Surgical Technology Program

Surgical technologists assist surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists during surgical operations. Students in ACC’s Surgical Technology program will be trained to do the following:

• Prepare the operating room by checking supplies and equipment
• Set up a sterile table and electrosurgical unit stand
• Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to the surgeon during surgery
• Hold retractors and cut sutures¹

¹California Employment Development Department Detailed Guide, Surgical Technologists in California

If you love being right in the action and don’t mind the sight of surgical procedures, our Surgical Technology program might be right for you.

Here are some of the top skills and attributes that make for a great surgical technologist:

Active listening – Surgical technologists need to be able to listen and understand what is being asked of them before, during and after surgery.

Operations monitoring – Surgical technologists should be able to watch any relevant machine, including gauges, dials or indicators.

Critical thinking – Surgical technologists perform essential actions in operating rooms. Critical thinking skills can help them make logic-based decisions and find viable solutions to problems.

Equipment maintenance – Maintaining a safe and sterile environment is essential in operations.

Service orientation – A great surgical technologist is one with a passion for helping patients and for providing the best care possible.

Surgical technologists can work in a variety of settings, including:

• General medical and surgical hospitals
• Outpatient care centers
• Physicians’ offices
• Dentists’ offices¹

¹California Employment Development Department Detailed Guide, Surgical Technologists in California

This class curriculum is divided into eight 10-week quarters, each of which includes prescribed subjects or studies that build upon each other. Clinical experience in hospital settings is also required for successful completion of the school's program, and these clinical rotations, which begin in quarter seven, comprise 540 hours.

In addition to general education courses, core courses in American Career College's Surgical Technology program include:

Anatomy and Physiology I – This course provides an overview of the associate major terms and physiologic functions used in anatomy with clinical situations. You will learn about the human body and how it functions.

Introduction to Surgical Technology – In this course, you will learn about surgical technology as a profession, and the structure of healthcare facilities and hospital organization. You will also be introduced to the scope of practice as a member of the surgical team and become familiarized with medical terminology.

Surgical Techniques I Lab – In the laboratory component of this course, you will be introduced to basic surgical techniques such as aseptic technique, scrubbing, gowning and gloving, establishing a sterile field and organizing the sterile field. You will also learn how to perform the surgical counts as well as assisting with draping the surgical patient.

Operating Room Fundamentals – This course will introduce you to the operating room environment as well as basic surgical instrumentation, equipment and supplies. Common hazards and safety precautions will be discussed, and you will also learn about technological advances of the modern operating room.

Surgical Procedures I – In this course, you will study advanced techniques in surgical patient care, which will be reinforced through hands-on practicum. You will learn the different roles of the surgical technologist (Scrub Role - STSR, Assistant Circulator - STAC, and Second Assistant – STSA roles) during routine mock surgical procedures in a laboratory setting.

Clinical Practicum I – This course provides you with the opportunity to participate in actual surgical procedures. You will direct patient care in the STSR role in the following areas: preoperative, intra-operative care, and postoperative patient care. You will also participate in assisting with instrument processing as well as pulling supplies and instrumentation from the sterile supply areas.

For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.

Students can earn their associate degree to become a surgical technologist in as little as 20 months.

Our admissions advisors and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you figure out the surgical technology school cost and help you explore financial aid options.

To learn more about ACC’s Surgical Technology program cost, access our tuition info.

Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Yes! ACC's Surgical Technology program includes over 500 hours of clinicals which gives students the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills they acquired learning hands-on throughout the training program.