four surgical tech students, watching how to put gloves on

Surgical Technology

Why Become a Surgical Technologist?

  • Work with surgical tools and assist surgeons during surgery
  • Median IL Salary $51,850
  • Classroom, clinical, and lab experience
  • Become a master of a broad range of skills related to
    surgical procedures, aseptic technique and patient care.
  • Acquire a nationally recognized certificate and get hired

In this shared program with Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences, students are trained to utilize the latest surgical techniques and equipment, and become proficient in maintaining a sterile field before, during, and after surgical procedures. Current surgical technologists direct classroom, clinical, and lab experiences to prepare students as valuable team members, working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel. Upon completion of the applied associate degree, graduates are required to take the Surgical Technology National Certification Exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assistants (NBSTSA). This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHP). Program outcome certification pass rate 2021-2022 cohort 47%.

Logo for the Path Grant - Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce

The PATH program, funded through an Illinois Community College Board grant, aims to serve, create, support and expand the opportunities for individuals in nursing and select health care pathways to obtain certificates and degrees, allowing them to enter and/or advance their careers in the health care industry.

The PATH grant provides free short-term and long-term education/training programs designed to help participants gain employment in high-wage and in-demand occupations within the health care field. Students receive supports, including compensation to help cover basic costs while receiving the training.

More information on the PATH Program

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Career Opportunities

  • Certified Surgical Technologist
  • Surgeon’s Scrub/ Scribe
  • Organ Procurement Team
  • Surgical Equipment Sales Representative
  • Sterile Processing Manager
  • Traveling Surgical Technologist
Suggested Degree Plan for Surgical Technology (AAS)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Year - Fall Semester Details
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
SUR 200 Intro to Surgical Technology Details 3
This course introduces the learner to the health system and hospital organization with an emphasis on surgical services. Students will examine physical aspects of the operating suite, the history and role of the surgical technologist along with basic skills, including basic patient care concepts required for the surgical technologist. Students will gain an understanding of surgical history, OR safety, environmental, ethical and legal issues. Professionalism, communication, scope of practice, workplace management skills and credentialing for the surgical technologist will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
Various MAT 100 or MAT 109 Details 3
MAT 100 or MAT 109
MAT 100 Technical Mathematics Details 3
A course designed to cover mathematical processes and problems that relate to career, technical and workforce applications. Specific topics include fractions; decimals, ratio, proportion and percentage; measurements; and area and volume.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
Various PHL 111 / PHL 121 Details 3
Choose PHL 111 or PHL 121
PHL 111 Introduction to Critical Thinking Details 3
A study of the rules of valid judging and reasoning, both inductive and deductive, in a traditional, language-centered context rather than a symbolic context. Logical analysis of both formal and informal fallacies and of the consistency and logical consequences of a given set of statements is included. IAI: H4 906
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 121 Ethics Details 3
A study of the principal ethical theories and concepts of human conduct and character, as well as a critical evaluation of these theories and concepts as they apply to particular moral problems and decisions. IAI: H4 904
Prerequisites: (none)
First Year - Spring Semester Details
SUR 210 Principles of Surgical Technology Seminar Details 3
Examines principles and concepts necessary to build on the basic knowledge for surgical technology. Emphasis is placed on the surgical team and the role of the surgical technologist including infection control, surgical asepsis, sterile technique, and hemostasis. Methods of disinfection and sterilization will be applied. Students will be introduced to technological concepts, MIS and equipment and supplies used to perform basic surgical procedures. Concepts of perioperative case management and care processes of the patient will be examined.
Prerequisites: SUR 200, Entrance into the Surgical Technology Program
SUR 211 Fundamentals of Surgical Technology Lab Details 3
Builds on SUR 200 skills lab, this course establishes hands-on development of advanced skills and concepts necessary to build a knowledge base for the surgical technologist in the perioperative role. Focusing on the practical application of aseptic techniques, surgical instrumentation, patient care, and operating room procedures. Students will engage in simulated surgical environments to practice preparing and maintaining sterile fields, handling surgical instruments, and assisting in surgical procedures. Students will demonstrate facilitation of the surgical case including room setup, selection and organization of required equipment, supplies, instrumentation utilizing time and motion efficiency. 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: SUR 200, BIO 293, OFT 281 Concurrent enrollment in SUR 210
SUR 215 Intro to the Clinical Experience Details 2
Builds on SUR 210 & SUR 211 Students will apply theoretical concepts and lab skills under the supervision of a facility provided preceptor. Students will have opportunities to rotate in an observation role through the surgical department as well as various auxiliary departs that support the OR including SPD, Endoscopy, EVS and One day surgery and PACU.
Prerequisites: SUR 200, Acceptance to the Surgical Technology Program and Concurrent enrollment in SUR 210 & SUR 211
OFT 281 Medical Terminology Details 3
Teaches medical language of prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms. Students will learn to pronounce and spell medical terms and also learn how to combine prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms to describe a medical term. Course utilizes a body system approach focusing upon specific body systems and providing a brief overview of anatomy and physiology, pathology, word roots, related terms, and special procedures with emphasis on building a working medical vocabulary based on body systems.
Prerequisites: (none)
BIO 293 Microbiology Details 4
Introduces characteristics, actions and control of microorganisms with emphasis on their relation to health and disease. The application of the principles of microbial control and laboratory techniques will be stressed. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 101 with a grade of "C" or above or ACT science score of 25 or higher or consent of department via a minimum BIO 101 placement exam score. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
First Year - Summer Semester Details
CMN 104 Interpersonal Communication Details 3
An introduction to the basic theories and concepts relevant to face-to-face interaction. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in the creation, maintenance, and termination of social, romantic, familial, and professional relationships. IAI: MC 901
Prerequisites: (none)
SUR 214 Surgical Pharmacology Details 2
This course is designed to enhance pharmacology information the student has already covered in prior coursework. It will further prepare the surgical technologist to safely handle those medications required for surgical cases. The emphasis is on reviewing drug sources, forms, actions and effects, routes of administration, classifications, and names; a more in-depth review of math, units of measures and conversions, drug handling techniques, and commonly used medications in the operating room. Methods and techniques of anesthetic administration are also included.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Surgical Technology AAS Degree
Second Year - Fall Semester Details
SUR 220 Surgical Specialties Details 3
This course is designed to provide instruction regarding specific surgical procedures Emphasis is on the role of the surgical technologist in preparing for and participating in General, OBGYN, otorhinolaryngology, oral & maxillofacial, peripheral vascular as well and cardiothoracic surgical procedures.
Prerequisites: SUR 210
SUR 225 Surgical Technology Practicum I Details 5
This practicum offers students an immersive, hands-on experience in diverse surgical settings allowing students to apply the theoretical knowledge and technical skills gained in previous coursework. Under the supervision of experienced professionals, students will actively participate in the preparation, maintenance, and assistance in basic and intermediate surgical procedures in various specialties, ensuring adherence to aseptic techniques and patient safety protocols. The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills essential for dynamic problem-solving in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Students will learn to assess situations quickly, adapt to unexpected changes, and make informed decisions under pressure, contributing to successful surgical outcomes. Students will demonstrate theoretical knowledge through writing weekly comprehensive surgical case care plan detailing the full perioperative scope of each surgical procedure reflective of the importance of analysis in surgical practice. Students will complete rotations in sterile processing, Cath lab, and labor and delivery. Students will gain a well-rounded understanding of the surgical technology field, equipping them with the practical experience, critical thinking abilities, and communication skills necessary for a successful career in healthcare. Students will be achieving consistency in the first scrub role nearing the end of this practicum.
Prerequisites: SUR 210 , SUR 211(Lab) and SUR 215 with a C or better, concurrent enrollment with SUR 220
BIO 275 Human Anatomy and Physiology I Details 4
A study of the structures and functions of the human body; an integrated study of the systems of the human body including gross and microscopic structures and their physiology. Course covers cells, tissues, chemistry of life, metabolism and the systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive and urinary. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 101 with a grade of "C" or above or ACT science score of 25 or higher or consent of department via a minimum BIO 101 placement exam score. Prerequisite must be met within 10 years prior to enrolling in BIO 275. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
Various PSY 101 / PSY 145 Details 3
Choose PSY 101 or PSY 145.
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Details 3
Basic introduction to the major areas of psychology--the study of behavior and the mind. Areas of emphasis include human development, personality theory, learning, thinking, stress and motivation, mental illnesses, and biological and social aspects of behavior. Course will combine research with real life application throughout. IAI: S6 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 145 Human Relations in the Workplace Details 3
Introduction to the application of guidelines for the field of human relationships in the workplace. The course will examine the information and guidelines to promote effective functioning in the workplace. Topics covered will include diversity in the workplace, groups and organizations, ethics, productivity, teamwork communication, and motivation. Also emphasized will be workplace attitudes for job satisfaction, interpersonal relations, dealing with stress and discrimination, and career choice planning.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Year - Spring Semester Details
SUR 240 Surgical Specialties II Details 3
This course is designed to provide the student with the instruction for specialty surgeries. The emphasis is placed on the role of the surgical technologist in preparing for and participating in surgeries relating to ophthalmic, plastics and reconstruction, plastics & reconstructive, neurosurgery, orthopedic, genitourinary, ophthalmic, plastics and reconstructive surgical procedures.
Prerequisites: SUR 220
SUR 245 Surgical Technology Practicum II Details 5
This practicum offers students an immersive, hands-on experience in diverse surgical settings allowing students to apply the theoretical knowledge and technical skills gained in previous coursework. Under the supervision of experienced professionals, students will actively participate in the preparation, maintenance, and assistance in intermediate and advanced surgical procedures in various specialties, ensuring adherence to aseptic techniques and patient safety protocols. The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills essential for dynamic problem-solving in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Students will learn to assess situations quickly, adapt to unexpected changes, and make informed decisions under pressure, contributing to successful surgical outcomes. Students will demonstrate theoretical knowledge through writing weekly comprehensive surgical case care plan detailing the full perioperative scope of each surgical procedure reflective of the importance of analysis in surgical practice. Students will complete rotations in the operating room and will demonstrate proficiency in understanding principles in surgical technology, equipping them with the practical experience, critical thinking abilities, and communication skills necessary for a successful career in healthcare. Students will be achieving consistency in the first scrub role during this practicum.
Prerequisites: SUR 220 and SUR 225
BIO 276 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Details 4
A continuation of BIO 275. Emphasis is on more depth in the physiology of various body systems including the central and peripheral nervous systems, sensory organs, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, male and female reproductive and human development. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 275 with a grade of "C" or above or consent of department
SUR 248 Professional Seminar Capstone Details 1
This course is designed prepare the surgical technology student for entry into the profession through resume writing and interviewing skills. Students will prepare to sit for the NBSTSA Board Examination through curriculum review and test taking skills as well as examine the requirements for maintaining certification.
Prerequisites: SUR 220 and SUR 225, Co-requisite SUR 240 and 245
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.