Description
The Surgical Technology program offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree. This program is designed to prepare Surgical Technologists who practice under medical supervision to facilitate safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. The individual works as a member of the surgical team under the supervision of the circulating nurse and surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combine knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Graduates of Surgical Technology programs are prepared to work in a variety of settings including inpatient hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, emergency rooms and central supply.

The curriculum leading to the A.A.S. degree is comprised of 64 credits. The program consists of liberal arts and sciences and surgical technology courses. As the student progresses through the curriculum, classroom theory is applied to clinical practice in the operating room setting. The program of study must be completed within five years of matriculation. Completion of all listed courses with a grade of C or higher each semester is required for advancement to the next semester. A student who fails to achieve a grade of C or higher in the final semester of Surgical Technology courses will be ineligible for graduation.

Completion of medical requirements, clearance of existing health problem(s) and ability to meet essential functions (physical & mental demands) of the program, vaccination against seasonal flu, Hepatitis B, and meningitis vaccination must be met for admission and continuation in the program. Medical requirements, including PPD (or negative x-ray), proof of immunity to varicella, and immunizations, must be met throughout the duration of the program in order for the student to attend clinical. All students are required to maintain health insurance for each semester that they are matriculated in the surgical technology program. Students must provide proof of insurance prior to the start of program.

Current CPR Certification for two-person professional rescuer, which includes infant, child, adult, and automated external defibrillator (AED) is required for all students. Only American Heart Association, BLS for Health Care Providers (CPR & AED) (2 year) or American Red Cross Professional Rescuer (CPR & AED) (1 year) Certification is acceptable. Proof of certification must be submitted to the department at least one month prior to starting the program. Current certification must be maintained throughout the duration of program.
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical sites.

Surgical Technology is a high demand, competitive program. Readmission to the program is not automatic and is dependent on several factors. Students seeking readmission to the program (or seeking admission after unsuccessful attempts in a program at another college) should contact the Surgical Technology Program Director for information. Readmission, if approved is always on a space available basis.

Program Learning Outcomes
1.Apply appropriate medical knowledge and terminology in the perioperative setting.
2.Demonstrate proficiency in performing the typical duties of a surgical technologist in sterile and non-sterile roles.
3.Exhibit effective critical thinking skills to achieve established surgical technology educational goals.
4.Display accountable professional behavior within the roles and competencies of the surgical technologist position.
5.Correlate physical fitness principles and practice to create a personal health and wellness plan that supports the surgical technologist role.

Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org

Requirements for Program Entrance
1) A grade of C or higher in High School Biology and Chemistry or equivalent college courses.

2) Mathematics Level 7; placement based on review of academic record OR C or higher in MTH 096 OR C or higher in any math course listed as meeting the MTH 160 prerequisite OR C or higher in MTH 160 or higher.

Competitive Admission – Please refer to https://www.monroecc.edu/depts/healthprof/ regarding current admission criteria and/or geographic limitations.

Distribution Requirements	Credit Hours
FIRST SEMESTER: (Fall)
BIO 144 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (grade of C or higher required)	4
MTH 160 Statistics I (grade of C or higher required)	3
HIM 104 Medical Terminology (grade of C or higher required)	3
SGT 100 Introduction to Surgical Technology (grade of C or higher required)	4
SGT 110 Foundations of Surgical Technology (grade of C or higher required)	1
Total	15
SECOND SEMESTER: (Spring)
BIO 145 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (grade of C or higher required)	4
ENG 101 College Composition (grade of C or higher required) OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition (grade of C or higher required)	3
SOC 210 Introduction to Global Studies (grade of C or higher required) OR PHL 210 Democracy and Human Rights (grade of C or higher required)	3
SGT 101 Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia (grade of C or higher required)	2
SGT 102 Principles and Practices in Surgical Technology (grade of C or higher required)	5
Total	17
THIRD SEMESTER – (Summer)
BIO 202 Microbiology (grade of C or higher required)	4
PHL 103 Introduction to Ethics (grade of C or higher required)	3
Total	7
FOURTH SEMESTER: (Fall)
BIO 235 Pathophysiology (grade of C or higher required)	3
SGT 201 Surgical Procedures (grade of C or higher required)	10
Total	13
FIFTH SEMESTER: (Spring)
SGT 202 Specialty Surgical Procedures (grade of C or higher required)	10
SGT 210 Professional Issues and Certification for Surgical Technology (grade of C or higher required)	2
Total	12
TOTAL CREDITS	64

Revised 10/14/2025