Surgical Technology
- Associate Degree
Program Number:
Program Credits:
Estimated Total Cost:
Typical Start:
The operating room is a demanding and often stressful environment, and it takes a collaborative effort to ensure its smooth operation. If you thrive under pressure and can remain calm in challenging situations, you may find your calling as a surgical technologist. In this critical role, you will be an integral part of the surgical team, responsible for ensuring that equipment functions correctly, maintaining a sterile and safe environment, and ensuring the patient's comfort. Surgical procedures can vary from invasive to minimally invasive, diagnostic, or therapeutic, and you will gain experience in all these areas. Your duties will encompass both pre- and post-operative care, making you an indispensable member of the healthcare team.
Success in an operating room demands focus, dedication, and exceptional multitasking abilities. Before starting the program, all candidates will have the opportunity to gain insight through job shadowing experiences and witness surgeries in progress.
While some general studies courses are available online, with distance learning options at our regional locations, many of our program's core courses are taught face-to-face at the La Crosse Campus. These courses will consist of a combination of lectures, labs, and clinical rotations as you progress through the program.
You will be required to take a national certification exam as a final step before beginning employment as a surgical technologist. This certification ensures that you are well-prepared to excel in this vital healthcare role.
To view the Surgical Technology program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here [1].
Surgical Technology 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 33 |
| Graduates Responding | 16 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 13 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 2 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 1 |
| Not in Labor Market | 1 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 0 | 6 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 37 | |
| Average Hourly Wage | $27.16 | |
| Hourly Wage Range | $24.00-$34.50 | |
| Average Annual Salary |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- Surgical Technician, Certified Surgical Technologist, Surgical Technologist
Career Opportunities
Program Outcomes
- Apply healthcare and technological science principles to the perioperative environment
- Maintain principles of sterile technique in the surgical environment
- Provide a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for the patient
- Prepare the patient, operating room and surgical team for the preoperative phase
- Perform intraoperative case management in the scrub role
- Perform postoperative case management
- Function as an ethical, legal, and professional member of the healthcare team as determined by governing bodies
Admission Requirements:
College Requirements
Application:
Application Fee:
Transcript:
Program Specific Requirements
To enroll in the Surgical Technology program, first apply for admission to the College, then read the program’s Technical Standards and complete a background check. You can find links to these documents below. In addition, you must complete the program prerequisite of General Anatomy and Physiology 10806177 with a grade of “C” or better. Please see the details below.
- Surgical Technology Technical Standards [2]
- Background Check [3]
- General Anatomy and Physiology
- If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
Software and Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [6].
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [7].
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [8] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [9]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [10].
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [11] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [12]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Accreditation
Western Technical College's Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).
CAAHEP Contact Information:
9355 – 113th St. N. #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org [13]
ARC/STSA Contact Information:
19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite 339
Parker, CO 80138
Phone: 303-694-9262
Fax: 303-741-3655
Email: info@arcstsa.org [14]
Additional Information
Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the documents below:
Program Contact
Steve Thompson
Program Chair, Surgical Technology
608-789-6095
ThompsonS@westerntc.edu [17]
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [18] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [19] self-service portal for academic planning.