Surgical Technologist - Associate Degree
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room or environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Explore Locations
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following:
- High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript).
- College transcript.
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Complete these prerequisite courses and requirements (unless already completed):
- American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR course.
- Caregiver background check, CPR certification, vaccine records.
- Functional Abilities Inventory.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
- Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Please note, the last tech diploma acceptance will be Fall 2023. The program will shift to an Associate Degree (2-year program) starting Spring 24. Surgical Tech is a full-time program that combines classroom time, skills practice in the lab, and hands on clinical experiences in local healthcare facilities. Students should expect to be available for classes Monday through Friday. The program includes one Summer semester. Students will collaborate with an Admissions Advisor and Academic Advisor to move from application to enrollment.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-512-XXX courses; 10-806-189, Basic Anatomy; 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 10-801-196, Oral Interpersonal Com; and 10-801-136, English Composition . A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course (10-512-XXX) may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
Program Outcomes
- Apply healthcare and technological science principles to the perioperative environment.
- Maintain principles of sterile technique in the surgical environment.
- Provide a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for the patient.
- Prepare the patient, operating room, and surgical team for the preoperative phase.
- Perform intraoperative case management in the scrub role.
- Perform postoperative case management.
- Function as an ethical, legal, and professional member of the healthcare team as determined by governing bodies.
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 93% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in a hospital, out patient surgery, private practice, or clinical setting as a:
- Surgical Technologist
- Central Supply Technician
- Claims Approver
- Private Scrub Technologist
- Scrub Surgical Technologist
- Second Assisting Technologist
- Laser/Endoscopic Technician
- Tissue/Organ Procurement
- Material Manager
- GI Technician
- OB Technician
- Surgical Sales Representative
- Vet Technician
- Surg Tech Instructor
What's next after graduation?
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Note
- Please note, the last tech diploma acceptance will be Fall 2023. The program will shift to an Associate Degree (2-year program) starting Spring 24.
Accreditation
The Surgical Technologist Program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158 Clearwater, FL 33763 (303) 694-9262 FAX (303) 741-3655 | Minimum Expectation: To prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
Industry Credentials
Graduates of the Surgical Technologist program are required to take the Surgical Technology National Certification Exam.
Clinical Experience
- Students will be required to purchase scrub suits, provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances and participate in early morning clinicals. Students must be able to reach, bend, and stand for long periods of time (2 to 4 hours), as well as lift, push, and pull (50 pounds).
- Students will be required to submit immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
- Students will be required to show proof of an annual flu vaccine.
- Wisconsin's Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27) requires a completed criminal background check prior to access to patients and/or children in clinical agencies/field sites used by this program. Based upon results of the criminal background check, a student may be denied access to clinical agencies/field sites and thus would not be able to complete the program. For the most current information on the Caregiver Law, visit this Web site: www.dhfs.state.wi.us
Wisconsin Caregiver Law
NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.viewpointscreening.com/nwtc AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry and/or clinical, practicum, field experience. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Please review your entry/admission checklist. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical, practicum, or field experience site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum/field experience placement or guarantee graduation.
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.
Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.
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Student Outcomes: View statistics on the Surgical Technology program student graduation rates, certification rate, and employment rate.
- Online
-
Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.