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Surgical Technology

AAS
  • Home
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The SCTCC Surgical Technology program trains students to assist, set up, and pass instruments to surgeons during various surgical procedures.

Instructors
Program Admission/Apply

DEGREES IN Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science

AAS
This AAS prepares students with the skills needed for a career as a surgical technologist in hospitals, same-day surgery centers, specialty clinics, and more.
Course List

By the Numbers

60
Credits

Why Choose This Program

After graduating, SCTCC students become an integral member of the health care team by helping surgeons provide quality surgical care to patients. 

During a surgery, the patient counts on every professional in the operating room to help ensure a safe, accurate, and effective outcome. A Surgical Technology degree from SCTCC prepares students for the necessary level of professionalism needed in the surgical room. We ensure that every graduate will be successful in their future career with the skills we teach in SCTCC classrooms. 

Under the supervision of a surgeon, surgical technologists ensure that the operating room environment is safe, the equipment functions properly, and the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. At SCTCC, we ensure every graduate has the appropriate skills needed to succeed in the surgical room and their future occupations. 

100%
2023 Program Placement Rate
$36
Minnesota Median Wage

Placement rate is self-reported data of graduates available for work in field of study up to one year post graduation. Wage data is from Minnesota Dept. of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). SCTCC Consumer Information.

From Degree to Career

When you choose the Surgical Technology program at SCTCC, you’ll gain skills that will directly transfer to the workplace. There are several employers in the St. Cloud area that are ready to hire surgical technologists.

At SCTCC, we teach our students the necessary skills that will guarantee success in the workforce. We not only teach students the importance of using their knowledge in sciences and current technologies in their role as a surgical technologist, but we also ensure every student can demonstrate and integrate principles of surgical asepsis as part of the perioperative experience. 

SCTCC graduates from the Surgical Technology program are able to perform as competent, entry-level surgical technologists in a health care setting and they understand the importance of delivering safe and efficient patient care in the operation room. 

Our Surgical Technology graduates recognize patients as a unique individual in a culturally diverse client population, and ensures every patient gets the quality care they deserve. Graduates develop effective communication with the surgeon, staff, and patient to assess the needs for a particular surgical procedure. 

At SCTCC, we ensure every student understands and has the ability to promote environmental safety as specified by OSHA, JCAHO, AST, AORN, and other regulatory bodies. 

Quick Glance
  • Correlate the knowledge base in sciences and current technologies to their role as a Surgical Technologist. 
  • Demonstrate and integrate principles of surgical asepsis as part of the perioperative experience. 
  • Recognize the patient as a “unique” individual in a culturally diverse client population across the life span. 
  • Develop effective communication with the surgeon, staff and patient to assess the needs for a particular surgical procedure. 
  • Perform as a competent entry-level surgical technologist in a health care setting with an emphasis on delivering safe and efficient patient care. 
  • Promote environmental safety as formulated by OSHA, JCAHO, AST, AORN and other regulatory bodies. 


View all program learner outcomes

With a degree from the SCTCC Surgical Technology program, graduates have their choice to work at hospitals, physician’s offices, and outpatient care centers. 

A day in the life of a SCTCC graduate consists of working as a Surgical Technologists alongside surgeons and the rest of the surgical care team. These graduates utilize the knowledge base they learned in the classroom at SCTCC to inform their decisions in their careers.  

Quick Glance
  • Hospitals 
  • Outpatient Care Centers 
  • Physicians’ Offices 
  • Medical Device Companies 

Graduates of our Surgical Technology program have various options of where to work for their future career. We have students working for many local health care systems including CentraCare, Allina, Essentia, Fairview, Sanford, North Memorial, and Mayo Clinic, as well as other area facilities. Program faculty and the Career Services Center help students and graduates find positions in the field. Most students have job offers before or soon after graduation.

The St. Cloud Technical & Community College (SCTCC) Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. 

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158 
Clearwater, FL  33763 
727-210-2350 
www.caahep.org 

Outcome Assessment Exam (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting – Certified Surgical Technologist exam) 

8/1/21 – 7/31/22

15 out of 17 first time testers = 88% pass rate

Surgical Technology students
Surgical Technology student
Surgical Technology students performing mock surgery
Surgical Technology students washing hands
surgical technology tools

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Are you ready to learn more about the Surgical Technology program and being a student at SCTCC?

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Fill out this form to receive useful information that's specific to your program.

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Connect with the Admissions team

  • Call us at 320-308-5089
  • Email us at recruitment@sctcc.edu

  • On campus Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Visiting campus is an excellent opportunity to learn about SCTCC programs, the application process, and tour the state-of-the-art-labs and classrooms.

5.20.25 01:00pm
Main entrance: 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN

Cyclone Tour

5.22.25 01:00pm
Main entrance: 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN

Cyclone Tour

5.30.25 09:00am
Main entrance: 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN

Cyclone Tour

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Paying for College

Students choose SCTCC for a lot of reasons, but saving money is one reason we hear from almost every student at SCTCC. We’ve got a breakdown of the costs for the program, along with information on financial aid and scholarships.

Apply just once and you are considered for all eligible SCTCC scholarships.

Program Costs   Applying for Financial Aid   SCTCC Scholarships
SCTCC is the best value with tuition at $6124. MinnState university is $9959. UofM is $14962. MN private university is $50979. *Based on average 2024 tuition & fees for 15 credits or full-time for an academic year. Some institutions charge additional fees.  Fees vary by program. For exact costs, contact the institution that interests you. The listed costs do not include room & board.
Surgical Technology lab
Virtual Lab Tour

PROGRAM INFO FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

Program Admissions

SCTCC students have a chance to participate in the college community through student clubs. Check out the SCTCC Student Clubs.

Surgical Technology Instructor

Lori Newman

Lori Newman

Surgical Technology Instructor

lori.newman@sctcc.edu

Good Stuff

03.03.23
Julianne Quandt
Surgical tech photo with badge

Surgical Technology Recognized Nationally

The SCTCC Surgical Technology program has been ranked 3rd in a nation-wide assessment of Best Surgical Tech Associate Degree Programs by Best Accredited Colleges. The Best Accredited Colleges...
11.18.22
Kate Wallace
Surg Tech students in scrubs in group

Surgical Technology Students Visit CentraCare

On Nov. 9, Surgical Technology students had the opportunity to attend a Student Education Day at the CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital as part of their Operating Room Techniques Lab class. Surgical...
10.08.19
Kate Wallace
Bio Lab Ribbon Cutting

New Biology Labs bring new technology for students

Amongst new microscopes and clean beakers, a group of community members, CentraCare representatives, and SCTCC faculty and staff gathered to celebrate the Ribbon Cutting for SCTCC’s new Biology Labs...
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