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Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an important part of the operating room team. Before, during and after surgery, they deliver patient care and perform tasks that help ensure a safe surgical environment, contributing to and supporting the operating team's efficiency. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

Technologists prepare and sterilize instruments and surgical supplies, assist physicians during surgical procedures, ensure necessary equipment is properly maintained and available when needed, handle surgical specimens, maintain a sterile atmosphere in the operating room environment and complete necessary paperwork related to surgical procedures.

The comprehensive program at Blackhawk will prepare students for entry-level positions as Surgical Technologists. The Associate Degree program gives students a balanced set of experiences in the classroom, laboratory and clinical setting. Students are trained in procedures, aseptic (sterile) techniques, medical equipment nomenclature, human anatomy and physiology, physics, robotics, and pharmacology for the operating room. Graduates of the program may be employed in a variety of areas such as the operating room, labor and delivery, physicians’ offices, cath labs, and outpatient surgery centers.

Tuition
& Potential Earnings

Estimated Tuition Cost

$10,419

Median Wage

$63,100

Based on Lightcast Occupational Employment Statistics

Academic Plan

  • Medical Terminology
  • General Anatomy and Physiology
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Introduction to Surgical Technology
  • Surgical Technology Fundamentals 1
  • Exploring Surgical Issues
  • Introduction to Psychology
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Surgical Technology Fundamentals 2
  • Surgical Pharmacology
  • Surgical Skills Application
  • English Composition 1
  • Microbiology
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Surgical Interventions 1
  • Surgical Technology Clinical 1
  • Surgical Technology Clinical 2
  • Speech
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Surgical Technology Clinical 3
  • Surgical Technology Clinical 4
  • Surgical Interventions 2
  • Introduction to Sociology or Introduction to Diversity Studie
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

Flexible Learning Options

Many courses at Blackhawk are offered in one or more of these formats:

  • In-Person
  • Live Online (synchronous)
  • Online Anytime (asynchronous)
  • FlexLab (in-person when it fits your schedule)

For some courses, we offer a MyEdChoice option, allowing you to choose how to attend each class session. You can switch between online and in-person formats from week to week or even day to day, depending on your needs and schedule. More Information

In Person
MyEdChoice
Hybrid
FlexLab

Get Credit For Your Experience!

Have you acquired relevant education or work experience? You might qualify for credits based on your prior learning.

Start Your Journey to Success Today

Get in touch with an advisor to discuss program details, curriculum, credit transfer options, and financial aid opportunities.

Additional Program Information

The Surgical Technology program has achieved accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP), on the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee in Surgical Technology (ARC-ST). 

At this time, students who successfully complete Blackhawk Technical College’s Surgical Technology program will sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Comprehensive (Secure) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam.

Petition for Entry

In order to be eligible to petition this program for entry, you must apply to the college, meet all program-specific eligibility requirements, and attend a Health Sciences petition meeting specific to the program you plan to petition. For more information about the petitioning process, visit the Petition Information page.

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is used as part of the admission process for this program. You must include a transcript/copy of your TEAS results with your petition packet when petitioning the program for entry. This requirement will be reviewed during the petition meeting. For information regarding test scheduling and administration, visit the Placement Testing page.

Health Insurance

Students must have proof of their health insurance coverage.

Background Check

If your petition into the program has been accepted, you will be required to complete a criminal background check, complete the health requirements, and perform drug testing before starting clinical courses. Wisconsin law requires background checks of persons who provide care for others or have access to people who receive care. This law applies to Blackhawk Technical College Health Sciences Division students. For more information about the background check, view the Criminal Background Check Information (PDF).

In accordance with Wisconsin Caregiver Background law, applicants with a criminal history may be denied placement by clinical affiliates or ineligible for national certification examinations. Applicants with any criminal background are strongly advised to meet with the program faculty and/or program advisor.

The mission of the Associate Degree Surgical Technology Program at Blackhawk Technical College is to provide the training and knowledge necessary for our students “to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologist in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.” (ARC/STSA, 2013) This will be accomplished by “meeting or exceeding the criteria set forth in the current CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for Accreditation of Educational Programs in Surgical Technology” (ARC/STSA).

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

  • Apply healthcare and technological science principles to the perioperative environment
  • Maintain principles of sterile technique in the surgical environment
  • Provide a safe, efficient and supportive environment for the patient
  • Prepare the patient, operating room and surgical team for the preoperative phase
  • Perform intraoperative case management in the scrub role
  • Perform postoperative case management
  • Function as an ethical, legal and professional member of the healthcare team as determined by governing bodies
Surgical Technology students in lab

Highlights

Associate Degree

61 Credits

Beloit-Janesville Campus

6004 S. County Road G, Janesville, WI 53546

Related Offerings

Potential Careers

Surgical Technologist

Central Supply Technician

Private Scrub Technologist

Laser/Endoscopic Technician

Tissue/Organ Procurement

Career Pathways

A Career Pathway is a step-by-step plan designed to lead you to career success and advancement.

1

Technical Diploma

2

Associate Degree

University Transfer

Earning a bachelor’s degree has never been more convenient and affordable! We offer a variety of options for students who want to achieve a four-year degree.