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Surgical Technology
Degree Type
65-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree
Program Code
10-512-1
Time to Degree
2 years
Start Date
August / January
How You'll Learn
Daytime
The surgical technologist's primary task is to assist the surgeon in the operating room. In this program, develop knowledge in human anatomy, microbiology and medical terminology, and learn to identify and handle surgical instruments and equipment. Spend time in a hospital operating room to apply knowledge and skills in actual surgical conditions.
Please note: To be eligible for testing and/or licensing in the state of Wisconsin, you may be required to obtain a social security number.
Steps to Complete the Surgical Technology Program
Apply and Become Admitted as a Pre-Core Student
- Apply online and pay the $30 application fee. This program is only open to in-state residents.
- Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading and writing skills:
- High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
- ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
- Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
- If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.
WCTC follows a waitlist process for students admitted into this program.
Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.
Complete Core-Ready Checklist
Admitted students must complete the academic preparedness checklist items below to become Core-Ready. Students who receive a seat in the Surgical Technology program will be notified via email with instructions on how to register for core program courses.
- Complete your General Studies courses and Medical Terminology. Have transfer credit? Check out Credit for Prior Learning.
To begin core program courses in a specific semester, complete checklist items by the dates outlined below:
- Fall Start: Complete checklist by the first Monday in April to be considered for core courses starting in fall.
Become Core-Active and Complete Core Courses
Before beginning core courses, complete the following items:
- Attend a mandatory Surgical Technology student orientation, which includes a caregiver background check.
- Provide proof of valid BLS Provider certification from the American Heart Association. WCTC also offers a BLS Provider Renewal course.
- Complete health and safety requirements.
Note: Students who have not completed these requirements will be dropped from courses and moved back to Core-Ready status.
After Program Completion
Upon graduating, become eligible to take the national certification exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Program Details
Contact Us
Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.
Potential Careers
If you are interested in the medical field, enjoy working on a team and have a steady hand, surgical technology might be for you. Those in this field must have a calm nature, and a strong stomach, as they will see operations in progress. Surgical techs must also be adaptable since situations in the operating room can rapidly change.
- Surgical Technologist
- Surgical First Assistant
- Surgical Equipment Sales Representative
Technical Standards
The students enrolled in the Surgical Technology program should be able to meet the established technical standards identified below with or without reasonable accommodation. The technical standards for the Surgical Technology program are representative of those found in the Surgical Technology profession.
Review the Surgical Technology Technical Standards.
High School Eligibility
This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >
Please note, students must be 16 years or older to enroll in this program.
Career Salaries
$59,300 – $72,700 annually
Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Lightcast. Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements. Find our graduates' entry wages in the most recent Graduate Success Report.
Financial Aid
As a program student, you are eligible to receive:
- Financial aid loans
- Scholarships
- Other forms of assistance
Learn more about financial aid.
Clinical Site Compliance
Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Students may individually address clinical placement requirements with Jenny Clausen, Clinical Placement Specialist.
Reasonable accommodations may be available for students with documented disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs. Students seeking accommodation due to documented disability should contact the Student Accessibility Office. Students seeking accommodation due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact Jonathan Pedraza in the Student Life Office.
What Makes This Program Unique
- Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
- In 2019 and 2020, WCTC's Surgical Technology program earned a merit award from the NBSTSA for graduates achieving a 100 percent pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination.
- Students must complete a minimum of 120 surgical rotation cases prior to graduation, gaining valuable real-world experience.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee for Surgical Technology.
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More Credit Opportunities
High School Dual Credit
Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.
Credit for Prior Learning
You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.
Transfer Opportunities After WCTC
WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.