Surgical technology degree overview

A surgical technology degree prepares students to become surgical technologists, who play a vital role in the operating room. This program teaches students how to assist surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals during surgeries. Students learn the essentials of preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring that everything is in place for surgical procedures.

Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience by working in clinical settings. They practice setting up surgical tools, handling instruments during surgery, and maintaining a sterile environment to prevent infections. Surgical technology programs typically cover a wide range of surgeries, from routine procedures to more complex operations, so students become familiar with various surgical environments.

There are several program options available for a surgical technology degree, each varying in length and depth of training:

• Certificate or Diploma Program: This is the quickest route to becoming a surgical technologist and typically takes around 12 to 18 months to complete. These programs focus on essential skills, such as sterilizing instruments, preparing operating rooms, and assisting during surgeries. They are ideal for students looking to enter the workforce quickly.
• Associate Degree in Surgical Technology: This two-year program provides a more comprehensive education, covering both the technical skills needed in the operating room and general education subjects. Students may take courses in anatomy, microbiology, and medical ethics, in addition to their surgical training. Graduates of this program may have more job opportunities and be more competitive in the job market.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Surgical Technology: Although less common, some schools offer a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Surgical Technology or related fields, such as health sciences. This option provides a broader education and can open doors to leadership roles or further education, such as becoming a surgical first assistant.

Students pursuing a surgical technology degree develop a range of essential skills needed to assist in the operating room and ensure surgeries run smoothly. Some of the key skills learned include:

• Sterilization and Infection Control: Students learn how to properly sterilize surgical instruments, maintain a sterile environment, and prevent infections, which is critical for patient safety.
• Surgical Instrument Handling: Surgical technologists must be familiar with a wide variety of surgical instruments. Students practice identifying, organizing, and passing instruments to surgeons during procedures quickly and accurately.
• Patient Preparation: Surgical technology programs teach students how to prepare patients for surgery, including positioning them correctly and ensuring they are properly prepped for the procedure.
• Operating Room Setup: Students gain skills in setting up the operating room, ensuring that all necessary equipment, tools, and supplies are available and ready for use during surgeries.

With a surgical technology degree, graduates are qualified for various roles in the healthcare field, primarily focused on assisting in surgeries and supporting medical teams. Here are some career paths available:

• Surgical Technologist: The primary role for graduates, surgical technologists assist surgeons during operations by preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and handing instruments to the surgical team. They ensure everything runs smoothly and the environment stays sterile to prevent infections. Surgical technologists work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and clinics.
• Surgical Assistant: With additional experience or certification, some surgical technologists may advance to become surgical assistants. In this role, they provide more direct assistance during surgeries, such as helping to control bleeding, applying sutures, and ensuring the patient’s stability.
• Sterile Processing Technician: Some graduates may choose to work in sterile processing departments, where they are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing surgical instruments for use. This role ensures that all equipment used in surgeries is safe and sterile.