Surgical Technologist

surgical technology program pic

Program Information

  • Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
  • Pathway: Healthcare
  • Program Code: 10-512-1
  • Offering: In-class
  • Degree Type: 2-Year Degree (Associate)
  • Start Dates: August/January

About the Surgical Technologist Degree

Description

Surgical technologists work under direct supervision to facilitate safe, effective invasive surgical procedures. You will learn the application of sterile and aseptic technique to help ensure that the operating room environment is safe and equipment functions properly. Graduates are eligible to write the certification examination given by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting to become a Certified Surgical Technologist.

Entry-level positions are available in operating rooms and ambulatory surgery facilities.

This program features exploratory courses that count toward a credential. Contact an MATC advisor for information.

Additional program details: 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. They work to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, the equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

 

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Detailed Program Information

2024-25 Curriculum

Course Course Name Credits
BIOSCI-177 Gen Anatomy & Physiology ‡ * 4
BIOSCI-179 Adv Anatomy & Physiology ‡
(or) BIOSCI-202 Anatomy and Physiology 2 ‡
4
BIOSCI-197 Microbiology ‡ 4
 ENG-195 Written Communication ‡
(or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡
3
PSYCH-199 Psychology of Human Relations
(or) Any 200-level PSYCH course
3
SOCSCI-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies
(or) Any 200-level SOCSCI course
3
HEALTH-101 Medical Terminology 3
SURGT-125 Introduction to Surgical Technology ‡ 4
SURGT-126 Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1 ‡ 4
 SURGT-127 Exploring Surgical Issues ‡ 2
SURGT-129 Surgical Pharmacology ‡ 2
ENG-197 Technical Reporting ‡
(or) Any 200-level ENG or SPEECH course
3
SURGT-128 Surgical Tech Fundamentals 2 ‡ 4
SURGT-130 Surgical Skills Application ‡ 2
SURGT-132 Surgical Tech Clinical 1 ‡ 3
SURGT-131 Surgical Interventions 1 ‡ 4
SURGT-133 Surgical Tech Clinical 2 ‡ 3
SURGT-135 Surgical Tech Clinical 3 ‡ 3
SURGT-142 Surgical Interventions II ‡ 4
SURGT-136 Surgical Tech Clinical 4 ‡ 3

TOTAL CREDITS

65

Taken prior to first-semester courses.
‡ Prerequisite required.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

This Associate in Applied Science program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.

Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.

Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.

Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.

 

Important Dates

Fall start: Petition for program in February

Spring start: Petition for program in September

Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines

Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Events Calendar

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

 

Surgical Technology Certification Exam Passing Rate

GRADUATION DATE

STUDENTS TAKING/PASSING EXAM

PASS RATE

May 2020

8/7

88%

December 2020

8/7

88%

May 2021

12/9

75%

December 2021

11/9

81%

May 2022

5/5

100%

December 2022

8/5

63%

May 2023

6/2

33%

December 2023

9/6

67%

Career Outlook

Entry-level positions are available in operating rooms and ambulatory surgery facilities. For career information, visit www.arcstsa.org.

Possible Careers

Surgical Technologist
Surgical Assistant
Central Service Technician

Admission Requirements

This program admits students through a petition selection process. 
Learn more about the petition process

The following are required for admission:

  • HP-A2 pre-qualifying exam (minimum composite score of 65%)
  • C+ or higher in the following courses: 
    • BIOSCI-177* or BIOSCI-201* and 202* 
    • BIOSCI-197*
  • Fall start: Petition for program in February
  • Spring start: Petition for program in September

Scholarships

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education
Programs (CAAHEP), 9355 - 113th Street N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; 727-210-2350
caahep.org/Students/Program-Info/Surgical-Technology.aspx

Accreditation is based on recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? 

Use the buttons below to get more information, visit the college or apply now. 

Request Info    Visit Us    Apply Now

 

QUESTIONS?

Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway
414-297-6263
262-238-2281
healthpathway@matc.edu

 

Last updated: 03/25/2024