Surgical
Operating on a Successful Career
Our Surgical program prepares you for a rewarding career in the operating room with degrees in Surgical Technology and Surgical First Assist. Through hands-on training in surgical techniques, sterilization procedures and patient care, you'll develop the skills needed to become a vital member of surgical teams. Our program combines classroom learning with practical experience in state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring you graduate ready to assist surgeons and provide quality patient care. Whether you're starting your healthcare journey or advancing your surgical technology career, SCC offers the training you need to succeed.
PROGRAM GOALS
Competency in Surgical Technology and Surgical First Assisting Practices
You will develop the technical skills needed to assist in various surgical procedures, including proper handling of specialized instruments, understanding of wound healing processes, maintaining hemostasis and applying knowledge of surgical procedures to the needs of the surgical team.
Mastery of Surgical Anatomy and Techniques
You will develop comprehensive knowledge of advanced surgical anatomy and master the perioperative functions required for surgical procedures. You'll learn specialized techniques used by Surgical First Assistants and Surgical Technologists to anticipate the needs of surgeons during operations, creating a seamless workflow in the operating room environment.
Infection Prevention Expertise
You will gain crucial understanding of microbiology as it relates to disease transmission and prevention in surgical settings. You'll master the principles of aseptic technique to create and maintain a sterile environment in order to minimize the risk of surgical-site infections.
Surgical Technology
A.A.S.
Locations: Lincoln / Online
The Surgical Technology degree prepares you to work alongside surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals as a part of the surgical team. Students learn how to maintain sterile environments, prepare operating rooms, hand instruments and assist during surgical procedures while ensuring patient safety throughout the operation.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$10,024
CREDIT HOURS
63.5
PROGRAM LENGTH
4 Terms
SCHEDULE
Full-Time / Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring
Surgical First Assist
Certificate
Locations: Online
The Surgical First Assist degree is designed for certified surgical technologists who already have experience in the operating room. This program prepares students to function as the surgical first assistant who support surgeons by assisting during surgical procedures and ensuring patient safety throughout the surgery.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$2,984
CREDIT HOURS
17
PROGRAM LENGTH
1 Term
SCHEDULE
Full-Time
STARTING TERM
Spring
WHY SCC?
What makes SCC's Surgical programs different from other programs?
SCC's Surgical Technology program is one of the only programs nationwide to have five full-time instructors and numerous adjunct instructors, creating high-contact relationships that support student success. Our Surgical First Assist program is one of 14 accredited surgical first assist programs in the country. In addition, the state-of-the-art Health Science building provides an excellent hands-on learning environment.
How much clinical experience do students get in SCC's Surgical Technology program?
You will spend almost 500 hours in actual surgical procedures with real patients, which equates to approximately 150-200 cases performed during your clinical experience. This greatly exceeds the 120 cases required for accreditation, giving you more hands-on experience before entering the workforce.
Can I work while completing my clinical experience at SCC?
Our Surgical programs allow students to have the ability to be hired prior to graduation and be paid during their clinical experience, depending on each healthcare facility's policy.
What certification do I receive after completing SCC's Surgical Technology program?
The National Certification Exam is administered through Applied Measurement Professionals Inc. before graduation. Upon passing the exam and verification of graduation by the program director, you'll receive the official CST certification from the National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants, allowing you to work anywhere in Nebraska or any state in the USA.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries by passing instruments and other supplies while maintaining sterile technique. Surgical technologists work in hospitals, surgery centers, labor and delivery departments, & doctor’s offices or be employed as a private or traveling surgical technologist.
Surgical First Assistant
Surgical first assistants provide more advanced assistance during operations, working directly with surgeons to provide exposure, hemostasis and closure. They make incisions, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices and apply dressings to surgical sites.
Next Steps
Program Chair
Additional Resources
- Accreditation
- Surgical Technology Checklist (PDF)
- Surgical First Assist Checklist (PDF)
- Health Statement (PDF)
- Immunization Waiver Form (PDF)
- Essential Functions (PDF)
- CPR Training
- 24-25 Info Sheet Surgical First Assist (PDF)
- 24-25 Info Sheet Surgical Technology(PDF)
- Professional Awareness (PDF)
Accreditation
The Surgical First Assist program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accrediting Review Council on Education in Surgical
Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accrediting Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. arcstsa.org
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727-210-2350
mail@caahep.org
State Licensure or Certification Requirements
The Surgical First Assist program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Students completing this program will sit for the National Surgical First Assist Certification exam. This is a national certification and is accepted in all 50 states. Privileges may vary by state, depending on each state’s laws and guidelines. Nebraska State License required to practice in Nebraska.
The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Students will sit for the National Certification Examination prior to graduation. Students who pass the exam will receive the official certification certificate from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting upon graduation. This is a national certification and is accepted in all 50 states. Privileges may vary by state, depending on each state’s laws and guidelines.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution
Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA) institution. As such, SCC is unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following areas at this time: American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.