Surgical Technology Program
Surgical Technologists assist surgeons, registered nurses, and anesthesiologists during surgical operations. As a part of the operating team, Surgical Technologists help prepare operating rooms and set up surgical equipment.
"I had always been interested in medicine, but I didn't want to deal with the drama of applying to even a community college. Now, I'm a trained Surgical Technician!"
The Associate of Occupational Science in Surgical Technology program at ACC will equip you with the skills you need to begin a rewarding career in surgical technology. You'll learn in a variety of ways, from lectures to hands-on clinical evaluations. You'll have courses ranging from written communication to pharmacology. When you graduate, the experience and knowledge you've gained will have prepared you for an exciting and rewarding career.
When you've earned your degree, you'll be eligible to take the certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Click here to contact an Admissions Advisor to learn more or call 877-832-0790
What will I be trained to do in this field?
Surgical Technologists work with surgeons, nurses, and other operating room personnel. You will be responsible for understanding the fundamental steps and routine procedures in order to assist the surgeon.
As part of the surgical team, you will help maintain equipment, rooms, and supplies and help ensure surgical procedures are performed efficiently and effectively.
What will I learn?
When you've successfully completed your courses, you'll be awarded an Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Surgical Technology. The program covers topics such as:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Concepts in Science
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Surgical Techniques
- Pharmacology
You'll learn all these subjects and more through a combination of lab work, time in clinical settings, and more traditional lectures. Additionally, you'll become familiar with terms such as:
- Major and Minor Trays
- Back Tables
- Laparoscopic Instruments
- Mayo stands
- Gurney
- Anatomical Model
To be a successful member of a surgical team, you'll need both hands-on experience and confidence. When you've completed your degree, you'll have both.
What are some career opportunities?
Surgical Technologists generally work in a hospital setting, in operating rooms, and delivery rooms. Career opportunities also exist in offices of physicians, dentists, and outpatient care centers.
What's the career outlook?
Employment for this exciting career is expected to grow by as much as 25% between 2008 and 2018.*
The Surgical Technology program is available at the following campus:
Program Information Disclosure
Programmatically accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools at all three campuses. The program at the Los Angeles and Orange County campuses is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology. Certification is currently not required to work as an ST in California, but is required in other jurisdiction.
| O*Net Occupation Titles | Soc Code | Links to Occupational Profiles on O*Net |
| Surgical Technologists: Surgical Technologist (CST), Surgical Technician, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Operating Room Surgical Technician (OR St), Surgical Scrub Technologist, Surgical Scrub Technician, Endoscopic Technologist, Operating Room Technician (OR Tech) | 29-2055.00 | http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2055.00 |
| On-time Completion Rate (2010/2011 Award Year) |
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| Los Angeles | Orange County | Ontario | Consolidted Rate |
| 89% | 85% | 90% | 88% |
| Placement Rate Reported to ABHES(2010/2011 Award Year) |
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| Los Angeles | Orange County | Ontario |
| 51% | 45% | 81% |
| Median Loan Debt (2010/2011 Award Year) |
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| Los Angeles | Orange County | Ontario | Consolidated Median Loan Debt | |
| Title IV HEA Programs: | $15,729.66 | $15,995.41 | $15,980.71 | $15980.70 |
| Private Loans/Institutional Financing Plan: |
$0 | $3.38 | $775.76 | $16.04 |
Current Estimated Tuition and Fees: $35,112.50
To review the terms and definitions for the chart above, or to see the outcome information for ACC's other programs, and to view state disclosure information, visit: americancareercollege.edu/disclosures.
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11
Not all programs are offered at all locations.
Career Fact
Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of surgical technologists, however, much faster employment growth is expected in offices of physicians and outpatient care centers.*
