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (certification)
- Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
- American College of Surgeons
- Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
- Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety
Clinical sites require a drug screening and/or a criminal background check prior to allowing students into the clinical setting. (Any associated fees will be the responsibility of the student.) Clinical sites may also require random drug testing and/or drug testing for reasonable cause. Testing positive on the drug screening or evidence of tampering with a specimen will disqualify a student from participation in clinical assignment.
In addition to drug screening, for the safety of patients and healthcare workers, child abuse clearance and criminal background checks are required by some agencies prior to a clinical assignment. Certain criminal activity, as evidenced by a criminal background check, may also disqualify a student from clinical participation.
Students are advised that the inability to gain clinical education experiences can result in the inability to meet program objectives and outcomes. These circumstances may prevent acceptance into and/or continuance in the program. For more information, please see the complete Health Sciences and Wellness Division Policy for allied health students.
Cognitive Learning Domain
- Graduates will apply fundamental theoretical knowledge in the practice of surgical technology.
- Graduates will acquire and evaluate emerging surgical knowledge.
Psychomotor Learning Domain
- Graduates will effectively and safely manipulate surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies.
- Graduates will consistently maintain sterile technique.
Affective Learning Domain
- Graduates will demonstrate the formation of a strong sterile conscience.
- Graduates will demonstrate professional behaviors expected of surgical technologists.
Effectiveness Measure |
Annual Rate (Class of 2022) |
Four Year Rate (2019 - 2022) |
| Credentialing Examination Pass Rate (First attempt) | 5/7 = 71 percent | 29/38 = 76 percent |
| Job Placement Rate (Graduates actively seeking employment within 12 months) |
6/7 = 86 percent | 36/38 = 95 percent |
| Program Completion Rate | 7/8 = 88 percent | 38/44 = 86 percent |
Cost of Attendance
For general college expenses, students should view LCCC’s cost of attendance. Students in the Surgical Technology Program have additional course fees of $1,000. This is an estimate and may change at any time. Other miscellaneous costs, unique to the program, are approximately $500.
Examples of how those fees are used include but are not limited to the following:
- Certification study guide and testing
- Equipment and supplies for Skills Laboratory
- Immunizations
- Background check and drug screen
- Other costs unique to the surgical technology program