Associate in Applied Science
Surgical Technology students will learn their role as it relates to the peri-operative,
Inta-operative and post-operative care of the surgical patient. They also learn the
extreme importance of anticipating the surgeons needs.
Upon completion of this program, student will demonstrate effective and efficient
communication skills with members of the operating room and over all health care setting.
Surgical Technology students are taught Asepsis, Sterility, Surgical Conscious, anticipation
of surgeons needs, but above all, to be the patients' advocate in the operating room.
This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.
Career Outlook in Michigan
Do you have another career in mind? Search for careers
2023-2024 Academic Requirements
A surgical technologist (ST) serves the patient's interest primarily by providing assistance to the surgeon. The surgical technologist's primary task during an operative procedure is to anticipate the perioperative needs of the surgeon and surgical patient. Students in this program must be well grounded in the basic sciences, especially anatomy, microbiology, and pathophysiology. The surgical technologist contributes to global patient care by serving as a team member who monitors the surgical environment.
Washtenaw Community College uses a competitive admission process for high demand programs in health care. Each year, approximately 20 students are accepted to the program for a Fall semester start. There are multiple requirements that must be completed prior to submitting an application for admission. This is a full-time program; no part-time option is available. For detailed information regarding admission to this health care program, please visit our Health Care website at https://www.wccnet.edu/learn/departments/alhd/ .
Prerequisite and program requirements along with WCC's point system and scales are reviewed annually and subject to change. Students are expected to meet the prerequisite and program requirements of the catalog term for the semester in which they first begin the program. Details regarding WCC's Admission to High Demand Programs policy including priority levels are on WCC's Board of Trustees policy page: https://www.wccnet.edu/trustees/policies/2005/. Details regarding WCC's point scales that are used to calculate points are on WCC's Student Welcome Center, Health and Second Tier Program, information page: https://www.wccnet.edu/start-now/degree/2nd-tier/ .
Requirements for application are:
1. Admission to WCC.
2. Program prerequisite courses:
a. MTH 125, MTH 160, MTH 176 or a math course numbered 176 or higher with a minimum
grade of C/2.0.
b. HSC 101 or HSC 124 with a minimum grade of B-/2.7.
c. BIO 111 with a minimum grade of B-/2.7.
3. Signed Abilities Statement (in the admissions packet). WCC reserves the right to
request, before and during the program, that students successfully demonstrate specific
physical and cognitive abilities related to this program.
4. Students must possess a high school diploma or GED prior to clinical courses.
5. Students must be 18 years old prior to clinical courses.
6. Residency verification.
A formal application and acceptance to the program is required. Application packets may be downloaded from WCC's Student Welcome Center, Health and Second Tier Program, information page https://www.wccnet.edu/start-now/degree/2nd-tier/ . Completed and signed applications must be submitted during the dates indicated on the application to the Health and Second Tier Admissions Office in the Student Welcome Center, located on the second floor of the Student Center Building.
Requirements After Acceptance
Upon acceptance, students must purchase an account from a college-designated vendor
to obtain a criminal background check and to track their health records. The criminal
background check and health records must be submitted to the designated vendor. Specific
information regarding the college-designated vendor, health records, and deadline
dates will be provided at the mandatory orientation session.
1. Additional background checks may be conducted at any time during the program. Students
may be required to have drug testing as well as additional criminal background checks
and/or fingerprinting prior to the start of a clinical sequence as requested by specific
clinical facilities. Any student found to have a positive drug screen for drugs prohibited
by State of Michigan or Federal law (including marijuana) or controlled substances
will be dismissed from the program. Failure to receive an acceptable criminal background/fingerprinting
at any time, will result in dismissal from the program.
2. Students will be required to attend a hospital orientation session prior to starting
their clinical rotation.
3. Students will be required to submit health records annually while in the program
and must complete any other health requirements as designated by the clinical sites.
4. Students will be required to purchase special uniforms and supplies throughout
the duration of the program.
5. Students will be required to demonstrate that they have maintained competency in
all skills taught throughout their progression through the program. Failure to demonstrate
continued competency will result in dismissal from the program.
6. All Surgical Technology (SUR) courses must be completed with a minimum grade of
C+/2.3 and all support courses to the program must be completed with a minimum grade
of C/2.0 unless otherwise specified.
7. Students must have reliable transportation to clinical education sites, which may
require a commute of up to one hour.
8. Students who are dismissed from the program may not be eligible to reapply to the
program.
- Division
- Health Sciences
- Department
- Allied Health Department
- Advisors
Major/Area Requirements
| Class | Title | Minimum Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 111 | Anatomy and Physiology - Normal Structure and Function | 5 | |
| HSC 101 or | Healthcare Terminology | ||
| HSC 124 | Medical Terminology | 1 | |
| MTH 125 or | Everyday College Math | ||
| MTH 160 or | Basic Statistics | ||
| MTH 176 or | College Algebra | ||
| Any Academic Math Level 4 or higher Math Course | 3 | ||
| Total | 9 | ||
Semester 1 (Fall)
| Class | Title | Minimum Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUR 101 | Introduction to Sterile Processing | 6 | |
| BIO 237 | Microbiology | 4 | |
| ENG 111 | Composition I | 4 | |
| COM 101 or | Fundamentals of Speaking | ||
| COM 102 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| Total | 17 | ||
Semester 2 (Winter)
Semester 3 (Spring/Summer)
Semester 4 (Fall)
Semester 5 (Winter)
- Total Credits Required
- 60