Surgical Technology
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- 60 credits
- 2 Years
- Delivery Method: On-Campus
This program requires a general college application and a program-specific application.
See below for application steps and important dates.
Why Study Surgical Technology at 91ɬÂþ?
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. They work under the supervision and delegatory authority of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of surgical procedures, ensuring a safe operating room environment.
Surgical technologists may function in either the first or second scrub role. The first scrub surgical technologist gathers, opens, and handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. They must anticipate the needs of the surgeon and are constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. The second scrub surgical technologist assists the surgeon during the operative procedure by carrying out tasks including holding retractors, cutting sutures, sponging, and suctioning.
Surgical technologists are experts in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to 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.
Successful surgical technologists must work with speed, accuracy, and skill. In addition, they must possess excellent communication and critical thinking skills. Surgical technologists must be able to respond effectively and efficiently to emergency situations and work well under pressure.
Career Information
Below you will find the Career Field and Career Cluster that this program is related to. Learn more about if this career area fits your interests!
Is Health Science right for you?
Health science workers promote health and wellness. They diagnose and treat injuries and disease. As a physician, dentist, or nurse, you could work directly with patients. You could also work in a laboratory to get information used in research or provide administrative support by keeping medical records.
This data is delivered by an API from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Find more information including data update schedules at CareerOneStop's Data Sources (). Full list of datasources.
Median Annual Salary/Wage Earnings for Surgical Technologists
the United States
$63K
$30/hr
$43K - $91K
$20/hr - $43/hr
Minnesota
$78K
$37/hr
$63K - $95K
$30/hr - $45/hr
Duluth, MN Area
$69K
$33/hr
$62K - $83K
$29/hr - $39/hr
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available.
Salary data are from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program (). Current as of May 2024.
Projected 10-Year Job Growth for Surgical Technologists
Outlook: Bright
the United States
5%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 7,000
2024 to 2034
Minnesota
5%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 110
2022 to 2032
My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.
Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations () and My Next Move career outlook designations (). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.
Employment Numbers for Surgical Technologists
the United States
Estimated Employment:
115,600
Minnesota
Estimated Employment:
1,620
My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.
Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations () and My Next Move career outlook designations (). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.
Alternative Job Titles for Surgical Technologists
- Certified Surgical Technician
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
- Operating Room Surgical Technician (OR St)
- Operating Room Technician (OR Tech)
- Operating Room Technologist (OR Tech)
- Surgical Scrub Technician
- Surgical Scrub Technologist (Surgical Scrub Tech)
- Surgical Technician
- Surgical Technologist (Surgical Tech)
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Job Tasks and Activities for Surgical Technologists
- Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
- Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.
- Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery.
- Clean and restock operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions, such as a preference card.
- Clean medical equipment or facilities.
- Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
- Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Maintain files and records of surgical procedures.
- Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
- Maintain sterile operative fields.
- Maintain supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, or glucose, for use during operations.
- Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.
- Monitor facilities or operational systems.
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
- Observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.
- Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
- Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Order medical supplies or equipment.
- Order surgical supplies.
- Position patients for treatment or examination.
- Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
- Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.
- Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
- Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
- Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment.
- Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
- Record patient medical histories.
- Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
- Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.
- Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Interests for Surgical Technologists
- Realistic
Designing, building, or repairing equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. - Conventional
Following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. - Social
Helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others.
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Skills for Surgical Technologists
In order of importance
- Monitoring
Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
Importance: 69/100 - Active Listening
Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
Importance: 60/100 - Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
Importance: 56/100 - Time Management
Managing your time and the time of other people.
Importance: 53/100 - Critical Thinking
Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
Importance: 53/100 - Coordination
Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
Importance: 53/100 - Speaking
Talking to others.
Importance: 53/100 - Management of Material Resources
Managing equipment and materials.
Importance: 50/100 - Learning Strategies
Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
Importance: 50/100 - Service Orientation
Looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 50/100 - Instructing
Teaching people how to do something.
Importance: 50/100 - Social Perceptiveness
Understanding people's reactions.
Importance: 50/100 - Reading Comprehension
Reading work-related information.
Importance: 50/100 - Operation and Control
Using equipment or systems.
Importance: 50/100 - Judgment and Decision Making
Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
Importance: 50/100 - Equipment Maintenance
Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
Importance: 50/100 - Complex Problem Solving
Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
Importance: 50/100 - Active Learning
Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
Importance: 50/100 - Systems Evaluation
Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
Importance: 47/100 - Writing
Writing things for co-workers or customers.
Importance: 47/100 - Management of Personnel Resources
Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
Importance: 47/100 - Quality Control Analysis
Testing how well a product or service works.
Importance: 47/100 - Troubleshooting
Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
Importance: 44/100 - Persuasion
Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
Importance: 41/100 - Mathematics
Using math to solve problems.
Importance: 41/100 - Negotiation
Bringing people together to solve differences.
Importance: 41/100 - Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
Importance: 38/100 - Systems Analysis
Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
Importance: 38/100 - Equipment Selection
Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
Importance: 35/100 - Science
Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
Importance: 31/100 - Management of Financial Resources
Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
Importance: 25/100 - Operations Analysis
Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
Importance: 25/100 - Technology Design
Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
Importance: 22/100 - Programming
Writing computer programs.
Importance: 3/100
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Knowledge for Surgical Technologists
In order of importance
- Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 68/100 - Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Importance: 68/100 - English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 61/100 - Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 53/100 - Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Importance: 47/100 - Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 47/100 - Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Importance: 45/100 - Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 43/100 - Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 42/100 - Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 39/100 - Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Importance: 36/100 - Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Importance: 35/100 - Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 34/100 - Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Importance: 31/100 - Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Importance: 31/100 - Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Importance: 31/100 - Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Importance: 29/100 - Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 28/100 - Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 25/100 - Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Importance: 25/100 - Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Importance: 19/100 - Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Importance: 18/100 - Economics and Accounting
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Importance: 18/100 - Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Importance: 15/100 - Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Importance: 13/100 - Philosophy and Theology
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Importance: 12/100 - Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 11/100 - Foreign Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Importance: 8/100 - Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Importance: 8/100 - Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Importance: 7/100 - History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Importance: 6/100 - Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Importance: 4/100
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Physical Abilities for Surgical Technologists
In order of importance
- Oral Comprehension
Listening and understanding what people say.
Importance: 75/100 - Problem Sensitivity
Noticing when problems happen.
Importance: 69/100 - Near Vision
Seeing details up close.
Importance: 69/100 - Speech Recognition
Recognizing spoken words.
Importance: 66/100 - Arm-Hand Steadiness
Keeping your arm or hand steady.
Importance: 63/100 - Selective Attention
Paying attention to something without being distracted.
Importance: 60/100 - Manual Dexterity
Holding or moving items with your hands.
Importance: 60/100 - Oral Expression
Communicating by speaking.
Importance: 56/100 - Perceptual Speed
Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
Importance: 56/100 - Information Ordering
Ordering or arranging things.
Importance: 56/100 - Flexibility of Closure
Seeing hidden patterns.
Importance: 53/100 - Speech Clarity
Speaking clearly.
Importance: 53/100 - Visual Color Discrimination
Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
Importance: 53/100 - Number Facility
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
Importance: 53/100 - Inductive Reasoning
Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
Importance: 50/100 - Control Precision
Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
Importance: 50/100 - Category Flexibility
Grouping things in different ways.
Importance: 50/100 - Written Comprehension
Reading and understanding what is written.
Importance: 50/100 - Deductive Reasoning
Using rules to solve problems.
Importance: 50/100 - Multilimb Coordination
Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
Importance: 50/100 - Visualization
Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
Importance: 50/100 - Trunk Strength
Using your lower back and stomach.
Importance: 50/100 - Far Vision
Seeing details that are far away.
Importance: 50/100 - Written Expression
Communicating by writing.
Importance: 50/100 - Finger Dexterity
Putting together small parts with your fingers.
Importance: 50/100 - Hearing Sensitivity
Telling the difference between sounds.
Importance: 47/100 - Fluency of Ideas
Coming up with lots of ideas.
Importance: 47/100 - Auditory Attention
Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
Importance: 47/100 - Time Sharing
Doing two or more things at the same time.
Importance: 47/100 - Memorization
Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
Importance: 44/100 - Static Strength
Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
Importance: 44/100 - Speed of Closure
Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
Importance: 44/100 - Extent Flexibility
Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Importance: 44/100 - Depth Perception
Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
Importance: 44/100 - Originality
Creating new and original ideas.
Importance: 38/100 - Mathematical Reasoning
Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
Importance: 38/100 - Stamina
Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
Importance: 35/100 - Response Orientation
Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
Importance: 31/100 - Wrist-Finger Speed
Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
Importance: 25/100 - Reaction Time
Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
Importance: 25/100 - Dynamic Strength
Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
Importance: 25/100 - Gross Body Coordination
Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
Importance: 25/100 - Rate Control
Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
Importance: 25/100 - Speed of Limb Movement
Quickly moving your arms and legs.
Importance: 25/100 - Gross Body Equilibrium
Keeping your balance or staying upright.
Importance: 25/100 - Glare Sensitivity
Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
Importance: 13/100 - Sound Localization
Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
Importance: 3/100 - Spatial Orientation
Knowing where things are around you.
Importance: 3/100
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Tools and Technology used by Surgical Technologists
- Surgical pneumatic or battery or electric saws or drills or pin drivers
- Surgical suction machine or vacuum extractor or ultrasonic surgical aspirator
- Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment
- Medical staplers for internal use
- Surgical power equipment sets
- General surgical supply set accessories
- Surgical drains or drain sets
- Instrument tables for surgical or obstetrical delivery use
- Steam autoclaves or sterilizers
- Surgical lasers
- Surgical dermatomes or dermabraders or dermameshers
- Chemical or gas sterilizers
- Operating room patient positioning devices for general use
- Surgical microscopes or loupes or magnifiers
- Suturing kits or trays or packs or sets
- Cryosurgery units
- Surgical elevators or levers
- Surgical clamps or clips or forceps
- Autotransfusion units
- Medical imaging dry laser printers or imagers
- Surgical retractors
- Operating room patient fracture tables or orthopedic tables
- Medical staplers for external use
- Medical equipment and instrument disinfectant washing equipment
- Surgical lithotripters
- Mobile medical services automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles
- Pleural cavity drainage units or containers
- Vein harvest kits or systems
- Gas anesthesia apparatus or machines
- Heart and lung machines
- Vascular sequential compression devices or tubing
- Surgical instrument holders or positioners
- Surgical equipment stands
- Electronic blood pressure units
- Coronary stents
- Surgical pneumatic or electric tourniquets
- General surgical instrument sets
- Surgical vacuum extraction devices or curettes or related products
- Mercury blood pressure units
- Medical exam or surgical headlights or headlamps
- Surgical probes or directors
- Medical picture archiving computer systems PACS
- Intravenous or arterial fluid warmers
- Surgical needle holders
- Surgical scalpels or knives or blades or trephines
- Laparoscopes or laparoscopic telescopes
- Surgical navigation system accessories
- Urological surgical catheter accessories
- Endoscopic equipment or procedure carts
- Surgical smoke evacuators
- Eyemagnets for ophthalmic surgery
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or echocardiograph transducer accessories
- Therapeutic heating or cooling units or systems
- Medical cinefluoroscopy units
- Sterilization cabinets
- Medical x ray units for general diagnostic use
- Therapeutic heating or cooling blankets or drapes
- Lap mayo trays or mayo stands for surgical use
- Resuscitation kits
- Patient stretchers
- Ultrasonic cleaning equipment
- Endoscopic video cameras or recorders or adapters or accessories
- Medical syringes without needle
- Endoscopic clamp or dissector or grasper or forceps
- Specimen collection container
- Surgical nerve stimulators
- Oxygen insufflators
- Video cassette players or recorders
- Wheelchairs
- Surgical dilators
- Surgical drapes
- Surgical dissectors
- Notebook computers
- Central venous catheters
- Tourniquets
- Tracheostomy tubes
- Suture needles
- Desktop computers
- Personal computers
- Tablet computers
- Medical software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- MEDITECH software
- Nursing documentation software
- Patient scheduling software
- Patient tracking software
- Supply documentation software
- Surgery workflow communication software
- Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Graphics software
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
- Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
- Cloud-based data access and sharing software
- Google Drive
- Operating system software
- Microsoft Windows
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
- Word processing software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Internet browser software
- Internet browser software
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Employment Industries for Surgical Technologists
- General medical and surgical hospitals; private
68,400 employed - Offices of physicians
11,800 employed - General medical and surgical hospitals; local
8,100 employed - Temporary help services
3,600 employed - General medical and surgical hospitals; state
3,300 employed - Offices of dentists
2,500 employed
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Career Information Datasources for Surgical Technologists
- Wages by occupation
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available. Current as of May 2024. - Education and training assignments
BLS provides information about education and training requirements for hundreds of occupations. In the education and training system, each of the occupations for which the office publishes projections data is assigned separate categories for education, work experience, and on-the-job training. Current as of September 2024. - Occupation data
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements. Current as of October 2024. - Occupation outlook
My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations. Current as of November 2024. - Career videos
Explore our collection of videos on hundreds of different careers. Career videos are organized into 16 clusters, or related types of work. Select a category to view a list of videos related to that cluster. Videos include career details such as tasks, work settings, education needed, and more. Current as of rolling. - Educational attainment, typical education of current workers
BLS provides information about education and training requirements for hundreds of occupations. Educational attainment data for each occupation show the level of education achieved by current workers. Current as of September 2024.
Plan Your Education
The Surgical Technology Program Guide is a tool to help you map out how to successfully get your degree at 91ɬÂþ
View approximate total tuition and fees for MN residents to complete this degree.
This program may be completed in 2 years if prerequisites are complete.
This program has additional entry requirements.
The Surgical Technology Program Application Window is Open February 1, 2026 - Until Filled.
You must first be admitted as an 91ɬÂþ student and declare Surgical Technology as your major before applying to this program.
Not an accepted 91ɬÂþ student yet? Be sure to Apply FOR FREE to 91ɬÂþ and gain admission before applying to this program.
Program Participation Requirements
Pre-program Requirements
Successful entry into this program requires a specific level of skill in the areas of English, Mathematics, and Reading. Program entry will depend, in part, on meeting the prerequisites listed below:
English/Reading:
- Eligible for ENGL 1106 - College Composition I, or
- Completion of ENGL/READ 0950/0955 (or equivalent or higher). ENGL/READ 0950/0955 may not be taken concurrently with Semester I coursework.
Mathematics:
- Eligible for MATH 0950/0955 - Essentials of Mathematics: Intermediate/Advanced.
There are other ways to qualify. Visit Course Placement to find out more.
NOTE: All of the following are required for the clinical rotation portion of the program:
- Current immunizations and current negative Tuberculosis (TB) screening
- Current certification in American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider or American Red Cross BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers. ALTH 1430 will satisfy this requirement.
- Background Study approval is required from the State of Minnesota and/or Wisconsin. A national criminal background study is also required.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
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ALTH 1410ALTH 1410 Medical Terminology This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms with an emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. (Prerequisites: ENGL0950 or EN |
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Medical TerminologyALTH 1410 Medical Terminology This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms with an emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. (Prerequisites: ENGL0950 or EN |
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BIOL 1005BIOL 1005 Introduction to Cell Biology An introduction to the field of cell biology with a focus on the basic unit of life, the cell - its function, chemistry, metabolism, and structure. Must be passed with a grade of "C" or better to qualify as a prerequisite for other Biology courses. (Pre |
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Introduction to Cell BiologyBIOL 1005 Introduction to Cell Biology An introduction to the field of cell biology with a focus on the basic unit of life, the cell - its function, chemistry, metabolism, and structure. Must be passed with a grade of "C" or better to qualify as a prerequisite for other Biology courses. (Pre |
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BIOL 1140BIOL 1140 Human Anatomy and Physiology I A study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body with emphasis on the relationship between structure and function. Topics studied are tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, articulations, muscle system, nervous system, and special senses. |
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Human Anatomy and Physiology IBIOL 1140 Human Anatomy and Physiology I A study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body with emphasis on the relationship between structure and function. Topics studied are tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, articulations, muscle system, nervous system, and special senses. |
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SURG 1210SURG 1210 Introduction to Surgical Technology This Introductory course is open to all students who are interested in exploring a career in Surgical Technology. This course will explore professional characteristics of a surgical technologist, expectations of their role as a member of the surgical team |
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Introduction to Surgical TechnologySURG 1210 Introduction to Surgical Technology This Introductory course is open to all students who are interested in exploring a career in Surgical Technology. This course will explore professional characteristics of a surgical technologist, expectations of their role as a member of the surgical team |
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| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
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BIOL 1141BIOL 1141 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Continued study of body structure and function. Incorporates principles of chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. A study of the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, immune system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, and r |
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Human Anatomy and Physiology IIBIOL 1141 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Continued study of body structure and function. Incorporates principles of chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. A study of the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, immune system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, and r |
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PSYC 1120PSYC 1120 General Psychology A general education course which will familiarize the student with the basic principles of psychology, present a practical application of these principles, show how psychologists employ the scientific method, and equip the beginning student of psychology or
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PSYC 1135PSYC 1135 Lifespan Developmental Psychology A scientific, theoretical, and historical examination of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan with a focus on individual and group (e.g., race, class, gender) similarities and differences across American society and c |
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General PsychologyPSYC 1120 General Psychology A general education course which will familiarize the student with the basic principles of psychology, present a practical application of these principles, show how psychologists employ the scientific method, and equip the beginning student of psychology or
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Lifespan Developmental PsychologyPSYC 1135 Lifespan Developmental Psychology A scientific, theoretical, and historical examination of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan with a focus on individual and group (e.g., race, class, gender) similarities and differences across American society and c |
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BIOL 1170BIOL 1170 Microbiology This course includes study of classification, structure and function of microbes with an emphasis on microbes that cause disease. Topics include microbial metabolism and growth, control of microbes, microbial genetics, and basic laboratory techniques used |
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MicrobiologyBIOL 1170 Microbiology This course includes study of classification, structure and function of microbes with an emphasis on microbes that cause disease. Topics include microbial metabolism and growth, control of microbes, microbial genetics, and basic laboratory techniques used |
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SURG 1211SURG 1211 Foundations of Professional Practice in Surgical Technology This course is for students who have been accepted into the Surgical Technology program. It introduces foundational concepts of professional practice including legal and ethical responsibilities. Students will evaluate the holistic needs of surgical patie |
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Foundations of Professional Practice in Surgical TechnologySURG 1211 Foundations of Professional Practice in Surgical Technology This course is for students who have been accepted into the Surgical Technology program. It introduces foundational concepts of professional practice including legal and ethical responsibilities. Students will evaluate the holistic needs of surgical patie |
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SURG 1212SURG 1212 Surgical Lab I This introductory lab course teaches basic skills required of the surgical technologist during the preoperative surgical phase. During this course students will learn such skills as the surgical hand scrub, donning sterile attire, creating the sterile fie |
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Surgical Lab ISURG 1212 Surgical Lab I This introductory lab course teaches basic skills required of the surgical technologist during the preoperative surgical phase. During this course students will learn such skills as the surgical hand scrub, donning sterile attire, creating the sterile fie |
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| Semester 2 | ||
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BIOL 2170BIOL 2170 Pathophysiology This class uses a case study approach to the study of human physiology as it is affected by the disease process, the bodys attempts to compensate, and integration of systems to maintain homeostasis. The focus is on cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, repro |
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PathophysiologyBIOL 2170 Pathophysiology This class uses a case study approach to the study of human physiology as it is affected by the disease process, the bodys attempts to compensate, and integration of systems to maintain homeostasis. The focus is on cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, repro |
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COMM 1105COMM 1105 Interpersonal Communication This course provides opportunities for students to understand the process of human communication, to assess their strengths and weaknesses as communicators, to assist them in solving problems of an interpersonal nature, and develop interaction skills for |
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Interpersonal CommunicationCOMM 1105 Interpersonal Communication This course provides opportunities for students to understand the process of human communication, to assess their strengths and weaknesses as communicators, to assist them in solving problems of an interpersonal nature, and develop interaction skills for |
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SURG 1310SURG 1310 Surgical Techniques I This course introduces knowledge and techniques essential to the surgical technologist during the perioperative time frame. Emphasis is placed on hemostasis, wound healing, wound closure, and identification and proper usage of instruments, equipment, and |
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Surgical Techniques ISURG 1310 Surgical Techniques I This course introduces knowledge and techniques essential to the surgical technologist during the perioperative time frame. Emphasis is placed on hemostasis, wound healing, wound closure, and identification and proper usage of instruments, equipment, and |
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SURG 1312SURG 1312 Surgical Lab II This lab course introduces practical concepts, principles, and professional standards required for clinical practice. The focus of this course is the application of aseptic technique to ensure safe patient care practices as they apply to the first scrub, |
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Surgical Lab IISURG 1312 Surgical Lab II This lab course introduces practical concepts, principles, and professional standards required for clinical practice. The focus of this course is the application of aseptic technique to ensure safe patient care practices as they apply to the first scrub, |
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| Semester 3 | ||
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SURG 2210SURG 2210 Surgical Techniques II This course discusses minimally invasive surgery along with the modalities of electricity, radiation, and lasers. There is a focus on sterile technique and the principles of asepsis, decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization. The course also addres |
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Surgical Techniques IISURG 2210 Surgical Techniques II This course discusses minimally invasive surgery along with the modalities of electricity, radiation, and lasers. There is a focus on sterile technique and the principles of asepsis, decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization. The course also addres |
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SURG 2212SURG 2212 Surgical Clinical I This clinical rotation provides an introduction into the operating room for the student surgical technologist. Application of knowledge of surgical techniques, procedures, equipment, instruments, and supplies in a real-world environment is emphasized. Stu |
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Surgical Clinical ISURG 2212 Surgical Clinical I This clinical rotation provides an introduction into the operating room for the student surgical technologist. Application of knowledge of surgical techniques, procedures, equipment, instruments, and supplies in a real-world environment is emphasized. Stu |
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SURG 2214SURG 2214 Surgical Procedures This course summarizes select diagnostic procedures and abdominal incisions in addition to surgeries related to the following specialties: General, Obstetric and Gynecologic, Ophthalmic, Otorhinolaryngologic, Oral and Maxillofacial, Plastic and Reconstruc |
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Surgical ProceduresSURG 2214 Surgical Procedures This course summarizes select diagnostic procedures and abdominal incisions in addition to surgeries related to the following specialties: General, Obstetric and Gynecologic, Ophthalmic, Otorhinolaryngologic, Oral and Maxillofacial, Plastic and Reconstruc |
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| Semester 4 | ||
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SURG 2312SURG 2312 Surgical Clinical II This clinical rotation focuses on demonstration of leveled mastery of learned skills as students assist in a variety of surgeries and duties. Students will work under direct supervision of faculty and operating room staff as they focus on improving their |
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Surgical Clinical IISURG 2312 Surgical Clinical II This clinical rotation focuses on demonstration of leveled mastery of learned skills as students assist in a variety of surgeries and duties. Students will work under direct supervision of faculty and operating room staff as they focus on improving their |
12 |
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SURG 2320SURG 2320 Professional Preparation and Review This course prepares students for their new role as entry-level surgical technologists. Students develop a plan to secure employment in the healthcare field by creating a resume and participating in mock interviews. Students also prepare for the national |
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Professional Preparation and ReviewSURG 2320 Professional Preparation and Review This course prepares students for their new role as entry-level surgical technologists. Students develop a plan to secure employment in the healthcare field by creating a resume and participating in mock interviews. Students also prepare for the national |
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| Total: | 60 | |
Courses may require a prerequisite. Refer to the course outline or check with an advisor.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate acceptable knowledge-based competencies in accordance with national standards for surgical technology.
- Demonstrate professional behaviors consistent with national standards and employer expectations.
- Demonstrate safe patient care practices consistent with national standards and employer expectations.
- Demonstrate compassion for the patient and maintain confidentiality.
- Exhibit a strong sense of ethical behavior and surgical conscience.
- Exhibit self-direction and responsibility for actions.
- Work under difficult and sometimes stressful situations and maintain composure.
- Join the Association of Surgical Technologists for continuing education opportunities.
- Successfully scrub 120 surgical procedures as outlined by the .
- Participate in the national certification exam conducted by the.
Accreditation
The Surgical Technology Program at Lake Superior College is accredited by the () upon the recommendation of the .
CAAHEP - 9355 113th St N #7709 - Seminole, FL 33775 - 727-210-2350

