Surgical Technology

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 2017 class passed the NBSTSA's certification exam to become Certified Surgical Technologists on the first attempt.

Planning to Transfer? Learn more about earning a Bachelor’s degree, earning summer credits for transfer, or dual admissions with a university by making an appointment with an academic advisor. 

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 monitor patients' vital signs during surgical procedures, sterilize surgical instruments, and maintain a sterile environment in the operating room. Surgical technology certification or a surgical technology certificate program is required to become a qualified surgical technologist, and these programs can be completed in one to 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, monitoring patients' vital signs during surgical procedures, and assisting surgeons as needed. A surgical technology certification or a surgical technology certificate program is required to become a qualified surgical technologist, and these programs can be completed in one to two years.

Getting a Job as a Certified Surgical Technologist

To become a certified surgical technologist and obtain a job, individuals must complete a surgical technology certification or certificate program. These programs typically take one to 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.