Surgical Technology
The Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree curriculum is designed to enable the student to perform a variety of duties, as well as provide technical support to the surgical team in the operating room before, during, and after surgery. The surgical technologist is trained to maintain a sterile and safe surgical environment.
Surgical technologists directly assist the surgeon during procedures. They participate in operating room preparation and arrange necessary equipment and supplies as part of the surgical team to provide quality patient care.
Under the supervision of a surgeon, surgical technologists prepare and maintain a secure operating room, ensure equipment functions properly, and follow strict aseptic and sterile techniques. They use their knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, tools, and technologies to assist in therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, prioritizing patient safety at every step.
The Surgical Technology program at WCCCD is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring high-quality training and education.
As a surgical technologist, your duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Operating Room preparation, which includes equipment sterile supplies, equipment, and instrumentation for surgical procedures
- Passing instruments, sponges, suture material and other supplies to the surgical team
- Patient transport/positioning, based on facility
- Assisting the surgical team with gowning and gloving
- Sterilization of instrumentation/supplies as needed
What’s the Job Outlook for Surgical Technologists?
The job market for surgical technologists is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2035, with about 8,600 job openings expected annually.
Recommended course sequencing
Prerequisite Course Total: 31 Credits
- ENG 119 - English I 3 Credit(s)
- ENG 120 - English II 3 Credit(s)
- BIO 155 - Introductory Biology 4 Credit(s)
- BIO 240 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Credit(s)
- BIO 250 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Credit(s)
- BIO 295 - Microbiology 4 Credit(s)
- PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology 3 Credit(s)
- ALH 110 - Medical Terminology 3 Credit(s)
- SUR 100 - Orientation to Surgical Technology 3 Credit(s)
Semester 1 Total: 17 Credits
- PS 101 - American Government 3 Credit(s)
- ALH 230 - Medical Ethics 3 Credit(s)
- SUR 110 - Surgical Technology Principles - Lecture 3 Credit(s)
- SUR 120 - Surgical Specialties and Techniques I - Lecture 4 Credit(s)
- SUR 125 - Surgical Technology Clinical I - Lab 4 Credit(s)
Semester 2 Total: 15 Credits
- BIO 252 - Pathophysiology 4 Credit(s)
- SUR 130 - Surgical Specialties and Techniques II - Lecture 4 Credit(s)
- SUR 140 - Surgical Pharmacology - Lecture 3 Credit(s)
- SUR 145 - Surgical Technology Clinical II - Clinical 4 Credit(s)
Semester 3 Total: 13 Credits
A.A.S. Program Total: 76 Credits
Note: Program total hours may not include prerequisites.Program totals do not include remedial courses.
Where is WCCCD’s Surgical Technology Program Offered?
The Surgical Technology Program is offered at our Northwest Campus. As a WCCCD student, you can take prerequisite courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.
It is the policy of WCCCD that no person, based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or political affiliation or belief, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
