2011-12

Surgical Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree — Downtown Milwaukee Campus

Program Code: 10-512-1

This curriculum goes into effect as of summer 2011.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

Overview — 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.

Surgical technologists work under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective completion of invasive surgical procedures. They work 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.

Surgical technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique, and combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.


Career Outlook — Entry-level positions are available in operating rooms and ambulatory surgery facilities. For additional career information, visit www.ast.org.

Program Learning Outcomes — Upon graduation, employers will expect you to:

• Apply health sciences principles to the peri-operative environment
• Apply principles of disinfection and sterilization to the surgical environment, equipment and instrumentation
• Maintain principles of sterile technique in the surgical environment
• Prepare the operating room by gathering equipment and supplies
• Pass instruments, equipment and supplies in a safe and efficient manner
• Provide a safe, efficient and supportive environment for the peri-operative patient
• Anticipate the sequence of events during surgical procedures
• Demonstrate safe practice with medications and solutions
• Function as an ethical, legal and professional member of the healthcare team within the surgical technologists' scope of practice
• Demonstrate proficiency on the comprehensive surgical technologist exam as specified by NBSTSA

Preparation for Admission — This program admits students through a petition selection process:

What is the petitioning process? (PDF)
Am I ready to petition? (PDF)
Petition Packet (PDF)

Note that NATSCI-177 or NATSCI-202 must be completed. In addition, current enrollment or completion of NATSCI-197 is required to petition. Required Natural Science courses must be completed with a grade of C+ or better.


Future Opportunities — Upon completion of the program, you are eligible to write the certification examination given by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting to become a Certified Surgical Technologist. MATC grants an advanced technical certificate in Surgical Assistant upon the completion of 12 additional credits.

This program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.

Possible Careers:

Surgical Assistant
Certified Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technician
Surgical Technologist

Related Programs:

Anesthesia Technology
Cardiovascular Technology
Respiratory Therapist

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2011-12.

TOTAL CREDITS: 67

NOTE: Students who have not been accepted, or have not decided on a program, may begin with GENERAL STUDIES courses, if course prerequisites have been met.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.  

For course descriptions, times, locations or to register online, visit INFOnline.