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Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology

Department: Surgical Technology

Program Type: Health Professions


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Overview

The role of the Surgical Technologist is to provide quality patient care while preparing the operating room for surgical cases. You'll help maintain a sterile environment and remain next to the patient during surgery. You will pass surgical instruments to the surgeon and anticipate the surgeon's needs—you may even put your hand directly in a patient's body during some surgeries. A career in the operating room is never dull, and being a strong team player is a must for a surgical technologist.

The Surgical Technology Program consists of hands-on training at the highest level. You can be confident in your surgical technology education from ECC because our staff and instructors are qualified and supportive. Graduates pass the national certification exam much faster than the national average. Ninety-two percent of the 2023 class passed the NBSTSA's certification exam to become Certified Surgical Technologists on the first attempt.

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The job outlook for surgical technologists is positive. Growth is due to increasing demand for health care services and the expanding aging population, which may require more surgical procedures.

Additionally, advances in medical technology and surgical techniques are leading to an increase in the number of surgeries performed, which is expected to create a greater demand for surgical technologists. Overall, the outlook for employment as a surgical technologist is promising, with many opportunities for qualified individuals in the coming years.

Refer to Career Coach for more information regarding related occupations and compensation.

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Review the ECC catalog for details about the surgical technology plan of study and course descriptions.

Associate of Applied Science

Basic Vocational Certificate

Getting a Job as a Certified Surgical Technologist

To become a certified surgical technologist from ECC and obtain a job, individuals must complete a surgical technology associate of applied science degree program. These programs typically take two years to complete, including classroom, lab sessions, and clinical training.

After completing a program, individuals must pass a national certification exam to become certified. Once certified, individuals can apply for jobs in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers, where they can work under the supervision of surgeons and registered nurses to provide essential support during surgical procedures.

How long does it take to become a surgical technologist?

For Surgical Technology students, this is a 2-year AAS certification program. Before applying to the program, prerequisites include human anatomy and physiology classes and an understanding of medical terms through our medical terminology course. ECC will prepare you for this exciting career with a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences in area hospitals. Plus, students in the program receive career development help with resume writing, the national certification exam (held on campus), and job interviewing skills. Afterward, you'll be ready for a job as a CST, scrub tech, surgical technologist, or operating room technician to help medical staff before, during, and after operational procedures at area hospitals and surgery centers. 

What is surgical technology?

Surgical technology is a health care profession that involves assisting surgeons during surgical procedures. Surgical technologists are trained professionals who prepare operating rooms, arrange surgical equipment, and assist surgeons during surgeries.

They also sterilize surgical instruments and maintain a sterile environment in the operating room. Surgical technology associate of applied science degree program is required to become a qualified certified surgical technologist, and these programs can be completed in two years.

What do surgical technologists do?

A surgical technologist, also known as a surgical tech, plays a critical role in the hospital operating room. They work under the supervision of surgeons and registered nurses to prepare operating rooms, arrange surgical equipment, and assist during surgical procedures.

They are responsible for ensuring the operating room remains sterile during surgical procedures and assisting surgeons as needed. A surgical technology associate of applied science degree program can be completed in two years.

ECC Student Stories

Surgical tech student Carlee transferred to ECC and found smaller class sizes made her more comfortable in school.

Learn more about Surgical Technology Training at ECC!

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The PATH program provides assistance with tuition, textbooks, reimbursement for travel expenses, and more to eligible students pursuing industry-recognized credentials for in-demand careers in health care.

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Contact

Admissions & Recruitment

Building B, Room B110
847-214-7385
Fax: 847-608-5458
admissions@elgin.edu

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Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Fridays: 8 am to 4 pm

*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689

Contact

Surgical Technology Program

Building A, Room A131.03
847-214-7018
surgicaltechinfo@elgin.edu