Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology Program Information

Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners, providing surgical care to patients in various settings. The surgical technologist works under the medical supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

Graduates of this program are required to take the National Certification Surgical Technology exam.

The TVCC SGT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
www.caahep.org

There is a selection process for this program. It is the student’s responsibility to read the current health occupations brochure. Students may apply if they expect to complete the prerequisite courses or become TSI complete by the end of the fall semester.

The deadline for completing all pre-admission testing requirements and submitting the online application is December 1. Applicants will have until January 31 to submit fall semester transcripts and TSI completion documentation.

Note: Criminal history may disqualify individuals from obtaining or maintaining surgical technologist certifications.

Surgical technology graduates become Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) by passing the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certifying exam. At present, NBSTSA does not disqualify applicants with a criminal history from taking the certifying exam and becoming a CST; however, criminal history may disqualify individuals from obtaining employment as a surgical technologist.

SRGT-1260. Clinical I. (2 Credits)

(2-0-0-8) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Admission to the surgical technology program and grade of C or better in BIOL 2401) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Lab fee $87 includes professional liability insurance and drug screen.

SRGT-1405. Introduction to Surgical Technology. (4 Credits)

(4-2-2-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Admission to the surgical technology program and grade of C or better in BIOL 2401) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Orientation to surgical technology theory, surgical pharmacology and anesthesia, technological sciences and patient care concepts. Lab fee includes exam prep packages.

SRGT-1409. Fundamentals of Perioperative Concepts And Techniques. (4 Credits)

(4-2-6-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Admission to the surgical technology program and grade of C or better in BIOL 2401) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. In-depth coverage of perioperative concepts such as aseptic principles and practices, infectious processes, wound healing, and creation and maintenance of the sterile field. Lab fee.

SRGT-1441. Surgical Procedures I. (4 Credits)

(4-4-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: SRGT 1405, 1409 and 1260) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Introduction to surgical pathology and its relationship to surgical procedures. Emphasis on surgical procedures related to the general, OB/GYN, genitourinary, otorhinolaryngology and orthopedic surgical specialties incorporating instruments, equipment and supplies required for safe patient care. Lab Fee $50 includes CST practice exam.

SRGT-1442. Surgical Procedures II. (4 Credits)

(4-4-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: SRGT 1405, 1409 and 1260) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Introduction to surgical pathology and its relationship to surgical procedures. Emphasis on surgical procedures related to cardiothoracic, peripheral vascular, plastic/reconstructive, ophthalmology, oral/maxillofacial and neurological surgical specialties incorporating instruments, equipment and supplies required for safe patient care. Lab fee $247 includes AST certification exam fee, exam prep materials, and AST membership.

SRGT-2461. Clinical II. (4 Credits)

(4-0-0-16) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: SRGT 1405, 1409 and 1260) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Lab fee.

SRGT-2462. Clinical III. (4 Credits)

A grade of 75 or better must be attained in each surgical technology course.

What surgical assistants and Surgical Technologists Do

Surgical assistants and technologists assist in surgical operations.

SUMMARY

2023 Median Pay: $60,370 per year; $29.03 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None
On-the-job Training: None
Number of Jobs, 2021: 128,900
Job Outlook, 2021-31: 5% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2021-31: 7,000

Work Environment

Most surgical assistants and surgical technologists work in hospitals. They spend much of their time on their feet.

How to Become a Surgical Technologist

Surgical assistants and surgical technologists typically need a postsecondary nondegree award or an associate degree. Certification can be beneficial in finding a job. A small number of states regulate surgical assistants and surgical technologists.

Pay

The median annual wage for surgical assistants was $59,160 in May 2023.

The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $60,610 in May 2031.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of surgical assistants and surgical technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 8,600 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

SUGGESTED CITATION:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical Assistants and Technologists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm (visited August 03, 2024).

Some careers in this field will require a bachelor's degree.

TVCC's AA degrees are fully transferable to public universities in Texas. See an academic advisor or TVCC's university transfer webpage for more information on this transfer opportunity.
Many of TVCC's AAS degrees lead to an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree with participating universities. See an academic advisor or the BAAS transfer website for more information on this transfer opportunity.

Surgical Technology