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Surgical Technology Degree

Associate of Applied Science
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MC Surgical Technology 2019 Class photo
MC Surgical Technology Class of 2019

This curriculum is designed for those who wish to move into surgical technology careers or upgrade present surgical skills in this area. Credits earned in the degree provide transfer options for students who choose to continue studies beyond the AAS.

The curriculum, emphasizing both didactic and clinical experience, offers a broad base of surgical skills needed by those who function as integral members of the surgical team. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will receive the AAS and will be eligible to apply to take the certification examination given by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Surgical technologists are eligible for employment in hospitals, operating rooms, physicians’ offices, surgery centers, labor and delivery, and freestanding minor surgery facilities.

Each of the surgical technology courses builds on materials offered in the previous course. Students must meet prerequisites to the first-semester courses. A grade of C or better in each surgical technology course must be achieved.

Students who plan to major in surgical technology will be assigned the temporary major of pre-surgical technology, with POS code 590, until they are officially admitted to the surgical technology program. Students may take preparatory courses and courses that fulfill general education requirements during the waiting period. As an alternative to being assigned a temporary major, students waiting for admission to the surgical technology program may choose to major in general studies or any other open-admission program. The Admissions and Records Office at Takoma Park/Silver Spring will assign a matriculated code once students are admitted to the surgical technology program.

For information regarding the program and admissions, please contact the Admissions and Records Office at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, 240-567-1501, or the program department.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique.
  • Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Maximize patient safety by facilitating a safe surgical environment.
  • Perform competently in the scrub and circulator role in accordance with AST standards.
  • Apply principles of pharmacology as related to the surgical technologist.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills in perioperative procedural management.
  • Demonstrate cultural competence.


Program Advising

Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer.  

Transfer Opportunities

MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.

Careers

For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.

Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries. 

  • MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
  • Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.

Curriculum

 

General Education Requirements

 See distribution and foundation courses, and general education elective courses.

  • All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
  • Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
  • Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
  • All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.


Distribution Courses



General Education Elective


*  ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or check with an advisor.

** AAS programs require one 3-credit Arts or Humanities General Education course.

Total credit hours: 63

Other Requirements

  • All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
  • Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
  • Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
  • All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.


Other Requirements

Program Requirements

See Program Requirements

  • All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
  • Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
  • Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
  • All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.


Program Requirements

 

HEALTH SCIENCES ADMISSIONS

 

Related Programs and Courses

General Studies Degree

Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.

Workforce Development and Continuing Education

MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.

Accreditations

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by The Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), as well as the overarching Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).  Questions and/or complaints regarding the program compliance with the ARCSTSA Standards, should be handled through Montgomery College’s grievance processes first and if not resolved, then may be addressed with either of these agencies. 

ARCSTSA  6 W. Dry Creek Circle, Suite #110, Littleton, CO 80120 Phone: 303-694-9262; ARCSTSA websitenew window. 

CAAHEP  25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158, Clearwater, FL  33763 Phone: 727‐210‐2350; CAAHEP websitenew window. 

National Recognition
MC is recognized by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) as a leader in Surgical Technology education!
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