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Surgical Technology Degree
Associate of Science Degree

Surgical technology specialists are at the center of the action in surgery and never queasy at the sight of blood.  Surg techs are trained professionals who work under the direction of a surgeon and the medical team to deliver the highest level of patient care before, during and after the surgery.

Individuals certified in surgical technology take on many critical roles in the operating room.  Surg techs often help prepare patients for surgery, inspect and ensure surgical instruments are sterile, and make certain the operating room is organized for the medical team.  During surgery, surg techs help to position patients on the operating table and drape them with sterile cloths.  They troubleshoot equipment and may be called upon to clean and cauterize blood vessels or close wounds.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for surgical technologists in the U.S. for May 2022 was $56,350 per year ($27.09 per hour), with a much faster than average projected job growth of 5% between 2022 and 2032.

Want to learn more? Watch our most recent Virtual Information Session.

Program Perks
  • 21-month, accredited Associate of Science degree program in Surgical Technology
  • Industry-experienced instructors work one-on-one with you in small classes to develop your professional skills in patient care, surgical technology and communication
  • Students are prepared to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) national examination in their final semester, and are prepared for employment as soon as they graduate
  • Surg techs are in high demand in the United States and may start their careers working in a hospital, outpatient facility, physician's clinic or dental office. 
CAAHEP

Accreditation & Licensure

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology (ARC ST/SA). 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775(727) 210-2350. Email: mail@caahep.org; Website: www.caahep.org

Graduates must pass Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) national examination

Admissions Information

Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
  • High school record and/or college academic record.
  • Demonstration of success in previous math and science courses.
  • Fulfillment of program technical standards.

Requirements

To be considered for admission, the following items must be submitted to the Admissions Office:

Deadlines

Prospective students may apply anytime and are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and students will be notified of their acceptance by postal mail, email or phone.

Starting Term - Fall 2025

Priority Deadline - 2/1/2025

Standard Deadline - 7/11/2025

Costs & Financial Aid

NMC is committed to helping you find every avenue to finance your education. View the Tuition by Program & Degree page for a comprehensive list of all fees.

Cost Per Credit Hour

$230

NMC Scholarships

NMC Scholarships consist of funds generously provided by the Methodist Hospital Foundation to assist our students.

Student Grants or Loans

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about what's available and how to apply.

Employee Education Benefits

Employees of Methodist Health System can find details on the MHS Intranet.

External Scholarships

Visit our Scholarships page to learn more.

Calculate Your Net Price

Nebraska Methodist College Net Price Calculator.

Curriculum

The program requires a minimum of 66 credit hours. All students are required to complete specific coursework. This list should only be used as a curriculum guide. Course listings and required curriculum are subject to change. 

Included within this list is the Educated Citizen Core Curriculum. All students seeking to complete an undergraduate degree at Nebraska Methodist College must complete this set of Arts and Sciences requirements.

First year - First Semester

COM 101
ENGLISH COMPOSITION
DETAILS
This course provides instruction and practice in writing, with emphasis on the recursive processes of generating, drafting, revising and editing. Students develop skills in producing and evaluating written communications in private and public contexts.

COR 101
EDUCATED CITIZEN 101
DETAILS

HPS 100
HEALTHCARE FUNDAMENTALS I
DETAILS

This course serves as an overview for all members of the health care delivery team. The focus is placed on the basic skills needed to perform quality patient care, relationships with other health care team members, patient safety and scope of practice for each profession, vital signs, HIPAA, infection control, invasive procedures and self-care. 

SCI 116
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
DETAILS
This course will introduce students to terminology used in the healthcare professions. The origins of medical terms will be studied with an emphasis placed on understanding the suffixes, prefixes, combining forms, and root words used in healthcare terminology to be able to properly communicate issues related to their profession using appropriate terminology.

SCI 200
HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY: PRINCIPLES & PRACTICE
DETAILS
This course will build the basics of the human body beginning with the structure and function of the cell. The course will highlight brief foundational aspects of chemistry, physics, embryology, and histology as they pertain to the human body. Learners will explore key anatomical and physiology concepts of the nervous, skeletal, muscular, integumentary systems, special senses; cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, digestive, renal/urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Laboratory experience will include a multi-modal approach and will include cadaveric study.

First year - Second Semester

BIO 205
INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY: A HUMAN PERSPECTIVE
DETAILS
This course plays a pivotal role in providing fundamental knowledge of microbiology and its relevance to surgical technology field. This course explores the principles and applications of microorganisms, with a particular emphasis on aseptic and sterile practices. The laboratory experiences reinforces foundational learning objectives of the course.

Prerequisites: SCI 200

COM 255/267
LANGUAGE & CULTURE IN HEALTHCARE
DETAILS
Access to healthcare is greatly affected by one's command of language. Students in this course engage in the exploration of language and culture then apply these concepts to the healthcare environment through service-learning and community engagement. Students develop practical communication skills that enable effective cross-cultural work with health professionals and clients with backgrounds different from their own. This course lasts over the entire semester.

PSY 101/215
PSYCHOLOGY COURSE
DETAILS
PSY 101     INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY This course offers students an engaging introduction to the essential topics in the field of psychology. Throughout this scientific study of human behavior and the mind, students will survey and gain insight into the history of the field of psychology, as well as explore current theories and issues in areas such as wellness, emotion, cognition, motivation, perception, consciousness, social and personality, and memory. PSY 215     LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT The Lifespan perspective involves several basic contentions: development is life-long, multidimensional, multi-directional, plastic, historically embedded, multi-disciplinary and contextual. Three imperative developmental issues are explored: maturation and experience, continuity and discontinuity and stability and change. Students study how humans develop and how they become who they are.

SUR 100
INTRODUCTION TO SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY
DETAILS
This course introduces the student to the broad field of surgical technology. General information including the historical development of surgery, professional organizations, as well as standards and guidelines for accredited programs set by accrediting agencies will be discussed. The preoperative and intraoperative roles of the surgical technologist in the circulator and first scrub role will be thoroughly examined. Principles of aseptic technique related to the sterile and unsterile areas will be applied. Students will become familiar with the healthcare facility exploring the physical environment of the operating room. Students will get to know the ancillary departments of the healthcare facility as well as becoming familiar with the healthcare facility organization and chain of command. Preoperative patient diagnostic procedures, patient identification procedures, patient chart review and the importance of signed consent as they pertain to surgery will be discussed. Students will learn resection concepts, abdominal incisions, wound healing, classifications and complications of the surgical wound as well as sutures and needles required for surgical procedures. This course will also focus on end of procedure care to include handling of surgical specimens, placement of catheters, drains and surgical dressings.

Prerequisites: Enrollment in Surgical Technology Program Corequisites: SUR 152, SUR 163

SUR 152
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY SKILLS PRACTICUM I
DETAILS
This course will expand on the role of the surgical technologist in the scrub role. In this course students will begin to build a foundation of preoperative and intraoperative surgical case preparation.  Students will become familiar with basic principles of aseptic technique and surgical conscience as it relates to patient outcomes. The preoperative roles of the surgical technologist in the circulator and first scrub role will be thoroughly examined. Laboratory competencies will be administered at the end of the course to evaluate the student's progress. The student must successfully complete the performance competency to advance in the program.

Corequisites: SUR 100, SUR 163

SUR 163
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTATION & EQUIPMENT I
DETAILS
This course will expand on the role of the surgical technologist in the scrub role. In this course students will begin to build a foundation of preoperative and intraoperative surgical case preparation.  Students will become familiar with basic principles of aseptic technique and surgical conscience as it relates to patient outcomes. The preoperative roles of the surgical technologist in the circulator and first scrub role will be thoroughly examined. Laboratory competencies will be administered at the end of the course to evaluate the student's progress. The student must successfully complete the performance competency to advance in the program.

Prerequisites: Entrance into the Surgical Technology program Corequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152

First year - Third Semester

HUM 220-279
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE
DETAILS

SUR 173
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTATION & EQUIPMENT II
DETAILS
In this course students will continue to reinforce their knowledge pertaining to surgical instrumentation and equipment in the operating room. The students will continue to explore the physical principles of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light as they apply to the operation of laser and electrical surgical equipment as well as an introduction to the principles of robotic use during surgery.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163 Corequisites: SUR 236, SUR 182, SUR 200

SUR 182
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY SKILLS PRACTICUM II
DETAILS
In this course students will reinforce the skills that were introduced in Surgical Technology Skills Practicum I including the surgical scrub, back table set-up and organization, surgical counts, patient positioning,  prepping and draping, and intraoperative case management. Main course focus is aseptic technique and critical thinking skills practiced to prepare the student for clinical rotation. Laboratory competencies are designed to prepare the student for their first clinical rotation.  The student must successfully complete performance competency to advance to the clinical portion of the program.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163 Corequisites: SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 200

SUR 200
PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
DETAILS
A study of medications used in the operating room with an emphasis on the common drugs used in the surgical area is completed in this course. Examination of the administration, actions, interactions, side effects, and terminology of perioperative medications is included. Legal responsibilities of the surgical technologist, common calculations, and safety measures performed in a sterile field to assure patient safety are practiced. Students will actively participate in group presentations enhancing didactic teaching during this course.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163 Corequisites: SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182

SUR 236
SURGICAL PROCEDURES I
DETAILS
This course will expand on the role of the surgical technologist in the scrub role. The introduction of surgical procedures to include; concepts, techniques, anatomy, procedural sequence, definitions, purpose, etiology, supplies and equipment relating to basic general surgery, gastrointestinal, biliary, rectal, and  gynecological and obstetrical surgery. Case and room preparation, aseptic technique, counts, suture and procedural steps for a wide variety of cases are introduced in this course. This course will include intraoperative considerations for surgical interventions on specialty patient populations and advanced surgical procedures.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163 Corequisites: SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200

Second year - First Semester

HUM 219
MEDICAL LAW AND ETHICS
DETAILS
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of medical laws, ethical principles and bioethics for the healthcare practitioner. The application of these fundamental principles will be applied using current medical-legal issues and bioethical dilemmas of today. The course is designed to improve the student’s ability to critically think and make sound decisions that are in alignment with professional ethics and values, integrity and judgment. The course will include such areas as confidentiality, privacy, consents, responsible practice, professionalism, bioethical dilemmas, and key legal aspects that influence the healthcare practitioner.

SUR 250
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY CLINICAL I
DETAILS
This course is designed to apply basic surgical anatomy, instrumentation and procedural steps combined with a consistent method of reinforcement in the clinical site. The students are assigned to a clinical site where they will apply theoretical knowledge while gaining aptitude, skills and proficiency necessary to function in non-complex situations as a surgical technologist.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200, SUR 236 Corequisites: SUR 276, SUR 264

SUR 264
SURGICAL CASE STUDIES
DETAILS
This course will include the study of current trends, professional and interpersonal skills in the healthcare setting, and case review. Concurrent review of clinical rotation and participation in the surgical team will occur during this course. The student will complete detailed daily case study reviews. All assigned clinical paperwork will be reviewed during this course.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200 Corequisites: SUR 276, SUR 250

SUR 276
SURGICAL PROCEDURES II
DETAILS
This course will expand on the role of the surgical technologist in the scrub role. The introduction of surgical procedures to include concepts, techniques, anatomy, procedural sequence, definitions, purpose, etiology, supplies and equipment relating to genitourinary, ophthalmic, plastics, oral maxillofacial, and orthopedic surgery. Case and room preparation, aseptic technique, counts, suture and procedural steps for a wide variety of cases are introduced in this course. This course will include intraoperative considerations for surgical interventions on specialty patient populations and advanced surgical procedures.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200 Corequisites: SUR 250, SUR 264

Second year - Second Semester

COR 201
EDUCATED CITIZEN 201
DETAILS

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200, SUR 276, SUR 250, SUR 264 Corequisites: SUR 280, SUR 287, SUR 277

SUR 270
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY CLINICAL II
DETAILS
The surgical technology student will continue to build on the concepts gained in SUR 250 during this course. Surgical anatomy, instrumentation, and procedural steps for each case are reinforced. The student will function as a part of the surgical team in an operating room setting applying theoretical knowledge while gaining the aptitude, skills and proficiency necessary to function in complex situations and cases

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200, SUR 276, SUR 250, SUR 264 Corequisites: SUR 280, SUR 287, SUR 277

SUR 277
SURGICAL PROCEDURES III
DETAILS
This course will expand on the role of the surgical technologist in the scrub role. The introduction of surgical procedures to include: concepts, techniques, anatomy, procedural sequence, definitions, purpose, etiology, supplies and equipment relating to neurosurgery, cardio, thoracic, and peripheral surgery. Case and room preparation, aseptic technique, counts, suture and procedural steps for a wide variety of cases are introduced in this course. This course will include intraoperative considerations for surgical interventions on specialty patient populations and advanced surgical procedures.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200, SUR 276, SUR 250, SUR 264 Corequisites: SUR 270, SUR 280, SUR 287

SUR 280
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR
DETAILS
This course is designed to give specialized instruction in various areas of surgical technology. Employability skills will be reviewed and applied. The course will also emphasize the elements of professional development including professional organizations, leadership, teamwork, certification and continuing education.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200, SUR 276, SUR 250, SUR 264 Corequisites: SUR 270, SUR 287, SUR 277

SUR 287
CST EXAM PREP
DETAILS
This course is designed to prepare students for the national Surgical Technology certification examination. Content for this course will include test taking tips, study techniques, and strategies for success. Students will breakdown key areas to include Preoperative Case Management, Intraoperative Case Management, Postoperative Case Management, Surgical Specialties and Procedures, Ancillary Functions and Technological Sciences.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200, SUR 276, SUR 250, SUR 264 Corequisites: SUR 270, SUR 280, SUR 277

Meet the Faculty

Our surg tech faculty are highly experienced and credentialed in their own fields, giving you constant real-world insight you can use.

While any instructor can recite from a textbook, ours go a step further and draw from vast personal experience. Instructors here care as deeply about their students as they do the subject matter and it shows.

Meet the Faculty

Additional information

Surgical Technology Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Surgical Technology Program will:

  1. Demonstrate behavior commensurate with an ethical healthcare professional, capable of honesty and moral integrity necessary to uphold ideal patient care standards.
  2. Communicate clearly and effectively utilizing spoken, written and technical skills with patients, physicians and coworkers.
  3. Demonstrate the application of the principles of asepsis and surgical conscience in a knowledgeable manner that provides optimal patient care in the OR.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to perform as a cooperative team member in a variety of surgical procedures.
  5. Incorporate learned competencies to assemble and operate instrument, equipment and supplies for the delivery of patient care as an entry-level practitioner during basic surgical procedures.
  6. Recognize the importance of professional engagement through membership in professional organizations, complete the national certification exam, thereby earning the title of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), and understand the necessity of life-long learning as a contribution to society.

About the Program

The 22-month program for an Associate of Science degree in Surgical Technology is a combination of classroom studies, hands-on learning in a surgical suite laboratory, and clinical-based practice in Greater Omaha Area hospitals.  Learning includes:

  • Coursework in human anatomy, microbiology, critical thinking and communications
  • Care and handling of surgical instruments and equipment before, during and after surgery
  • Maintaining a sterile field for the surgical team including applying surgical dressings, holding retractors, cutting sutures, preparing sterile solutions, and caring for and/or transporting human specimens for laboratory analysis or disposal
  • Draping and positioning of patients during surgery
  • Operating room preparation including cleaning, restocking, and equipment preparation and positioning
  • National standards required to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

For those who learn additional skills or earn a Bachelor of Science degree, other career opportunities may include:

  • First or Second Assisting Technologist
  • Private 'Scrub' (specializing in transplants or other complex surgeries)
  • Surgical Services Administrator
  • Surgical Supplies Administrator
  • Surgical Equipment/Instrument Sales
  • Insurance
  • Trainer or Instructor

Technical Standards

  1. Able to stand, bend, stoop, and/or sit for long periods of time in one location with minimum/no breaks.
  2. Able to lift a minimum of 20 pounds. (this is 50 pounds at most health systems for hiring)
  3. Able to refrain from nourishment or restroom breaks for periods up to 6 hours.
  4. Demonstrate sufficient visual ability enough to load a fine (10-0) suture onto needles and needle holders with/without corrective lenses and while wearing safety glasses.
  5. Demonstrate sufficient peripheral vision to anticipate and function while in the sterile surgical environment.
  6. Hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator's mouth/lips and within 20 feet.
  7. Hear activation/warning signals on equipment.
  8. Able to detect odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs.
  9. Manipulate instruments, supplies and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good eye-hand coordination.
  10. Ambulate/move around without assistive devices.
  11. Able to assist with and/or lift, move, position, and manipulate the patient who is unconscious with or without assistive devices.
  12. Communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing.
  13. To be free of reportable communicable diseases and chemical abuse.
  14. Able to demonstrate immunity (natural or artificial) to Rubella, Rubeola, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B, or be vaccinated against these diseases, or willing to sign a waiver of release of liability regarding these diseases.
  15. Possess short-and long-term memory sufficient to perform tasks such as, but not limited to, mentally tracking surgical supplies and performing anticipation skills intraoperatively.
  16. Able to make appropriate judgment decisions
  17. Demonstrate the use of positive coping skills under stress.
  18. Demonstrate calm and effective responses, especially in emergency situations.
  19. Exhibit positive interpersonal skills during patient, staff, and faculty interactions.

Background check: Clinical facilities require that Nebraska Methodist College perform drug testing and background checks on all students before they are allowed to participate in clinical experiences. Therefore, students will be required to have a background check performed and submit to drug screening before being allowed into clinical practice.

It is your responsibility to understand the duties, responsibilities, skills and abilities required for your chose program/profession. In addition to the technical standards as described above, please review the information regarding Surgical Technology at the O*NET website here.

SURG TECH OUTCOMES DATA

Assessment/ Measurement

Program Enrollment
Enrollment (At Start of Program)

Graduation Rate
By Cohort (Within 22 Months of Program Start)

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

12

12

12

13

11

11

7

12

8

11

TBD

TBD

GRADUATE SATISFACTION (AT GRAD)

Assessment/ Measurement

Graduate Return Rate
Graduate Survey Data

Graduate Rating
Graduate Satisfaction

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

85%

85%

91%

100%

87%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE EXAM

Assessment/ Measurement

Percent Taking Exam (CST)

Overall Pass Rate

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

90%

100%

75%

83%

OUTCOMES POST GRADUATION

Assessment/ Measurement

Employment
Employment 6 Months after graduation

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

100%

100%

100%

100%

62%

100%

EMPLOYER SATISFACTION

Assessment/ Measurement

Employer Rating
Employer Survey Results

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%