Surgical Technology: Programs & Pathways
Start your surgical technologist career
Prepare to scrub in. A surgical technologist is a vital member of the operating room (OR) team, working alongside surgeons and nurses to ensure each procedure runs safely and smoothly. In the Surgical Technology program at the College of Lake County, you’ll learn how to prepare the operating room, manage surgical instruments and sterile supplies, and support patient care according to the latest professional standards.
CLC’s Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring you receive training that meets national healthcare standards.
Hands-on surgical tech training for real-world experience
Train with experienced instructors who’ve worked in hospitals and operating rooms just like the ones you’ll enter after graduation. You’ll gain hands-on experience in CLC’s simulated surgical labs and complete clinical rotations at local hospitals. Some students earn full-time job offers before finishing the program.
As part of our Surgical Technology A.A.S. degree program, you’ll participate in a minimum of 120 surgical procedures.
Highlights
-
PATH Grant Stipends
Get extra financial support for school and living expenses through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) grant. -
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities
Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement). -
Career Degrees Available
Gain in-demand technical skills by earning an associate degree in 2 years.
Surgical technology program offered
-
Career Degree
Surgical Technology A.A.S.
Associate in Applied Science- Cost
- $10,762* (estimated)
*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.
Career degree: What to expect
For degree-seeking students who want to start a new career or advance their current career.
Full-time students can earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) at CLC in two years. Gain job-ready skills from experienced instructors and work-based experience from apprenticeships and internships. Some of the courses can even earn college credits, which can transfer to a 4-year college or university to apply toward a bachelor's degree.
Need help getting started?
Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:
- complete the admission process
- choose an academic program
- enroll in first-semester classes
- get access to helpful resources
Career-focused courses
Our Surgical Technology courses combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training. Specialized coursework includes surgical techniques, sterile procedures, patient safety and instrumentation across multiple specialties, including general surgery, OB/GYN, endoscopic, ENT, ophthalmic, peripheral vascular and cardiac procedures. Supervised clinical rotations in real operating rooms and a capstone course will prepare you for employment and national certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
Apply now: It's easy and free
Complete the application form to begin your program.
After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at CLC.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
CAAHEP
9355 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727) 210-2350
Fax: (727) 210-2354
www.caahep.org
Surgical technology program outcomes
| Year | Graduation rate | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam pass rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 100% | 75% |
| 2024 | 100% | 100% |
| 2023 | 80% | 100% |
Play a vital role in healthcare
CLC Surgical Technology Department Chair Elliot Eggler explains what you'll do as a surgical technologist. Learn about the important role you'll play in successful surgeries. Watch the video:
Small classes, affordable tuition and easy transfer
At CLC, you'll learn in a supportive, student-centered environment where instructors focus on teaching—not research. That means more one-on-one mentoring, personalized feedback and meaningful connections that help you succeed in your electrical engineering studies.
You’ll master surgical technology core curriculum and technical concepts while benefiting from the individual attention and accessible instructors that only small class sizes can offer.
Save on tuition costs while building a strong foundation in surgical technology. Our program prepares you for immediate employment as a surgical technologist and includes transferable credits for students pursuing further education in nursing, healthcare administration or surgical assisting.
With experience, technologists can specialize in advanced procedures, as well as transfer into leadership or educator roles. Our Academic Success Advisors will help you create a personalized degree pathway and ensure your credits transfer smoothly if you choose to pursue a bachelor's degree.
Getting started: Surgical Technology at CLC
Meet our instructors
Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction.
Department chair
Faculty
CLC surgical technology in the news
-
Career Spotlight: Healthcare
Healthcare workers are in high demand. Learn how to start your career and why CLC is the best school to earn your credentials or transfer degree. -
$1.3 million trains healthcare workers
Alicia Petro saw firsthand the growing need for healthcare workers. She decided to shift her career to nursing and is one of many CLC students pursuing a healthcare career at a lower cost because of PATH.
Take the next step...
Be debt-free at CLC
CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.
Explore careers
Discover majors and career paths to complement and extend your intuitive interests and abilities.
Request info
Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.
Get started
Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.