Surgical Technology, Associate in Applied Science
College(s):
MX*Program Code: 0267
*As of Fall 2019, this program is not accepting new students.
The program anticipates beginning its next cohort in the fall semester of 2021 as it seeks initial accreditation of the program. It is highly encouraged that interested students speak with the program director prior to enrolling in pre-requisite coursework as the curriculum is being revised and updated.
Occupational Overview
Surgical Technologists are allied health professionals who assist with surgical care of patients. They are experts in the area of aseptic technique and function under the direct supervision of the surgeon. Their job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, scrubbing, gowning and gloving themselves as well as the surgical team, establishing the sterile field, verifying instruments and miscellaneous counts and maintaining the sterile field and the sterility of personnel and supplies during the pre, intra and post operational phases of surgery.
The Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology describes the Surgical Technologists as:
“… Possess[ing] expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures."
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Coursework | ||
| ENGLISH 101 | Composition | 3 |
| BIOLOGY 121 | Biology I | 5 |
| SOC 201 | Intro To the Study Of Society | 3 |
| General Education Mathematics Course (MATH 118 recommended) | 3 | |
| BIOLOGY 226 | Human Structure and Function I | 4 |
| BIOLOGY 227 | Human Structure and Function II | 4 |
| Required Program Core | ||
| BIOLOGY 120 | Terminology For Medical Careers | 3 |
| MCROBIO 233 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| SURG TC 111 | Intro To Surgical Technology | 2 |
| SURG TC 112 | Principles & Practice for STs | 3 |
| SURG TC 113 | Surgical Procedures I | 4 |
| SURG TC 114 | Applied Surgical Procedures | 4 |
| SURG TC 116 | Surgical Procedures II | 3 |
| SURG TC 118 | Applied Surgical Procedures II | 3 |
| SURG TC 210 | Surgical Procedures III | 4 |
| SURG TC 215 | Career Readiness for STs | 3 |
| Required Work-Based Learning Courses | ||
| SURG TC 212 | Clinical Experience I | 5 |
| SURG TC 213 | Clinical Experience II | 9 |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
Pathway
This is an example course sequence for students interested in earning an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology. If this pathway is followed as outlined, you will earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS). It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability.
Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| BIOLOGY 120 | Terminology For Medical Careers 1 | 3 |
| BIOLOGY 121 | Biology I 1 | 5 |
| MATH 118 | General Education Math 1 | 4 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| BIOLOGY 226 | Human Structure and Function I 1 | 4 |
| Hours | 4 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| BIOLOGY 227 | Human Structure and Function II | 4 |
| ENGLISH 101 | Composition | 3 |
| SURG TC 111 | Intro To Surgical Technology | 2 |
| SURG TC 112 | Principles & Practice for STs | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| MCROBIO 233 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| SURG TC 113 | Surgical Procedures I | 4 |
| SURG TC 114 | Applied Surgical Procedures | 4 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| SURG TC 116 | Surgical Procedures II | 3 |
| SURG TC 118 | Applied Surgical Procedures II | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| SOC 201 | Intro To the Study Of Society | 3 |
| SURG TC 210 | Surgical Procedures III | 4 |
| SURG TC 212 | Clinical Experience I | 5 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| SURG TC 213 | Clinical Experience II | 9 |
| SURG TC 215 | Career Readiness for STs | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 70 | |
- 1
Program prerequisite to be completed prior to application for the Surgical Technology program.
Choose your courses with your College Advisor.
Careers
This program can prepare students for the jobs listed below. Click on each one to learn more, including average earnings, annual job openings, and how much education people in that field have. For additional guidance and resources on career options, current City Colleges students and alumni can contact the Career Services Office.
Surgical Technologists
Job Description
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon's assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
Salary Based on Experience Level
Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County
Emsi earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Annual Wages
| Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $36,779 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $52,380 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $74,562 |
Hourly Wages
| Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $18 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $25 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $36 |
Annual Job Openings
125 annual openings in Cook County
National Education Attainment
Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.
| Degree Program | % of Jobs |
|---|---|
| A high school diploma or less | 4.98% |
| A certificate | 31.22% |
| Some college | 23.24% |
| An Associate degree | 40.56% |
| A Bachelor's degree | 0.00% |
| A Master's or Professional degree | 0.00% |
| A Doctoral degree or more | 0.00% |
0.00% continue their education beyond an associate degree