*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

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
General Education Coursework
ENGLISH 101	Composition	3
SOC 202	Sociology Of Urban Life	3
BIOLOGY 121	Biology I	5
MATH 118	General Education Math	4
Required Program Core
BIOLOGY 120	Terminology For Medical Careers	3
BIOLOGY 226	Human Structure and Function I	4
BIOLOGY 227	Human Structure and Function II	4
SURG TC 111	Intro To Surgical Technology	4
SURG TC 112	Principles & Practice for STs	5
SURG TC 113	Surgical Procedures I	4
SURG TC 114	Applied Surgical Procedures	5
SURG TC 116	Surgical Procedures II	5
SURG TC 215	Career Readiness for STs	2
Required Work-Based Learning Courses
SURG TC 212	Clinical Experience I	8
SURG TC 213	Clinical Experience II	8
Total Hours		67

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.

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• View Hourly Wages

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$36,737
Median 50th Percentile	$52,366
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$74,764

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$18
Median 50th Percentile	$25
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$36

Annual Job Openings

138 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