Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
- Pathway: Healthcare
- Program Code: 10-512-1
- Offering: In-Person
- 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.
This program admits students via a waiting list process.
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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Career Outlook
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Detailed Program Information
2025-26 Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOSCI-177 | Gen Anatomy & Physiology ‡ * (or) BIOSCI-201 Anatomy and Physiology 1 ‡ |
4 |
| BIOSCI-179 | Advanced 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.
2025-2026 Program Flyer
Links & Resources
Important Dates
Fall start: Review Window in February
Spring start: Review Window 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
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% |
|
May 2024 |
11/8 |
72% |
|
May 2025 |
11/7 |
64% |
Career Outlook
Entry-level positions are available in operating rooms and ambulatory surgery facilities. For career information, visit www.arcstsa.org.
Possible Careers
Surgical TechnologistSurgical Assistant
Central Service Technician
Admission Requirements
Waiting List
This program admits students via a waiting list process. Students must complete all academic preparedness requirements before being placed into core program courses when seats are available.
- Program capacity is 32 students total: 16 in Spring and 16 in Fall.
- Waiting time upon completion of all academic preparedness requirements is one year.
Academic Preparedness Requirements
- GPA of 2.5 or higher at MATC
- Complete BIOSCI-177 (or BIOSCI-201) with a C+ or higher, and HEALTH-101 with a C or higher.
- Pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a score of 60% or higher (three lifetime attempts in person).
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.
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QUESTIONS?
Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway
414-297-6263
262-238-2281
healthpathway@matc.edu