Waukesha County Technical College
Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology

Program Information

Degree Type

65-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code

10-512-1

Time to Degree

2 years

Start Date

August

How You'll Learn

Daytime

Program OverviewApplication DeadlinesProgram Cost

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.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2023 Start

  • Submit application by February 13, 2023
  • Complete checklist items by May 15, 2023

Spring 2024 Start

  • This program cannot be started in spring.

Summer 2023 Start

  • This program cannot be started in summer.

* Submit all checklist items by the application deadline. Apply early; deadlines are subject to change based on program demand.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

  • iPad (128GB): $399
  • Surgical Technology voucher: $300
  • Uniform: $100
  • Viewpoint Screening: $110
  • Immunizations: up to $850

Take advantage of a Direct Digital Access Program for discounted textbooks.

How To Apply

  • Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
  • 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.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions? Visit the Admissions page or contact an Enrollment Counselor.

Apply Online
1

Apply and Become Admitted to the Surgical Technology Program

  • Follow the "How to Apply" steps outlined above. Be sure to complete these steps by the date listed in the "Application Deadlines" tab.
  • During the month of October, applications are accepted from WCTC district residents only. Due to the high demand of this program, applications for out-of-district residents will not be accepted for the fall 2023 semester.
  • Admission to the Surgical Technology program does not guarantee seats in our core or clinical courses.
2

Complete General Studies Courses

3

Petition to the Program

In order to begin core courses, you will need to successfully:

4

After Being Awarded a Seat

5

After the Program

Upon graduating, become eligible to take the national certification exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Program Details

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Outreach team by filling out our online form or by email at outreach@wctc.edu.

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

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.

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

$49,500 – $67,000 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

  • Financial aid loans
  • Scholarships
  • Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various COVID-19 safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Required protocols and measures may include, but are not limited to, receipt of COVID-19 vaccination and/or testing for COVID-19. 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.

Students working together at computer
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Program Courses

Student Studying
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Program PDF

What Makes This Program Unique?

1

Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

2

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.

3

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.

9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727.210.2350

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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.

College Program Name Credit Awards
UW-MilwaukeeBS Biomedical Sciences41-65
College Program Name Credit Awards
Bellevue UniversityAny Bachelors Degreeup to 60, tuition discount
Franklin UniversityAny Bachelors DegreeJunior Standing
Grand Canyon UniversityAny Bachelors10% tuition discount
Lakeland UniversityAny Bachelors DegreeJunior Standing, Credits Vary, 20% tuition discount
Mount Mary UniversityBachelor DegreeJunior Standing
Ottawa UniversityBachelor of Arts or Sciencesup to 80, and 20%+ tuition discount for WCTC grads
UW-Green BayOrganizational Leadership - Bachelor of Applied StudiesBlock of 60 credits
UW-StoutBS Management (100% online)up to 60
UW-StoutBS Career, Technical Education & Training (100% online)up to 60
UW-WhitewaterBA Arts and Sciences60+
Wisconsin Lutheran CollegeBachelor of Science in Business Management & Leadership50-70

 

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