Surgical Technology (AAS.SRT)
Become a Surgical Technologist with an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology!
This highly rewarding two-year program offers hands-on lab training and clinical experience in local hospitals and various outpatient surgical settings. Surgical technologists assist the healthcare team before, during, and after surgical procedures, working in various healthcare environments such as the operating room, ambulatory surgery centers, physician offices, or within the department of obstetrics and gynecology. Students will study anatomy, microbiology, and pathophysiology while learning essential surgical skills and aseptic techniques. As part of their training, students will learn to uphold a strong surgical conscience, taking personal responsibility for maintaining sterility and protecting patients before, during, and after surgery.
Skills Needed:
Critical thinking, strong communication skills, ability to work as a member of the healthcare team, clinical knowledge, physical stamina, and strong ethics.
Curriculum:
The Surgical Technology curriculum is structured to align with various Allied Health Programs at the College many times offering a stackable credential for students seeking academic and professional advancement.
Program Goals & Minimum Expectations:
To prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.”
Program Video
Career Outlook:
• Job settings include hospitals, outpatient centers, and physician offices
• Job outlook growth projected at 17.7% through 2028 (IDES-EMSI)
• Starting pay: $23–$28/hour, with potential for sign-on bonuses
• Opportunities for career advancement with further education, such as a surgical first assistant.
Special Admission/Checklist
The Associate Degree in Surgical Technology is a Special Admission program that requires interested students to plan ahead and be accepted into the program. Please review the Surgical Tech checklist for the complete application process, deadlines, pre-req and co-req courses and more.
Applicants must submit the free application to Lake Land College, listing their major as Surgical Tech – Track and an application to the Surgical Tech program. Acceptance into Lake Land College does not guarantee acceptance into the Surgical Tech program.
Program graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assistant Certification exam. Upon successful completion of the NBSTSA exam the student will be nationally certified (CST), with recertification through CEUs every two years.
Additional Info
The Surgical Technology Program at Lake Land College has a site visit scheduled for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
Due to the Surgical Technology program’s distance education delivery format, students are required to have regular access to a computer or laptop and a reliable internet connection to complete coursework, access Canvas, submit assignments, and participate in online learning activities. Lake Land College supports students in meeting these technology requirements through its laptop loaner program, which provides eligible students with access to a laptop for educational purposes. Additional technology support is available through the College’s Information Technology Department.
The Lake Land College Surgical Technology program tuition and fees are among the most affordable in the state. Additional information regarding opportunities for financial support can be found on the Financial Aid site.
In addition to tuition and fees, costs include text books and software products, uniforms, supplies, physical examination and immunizations, CPR certification, background check, drug screen, and transportation to and from clinical experiences.
Meet the Faculty
ehotze@lakelandcollege.edu
Erica graduated in 2020 with her Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology (AAS.ST) and brings five years of full-time experience to the program. During her time in the field, she frequently trained new hires and served as a preceptor for students. Through these experiences, Erica discovered a passion for teaching and is excited to share her knowledge and skills with future surgical technologists.