SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY Program

School of Health, Human Services, & Natural Resources

Do you want to use love of science to help people in an urgent healthcare setting? Are you dependable, detail-oriented, and calm under pressure? SCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program may be for you!

Surgical technologists are critical members of a surgical team. They ensure that the surgical environment is safe and sterile, and they help prepare both patients and tools for procedures. Surgical techs may also directly assist doctors and nurses with suturing, bandaging, and handling specimens.

Most surgical techs work in a hospital operating room, but some also assist with outpatient procedures in a doctor’s office. You can also choose to specialize in a certain area of medicine, like cardiology, orthopedics, or plastic surgery.

SCC’s Surgical Technology program will prepare you for the national certification exam (NBSTSA) and teach you the skills you need for an entry-level position as a surgical technologist.

Have questions or need help with your application?

Stop by the Center for Healthy Living at the Dardenne Creek Campus to talk to an advisor. Walk-ins are welcome! You can also schedule a meeting using the button below or contact us by emailing dccadvising@stchas.edu.

Dardenne Creek Campus Advising

The suggested course sequence helps you to complete your program.

Degrees

Program Information

SCC’s two-year A.A.S. in Surgical Technology program begins in the fall semester, and admission is selective. You’ll receive traditional classroom instruction in a range of academic subjects as well as lab practice and hands-on, clinical experiences. You’ll learn how to select and sterilize surgical tools, prepare patients for procedures, and assist the surgical team. This program will prepare you to sit for the National Certified Surgical Technology Examination (NBSTSA).

Mission Statement

The mission of the Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree program at St. Charles Community College is to prepare competent, entry-level surgical technologists who provide safe, ethical, and patient-centered perioperative care. Through comprehensive didactic, laboratory, and clinical education, we aim to develop skilled professionals who will contribute to surgical patient safety, support surgical teams effectively, and meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community.

Program Outcomes

Upon graduation, graduates will demonstrate entry-level competence as Surgical Technologists by meeting outcomes across three critical learning domains:

Cognitive Domain (Knowledge)

Synthesize comprehensive theoretical knowledge of surgical procedures, human anatomy, medical terminology, and surgical interventions across multiple specialties.
Analyze complex perioperative concepts, surgical pathologies, and patient care principles to support safe and effective surgical interventions.

Psychomotor Domain (Skills)

Execute precise surgical technology skills, including sterile technique, surgical instrument management, and surgical case preparation with accuracy and efficiency.
Perform technical procedures demonstrating manual dexterity, spatial awareness, and adherence to established surgical protocols and patient safety standards.

Affective Domain (Behaviors)

Exhibit professional behaviors characterized by ethical decision-making, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to patient-centered care.
Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication, teamwork, and collaborative skills within the multidisciplinary surgical environment.
Reflect a commitment to continuous professional development, lifelong learning, and maintaining current knowledge in surgical technologies and healthcare practices.

The Surgical Technology Program at St. Charles Community College has a site visit scheduled for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

How to Apply to the Surgical Technology Program

Admission to the Surgical Technology program is selective. Application review will begin April 1, 2026, and will continue until the program is full. Early application is strongly encouraged.

Prospective students must review and complete all items listed on the Surgical Technology Application Checklist to be considered for admission. As part of the application process, applicants are required to complete four (4) hours of job shadowing in an operating room setting with a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), following the job shadowing instructions provided.

Applications are reviewed only after all required checklist items have been submitted, including verification of completed job shadowing. Complete applications received after April 1 will continue to be reviewed as space allows until all seats are filled.

Applicants are encouraged to begin the process early to allow sufficient time to schedule job shadowing and gather required materials.

Application Resources are linked below. If you have questions about the process, stop by the Center for Healthy Living at the Dardenne Creek Campus to talk to an advisor. Walk-ins are welcome! You can also contact us by emailing dccadvising@stchas.edu.

Job Shadowing Instructions

Application Checklist

Surgical Technology Application