WCTC Surgical Technology Lab

Surgical Technology

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Program Information

Degree Type
65-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code
10-512-1

Time to Degree
2 years

Start Date
August / January

How You'll Learn

Daytime

The surgical technologist's primary task is to assist the surgeon in the operating room. In this program, develop knowledge in human anatomy, microbiology and medical terminology, and learn to identify and handle surgical instruments and equipment. Spend time in a hospital operating room to apply knowledge and skills in actual surgical conditions.

Please note: To be eligible for testing and/or licensing in the state of Wisconsin, you may be required to obtain a social security number.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

iPad (128GB): $399
Surgical Technology voucher: $300
Uniform: $100
Viewpoint Screening: $110
Immunizations: up to $850

Take advantage of a Direct Digital Access Program for discounted textbooks.

How To Apply

Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading and writing skills:
- High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
- ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
- Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
- If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.

Steps to Complete the Surgical Technology Program

Apply and Become Admitted to the Surgical Technology Program

Follow the "How to Apply" steps outlined above. Be sure to complete these steps by the date listed in the "Application Deadlines" tab.
Admission to the Surgical Technology program does not guarantee seats in our core or clinical courses.

Complete General Studies Courses

Complete your General Studies courses.
This program also requires valid BLS Provider certification from the American Heart Association. WCTC offers a BLS Provider Renewal course.

Petition to the Program

Petition to the Surgical Technology program. (Use this link to complete the form and upload your required documents). The petition window for fall is March 15-30.
- Complete and upload the Froedtert Surgical Technology Agreement Form (if applicable).
Explore frequently asked questions about the Surgical Technology petition process.
Review health requirements and background check overview. (These documents are not due at the time of petition.)
- Please note, health programs require multiple vaccinations, including COVID-19 and flu shots.

After Being Awarded a Seat

You will receive information during your orientation regarding health requirements, caregiver criminal background check and drug screen, which will be due by the first day of fall semester classes.

After the Program

Upon graduating, become eligible to take the national certification exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Program Details

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Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

Potential Careers

If you are interested in the medical field, enjoy working on a team and have a steady hand, surgical technology might be for you. Those in this field must have a calm nature, and a strong stomach, as they will see operations in progress. Surgical techs must also be adaptable since situations in the operating room can rapidly change.

Surgical Technologist
Surgical First Assistant
Surgical Equipment Sales Representative

Technical Standards

The students enrolled in the Surgical Technology program should be able to meet the established technical standards identified below with or without reasonable accommodation. The technical standards for the Surgical Technology program are representative of those found in the Surgical Technology profession.

Review the Surgical Technology Technical Standards.

High School Eligibility

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

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Career Salaries

$49,500 – $67,000 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

Financial Aid

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

Financial aid loans
Scholarships
Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

Clinical Site Compliance

Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various COVID-19 safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Required protocols and measures may include, but are not limited to, receipt of COVID-19 vaccination and/or testing for COVID-19. Students may individually address clinical placement requirements with Jenny Clausen, Clinical Placement Specialist.

Reasonable accommodations may be available for students with documented disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs. Students seeking accommodation due to documented disability should contact the Student Accessibility Office. Students seeking accommodation due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact Jonathan Pedraza in the Student Life Office.

Program Courses

Health Programs

What Makes This Program Unique

Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
In 2019 and 2020, WCTC's Surgical Technology program earned a merit award from the NBSTSA for graduates achieving a 100 percent pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination.
Students must complete a minimum of 120 surgical rotation cases prior to graduation, gaining valuable real-world experience.

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee for Surgical Technology.

9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
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727.210.2350

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You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

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Transfer Opportunities After WCTC

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

Explore Transfer Agreements