AAS in Surgical Technology
Spokane, USA
Associate of Applied Science
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
USD 3,700 / per quarter *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international students | 7055 USD additional fees
Key Summary
About: The AAS in Surgical Technology at Spokane Colleges trains you to prepare operating equipment using aseptic techniques, assist during surgeries, and care for surgical patients. You’ll practice clinical skills in real operating rooms, learn teamwork with surgeons and nurses, and sit for the National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists (CST). The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work as Surgical Technologist and Medical Equipment Preparer, and often as Perioperative Technician, Sterile Processing Technician, or Operating Room (OR) Technologist, supporting surgical teams, sterile instrument handling, and perioperative patient care.
If you want to help doctors and nurses save lives in the operating room, a career as a surgical technologist could be a great fit for you.
In this accredited program, you’ll learn to prepare operating equipment with the latest aseptic techniques, assist during surgeries, and safely care for surgical patients alongside surgeons and nurses. Practicing your skills in real operating rooms, you’ll learn firsthand how to relate to patients and work with other medical professionals in fast-paced, surgical situations.
Whether you want to work in the medical field, or you simply enjoy helping people, a degree in surgical technology can help you achieve your goals with a rewarding future in the operating room.
At the completion of the program, students will be able to accept the responsibility expected of the surgical technologist as a beginning staff employee in the operating room. Before graduation, students will sit for the National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists for qualification as a certified surgical technologist (CST).
The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Prerequisites
First Quarter
- General Biology w/ Lab
- Introduction to Computer Applications
- Algebra for Math Literacy I
Program Courses
First Quarter
- Human A & P 1
- Interpersonal Communication
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Surgical Technology
- Blood-borne Pathogens and HIV/AIDS
Second Quarter
- Human A & P 2
- English Composition I
- Surgical Environment
- Disease Transmission and Control
Third Quarter
- Human Physiology and Disease
- Mathematics for Pharmacy Technicians
- Surgical Procedures
- Central Service Clinical
- Technical Skills I
Fourth Quarter
- Surgical Procedures
- Technical Skills II
- Operating Room Practicum
Fifth Quarter
- Surgical Procedures
- Perioperative Care of the Patient
- Operating Room Practicum
Sixth Quarter
- Surgical Seminar
- Operating Room Practicum
- Apply knowledge and skills of biological sciences in preparing and implementing operating room procedures.
- Identify and apply the concepts of medical ethics in relationship to the patient, physician, and health facility.
- Recognize and apply the knowledge of the legal implications of their actions as they relate to themselves, the physician, and the medical facility.
- Identify and utilize surgical instruments, equipment, sutures, dressings, and medications in the operating room according to minimal established competencies.
- Comprehend surgical terminology utilized within the operating room environment.
- Apply the concepts of social sciences with patients, and other members of the health team.
- Identify professional inter-relatedness & inter-dependency of all segments of the health care delivery system.
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Spokane College Foundation
Last year, Spokane Colleges Foundation awarded scholarships to 203 students to cover the costs of tuition and books, as well as 452 emergency aid awards to help with testing costs, program fees, and emergency needs.
The Foundation has over 100 scholarships that open each January, as well as others that open for applications in the summer.
The first step to applying for scholarships is to complete our general scholarship application.
Once completed, you’ll be entered into our general scholarship pool to be considered for those scholarships open to all SCC and SFCC students. You’ll also be alerted to additional scholarship opportunities which you may qualify for based on the responses you provided. Many of these opportunities require additional information but have fewer applicants because they have very specific criteria. We encourage you to take the time to apply for all scholarships for which you qualify to increase your chances of receiving an award.
Grants & Sponsored Research
Some of the most innovative programs at Spokane Colleges are made possible through grant and sponsored research funding. We’ve cultivated opportunities in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, provided middle school girls with STEM summer camps, served our community through sustainable environmental science projects, and collaborated with rural K-12 partners on college and career readiness initiatives. Take a look at the stories and learn about opportunities for students and faculty to create new and innovative programs with help from Grants & Sponsored Research at Spokane Colleges.
Student Employment Program
The Student Employment Program provides experiential learning opportunities for students as they work. A variety of student employment positions are available each year. Jobs exist through various funding sources.
Some of the benefits of student employment include:
- Flexible Scheduling – Work hours are designed to fit around your class schedule.
- Time Management – Develop skills in balancing work, academics, and personal responsibilities
- Professional Connections – Build relationships with supervisors and mentors that can support your career growth.
- Real-World Experience – Gain valuable work experience to enhance your resume and develop new skills.
- Financial Support – Earn money to help cover college expenses and reduce reliance on loans.
- Career Exploration – Discover your strengths, interests, and potential career paths through hands-on experience.
Military/Veteran Benefits
Military Tuition Assistance (TA) provides tuition for college courses taken by active-duty personnel. TA requirements, rules, and restrictions can vary by branch of service. SCC encourages all students interested in using TA to contact their respective military branch’s education center, or education and training office before contacting SCC.
- Surgical Technologist
- Medical Equipment Preparer
The Surgical Technology program prepares students to function in cooperation with the surgeon and nurses in the operating room performing duties that are vital for the safety and care of surgical patients. Students must have knowledge and skills in surgical aseptic techniques for the preparation and use of materials during a surgical procedure. Students also must be able to relate to patients and other people in the field. Using reasonable judgment when working in emergency surgical situations is required.
As far as class schedules during the program, we run September through June, with the summer between the two years off, and our classes are offered during a hospital “day shift” or during the 6:45am to 3:30pm time frame. Each quarter has different and varying start and end times during our day shift. We are NOT an online program. Surgical Technology classes are all in person or in clinical and not offered online.
- Each required course for graduation must be completed with a grade of 2.0 or better before proceeding to the next quarter.
- A student may repeat a surgical technology class only once, and it must be repeated within two years.
- The Surgical Technology program must be completed within three years.
- The Surgical Technology program is a fall start program. Students are accepted from a waitlist.
- Students can enter into the third or fourth quarter only if they qualify for advanced standing and space is available. Students requesting placement into the program in the second year must pass a comprehensive test for each class or take SURG 202, 203, and 206 even if they had previously passed the courses.