Surgical Technology A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$10,762* (estimated)

Become a certified surgical technologist in 2 years

Play a vital role in the operating room (OR). Surgical technologists provide critical patient care with empathy, precision and attention to detail. Launch your career with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Surgical Technology at the College of Lake County.

As a surgical technologist, you’ll prepare the surgical environment with sterile instruments, equipment and supplies. During procedures, you’ll anticipate the surgeon’s needs, pass instruments, handle sterile solutions and medications, and maintain the sterile field. You’ll also assist with gowning and gloving, monitor aseptic technique, and manage operating room setup and decontamination, ensuring safe and efficient patient care.

Graduate OR-ready with 120+ surgical procedures

CLC's Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring your training meets national healthcare standards. Learn from experienced instructors who've worked in the same hospitals and operating rooms you'll enter after graduation.

You'll master essential skills in CLC's simulated surgical labs and complete clinical rotations at partnering local hospitals, participating in a minimum of 120 real surgical procedures. Many students receive full-time job offers before graduation.

This associate degree prepares you for an entry-level surgical technologist career. Graduates will sit for the national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam, positioning you for professional growth and opportunities in hospitals, surgical centers and other healthcare settings.

Highlights

*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 Outlook

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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

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 123

    BIO 123 Principles of Biology

    Class Description

    This course introduces basic biological principles of life processes held in common by all organisms. Topics covered include the chemical and physical basis of life, cell structure and function, concepts of heredity, population genetics, and evolution. Note: Though this course will provide a general understanding of the basics of cellular biology qualifying it as general education course it will also provide a foundation for those students potentially entering an allied health program (dental hygiene, nursing, medical images, etc.).
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 123
      Course Title

      BIO 123 Principles of Biology

      Class Description

      This course introduces basic biological principles of life processes held in common by all organisms. Topics covered include the chemical and physical basis of life, cell structure and function, concepts of heredity, population genetics, and evolution. Note: Though this course will provide a general understanding of the basics of cellular biology qualifying it as general education course it will also provide a foundation for those students potentially entering an allied health program (dental hygiene, nursing, medical images, etc.).
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    BIO 111

    BIO 111 Human Form and Function

    Class Description

    This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
         		4
    • Online/Virtual options available
    HIT 111

    HIT 111 Medical Terminology

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to medical terminology used in the healthcare field. Emphasis is on word construction using prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Definitions, spelling, pronunciation, and abbreviations are also included.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ENG 120

    ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

    Class Description

    Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 111
      Course Title

      BIO 111 Human Form and Function

      Class Description

      This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code HIT 111
      Course Title

      HIT 111 Medical Terminology

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to medical terminology used in the healthcare field. Emphasis is on word construction using prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Definitions, spelling, pronunciation, and abbreviations are also included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 120
      Course Title

      ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

      Class Description

      Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose BIO 244 instead of BIO 111. Students can also choose ENG 121 instead of ENG 120.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 123

    CMM 123 Dynamics of Small Group Discussion

    Class Description

    The study of small groups with an emphasis on decision making and problem solving. A behavioral approach to group communication that includes leadership, interpersonal relationships, communication barriers, conflict resolution, etc. Although of general interest, course should be of special interest to students in business, teaching or psychology programs.
         		3
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    SRG 119

    SRG 119 Essentials of Microbiology

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to microorganisms with an emphasis on pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, yeasts, molds and viruses. The role of microorganisms in causing infection and development of immunity will also be discussed. NOTE: This course should ONLY be taken by those students pursuing the Surgical Technology Certificate.
         		2
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CMM 123
      Course Title

      CMM 123 Dynamics of Small Group Discussion

      Class Description

      The study of small groups with an emphasis on decision making and problem solving. A behavioral approach to group communication that includes leadership, interpersonal relationships, communication barriers, conflict resolution, etc. Although of general interest, course should be of special interest to students in business, teaching or psychology programs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code SRG 119
      Course Title

      SRG 119 Essentials of Microbiology

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to microorganisms with an emphasis on pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, yeasts, molds and viruses. The role of microorganisms in causing infection and development of immunity will also be discussed. NOTE: This course should ONLY be taken by those students pursuing the Surgical Technology Certificate.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose CMM 121 instead of CMM 123, other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of PSY 121, and BIO 246 instead of SRG 119. If BIO 244 was completed in prior semester, students can also take BIO 245 in this semester. Consult your Academic Success Advisor for course planning.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    SRG 110

    SRG 110 Introduction to Surgical Technology

    Class Description

    This course is offered over an 8-week session and composed of 4 credit hours (8 hrs/wk) of classroom didactic instruction and 4 credit hours (8 hrs/wk) of simulated operating room/lab instruction and practice. The classroom instruction focuses on orientation to the role of surgical technologist in the health care setting, explanation of healthcare organizations, surgical team members, communication skills, and ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities of the team members. Presents concepts of sterilization, disinfection, asepsis, and surgical environment as they relate to the clinical role and care of the patient. The simulated OR exercises are centered around principles and practices that are related to asepsis, surgical environment and identification and utilization of commonly used surgical instruments, equipment and supplies, processing and care of instruments, distribution of supplies, and inventory control.
         		6
    SRG 111

    SRG 111 Principles of Practice and Introduction to Surgical Procedures

    Class Description

    This course is offered over an eight-week long session and composed of 4 credit hours (8 hrs/wk) of classroom didactic instruction and 4 credit hours (16 hrs/wk) of operating room experience at a preselected healthcare facility. This course presents concepts of general surgical patient care and basic case preparation and procedures, and focuses on introducing students to the surgical technologist role within an operating room environment. Topics covered include: hemostasis, wound healing, wound closure, biomedical science, minimally invasive surgery, diagnostic procedures, special populations, the surgical patient, and emergency situations and all-hazard preparation. In clinical laboratory settings, emphasis is placed on pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases of commonly performed and less complicated surgical procedures.
         		7
    • Course Code SRG 110
      Course Title

      SRG 110 Introduction to Surgical Technology

      Class Description

      This course is offered over an 8-week session and composed of 4 credit hours (8 hrs/wk) of classroom didactic instruction and 4 credit hours (8 hrs/wk) of simulated operating room/lab instruction and practice. The classroom instruction focuses on orientation to the role of surgical technologist in the health care setting, explanation of healthcare organizations, surgical team members, communication skills, and ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities of the team members. Presents concepts of sterilization, disinfection, asepsis, and surgical environment as they relate to the clinical role and care of the patient. The simulated OR exercises are centered around principles and practices that are related to asepsis, surgical environment and identification and utilization of commonly used surgical instruments, equipment and supplies, processing and care of instruments, distribution of supplies, and inventory control.
      Credits 6
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SRG 111
      Course Title

      SRG 111 Principles of Practice and Introduction to Surgical Procedures

      Class Description

      This course is offered over an eight-week long session and composed of 4 credit hours (8 hrs/wk) of classroom didactic instruction and 4 credit hours (16 hrs/wk) of operating room experience at a preselected healthcare facility. This course presents concepts of general surgical patient care and basic case preparation and procedures, and focuses on introducing students to the surgical technologist role within an operating room environment. Topics covered include: hemostasis, wound healing, wound closure, biomedical science, minimally invasive surgery, diagnostic procedures, special populations, the surgical patient, and emergency situations and all-hazard preparation. In clinical laboratory settings, emphasis is placed on pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases of commonly performed and less complicated surgical procedures.
      Credits 7
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    SRG 112

    SRG 112 Surgical Procedures I

    Class Description

    This course focuses on theory and clinical procedures in general, rectal, obstetric and gynecologic, endoscopic, ear, nose and throat, head and neck, oral and maxillofacial surgeries. In both theory and clinical settings emphasis is placed on knowledge of relevant anatomy, pathology, diagnostic procedures and tests, special preoperative preparation, special instruments, supplies, drugs, special equipment, intraoperative preparation, surgical procedure, prognosis, and postoperative care and complications for surgeries addressed in this course.
         		6
    SRG 113

    SRG 113 Surgical Procedures II

    Class Description

    This course focuses on theory and clinical procedures in genitourinary, orthopedic, hand, plastic, neurologic, thoracic, cardiac, peripheral vascular, and general pediatric surgeries. In both theory and clinical settings, emphasis is placed on knowledge of relevant anatomy, pathology, diagnostic procedures and tests, special preoperative preparation, special instruments, supplies, and drugs, special equipment, intraoperative preparation, surgical procedure, prognosis, and postoperative care and complications for surgeries addressed in this course.
         		6
    SRG 117

    SRG 117 Surgical Pharmacology

    Class Description

    Discusses basics of pharmacology & measurement. Focuses on medications that are used frequently in surgery with detailed discussion of handling and preparing medications at the surgical field. Presents the process of delivering anesthesia with specific attention to medications used by anesthesia providers. Adverse, idiosyncratic and side effects of various medications are discussed with emphasis on the importance of safety measures.
         		1.5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code SRG 112
      Course Title

      SRG 112 Surgical Procedures I

      Class Description

      This course focuses on theory and clinical procedures in general, rectal, obstetric and gynecologic, endoscopic, ear, nose and throat, head and neck, oral and maxillofacial surgeries. In both theory and clinical settings emphasis is placed on knowledge of relevant anatomy, pathology, diagnostic procedures and tests, special preoperative preparation, special instruments, supplies, drugs, special equipment, intraoperative preparation, surgical procedure, prognosis, and postoperative care and complications for surgeries addressed in this course.
      Credits 6
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SRG 113
      Course Title

      SRG 113 Surgical Procedures II

      Class Description

      This course focuses on theory and clinical procedures in genitourinary, orthopedic, hand, plastic, neurologic, thoracic, cardiac, peripheral vascular, and general pediatric surgeries. In both theory and clinical settings, emphasis is placed on knowledge of relevant anatomy, pathology, diagnostic procedures and tests, special preoperative preparation, special instruments, supplies, and drugs, special equipment, intraoperative preparation, surgical procedure, prognosis, and postoperative care and complications for surgeries addressed in this course.
      Credits 6
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SRG 117
      Course Title

      SRG 117 Surgical Pharmacology

      Class Description

      Discusses basics of pharmacology & measurement. Focuses on medications that are used frequently in surgery with detailed discussion of handling and preparing medications at the surgical field. Presents the process of delivering anesthesia with specific attention to medications used by anesthesia providers. Adverse, idiosyncratic and side effects of various medications are discussed with emphasis on the importance of safety measures.
      Credits 1.5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    SRG 114

    SRG 114 Surgical Procedures III

    Class Description

    This course focuses on theory and clinical procedures in ophthalmic, peripheral vascular, cardiac, and transplant specialties. In both theory and clinical settings, emphasis is placed on knowledge of relevant anatomy, pathology, diagnostic procedures and tests, special preoperative preparation, special instruments, supplies, and drugs, special equipment, intraoperative preparation, surgical procedure, prognosis, and postoperative care and complications for surgeries addressed in this course. It prepares students for the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam. The role and responsibilities of the surgical technologist, including using professional communication skills and incorporating critical thinking skills in clinical situations are discussed. Students are assisted with developing a professional image through discussion about professional expectations and responsibilities.
         		3
    SRG 115

    SRG 115 Surgical Technology Internship & CST Exam Preparation

    Class Description

    During the operating room experience portion of this course, emphasis is placed on developing practical application of knowledge of anatomy, pathology, diagnostic procedures and tests, special preoperative preparation, special instruments, supplies, and drugs, special equipment, intraoperative preparation, surgical procedure, prognosis, and postoperative care and complications for surgeries addressed in this course as well as previously completed SRG courses. The didactic portion is designed to investigate, discuss, and elaborate upon surgical technology principles and concepts. A review will be provided of the Surgical Technologist knowledge, skill, and abilities necessary to provide quality surgical patient care and to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Emphasis will be placed on preparation for the national certification exam in Surgical Technology. Test-taking strategies will be discussed and implemented with an in-depth review of application-level questions that require critical thinking skills.
         		3
    SRG 120

    SRG 120 Surgical Technology Capstone

    Class Description

    This course focuses on job readiness for the surgical technologist with an emphasis on resume writing, interview skills, networking, and professionalism. Students will apply knowledge and skills gained throughout the program with the goal of gaining full time employment as a Surgical Technologist.
         		2
    • Course Code SRG 114
      Course Title

      SRG 114 Surgical Procedures III

      Class Description

      This course focuses on theory and clinical procedures in ophthalmic, peripheral vascular, cardiac, and transplant specialties. In both theory and clinical settings, emphasis is placed on knowledge of relevant anatomy, pathology, diagnostic procedures and tests, special preoperative preparation, special instruments, supplies, and drugs, special equipment, intraoperative preparation, surgical procedure, prognosis, and postoperative care and complications for surgeries addressed in this course. It prepares students for the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam. The role and responsibilities of the surgical technologist, including using professional communication skills and incorporating critical thinking skills in clinical situations are discussed. Students are assisted with developing a professional image through discussion about professional expectations and responsibilities.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SRG 115
      Course Title

      SRG 115 Surgical Technology Internship & CST Exam Preparation

      Class Description

      During the operating room experience portion of this course, emphasis is placed on developing practical application of knowledge of anatomy, pathology, diagnostic procedures and tests, special preoperative preparation, special instruments, supplies, and drugs, special equipment, intraoperative preparation, surgical procedure, prognosis, and postoperative care and complications for surgeries addressed in this course as well as previously completed SRG courses. The didactic portion is designed to investigate, discuss, and elaborate upon surgical technology principles and concepts. A review will be provided of the Surgical Technologist knowledge, skill, and abilities necessary to provide quality surgical patient care and to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Emphasis will be placed on preparation for the national certification exam in Surgical Technology. Test-taking strategies will be discussed and implemented with an in-depth review of application-level questions that require critical thinking skills.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SRG 120
      Course Title

      SRG 120 Surgical Technology Capstone

      Class Description

      This course focuses on job readiness for the surgical technologist with an emphasis on resume writing, interview skills, networking, and professionalism. Students will apply knowledge and skills gained throughout the program with the goal of gaining full time employment as a Surgical Technologist.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

61.5

Getting started: Surgical Technology 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


Female student taking notes in class

Meet your instructors

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have post-graduate degrees.

CLC faculty teach the same materials you’d learn at a big school. They bring real-world experience into the classroom so you can gain job-ready skills and help you become the very best version of yourself.


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.

Frequently asked questions

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:

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