Surgical Technology
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals, who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Surgical technologists work under the supervision and delegatory authority of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists are experts in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. (Association of Surgical Technologists – ast.org)
The Surgical Technology program at WCCCD is fully accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs)
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, sutures 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?
Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow 9 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
What’s Required to Complete the Surgical Technology Program?
An AAS in surgical technology from WCCCD requires 68-72 total credits.
As a surgical technology student at WCCCD, you’ll take both prerequisite general education courses and human science courses required for the surgical technology major. While in the final semester, students are required to become members of the AST (Association of Surgical Technologists). Upon successful completion, as a condition of graduation, students are eligible to sit for the national certification examination offered by NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assisting).
Some students plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their AAS. If that’s your goal, you might choose specific courses. Talk with your advisor about a personalized plan that meets your goals.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Surgical Technology Degree?
Most surgical technology students take five semesters (2.5 years) to complete AAS degree prerequisites and required courses.
What Will I Learn as a Surgical Technology Student?
WCCCD surgical technology students are trained to maintain a sterile and safe surgical environment. Surgical procedure, procedure related surgical instrumentation, equipment and supplies. The degree curriculum is designed to enable you 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.
Recommended course sequence:
Where is WCCCD’s Surgical Technology Program Offered?
The Surgical Technology program is offered at our Northwest Campus only. Prerequisite courses may be taken at any campus where offered.
Educational Affairs Contact Information
Phone: 313-496-2600
Email: edaffairs@wcccd.edu
