Associate degree in Surgical Technology

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Study Options

On Campus

What is Surgical Technology?

Surgical Technologists function under the supervision of a surgeon as a vital member of the health care team responsible for ensuring that operating room equipment is functioning properly and operative procedures are conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Additionally, the Surgical Technologist supervises the placement, care, and utilization of all instruments and assists with invasive, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedure.

• 67 credits
• Clinical experience

Surgical Tech Program Curriculum

The Associate Degree in Surgical Technology offers students the opportunity to combine the knowledge of human anatomy and physiology with expertise in the theory and application of aseptic techniques, instrumentation, and surgical procedures.

See the Curriculum

Featured Course

Orientation to Perioperative Services

This course provides an introduction to the perioperative skills required to function as a beginning Surgical Technologist in various health care environments. The course will focus on establishing, maintaining, and coordinating the methods required for quality patient care in the operating room according to established professional standards. Students will apply aseptic technique, surgical principles, and surgical conscience in the performance of the required skills.

See the Course Catalog

Admission Requirements

The Surgical Technology Admissions Committee holistically reviews each applicant’s admission materials and selects the most highly qualified candidates for a limited number of seats. The admission requirements are as follows:

Submission of High School Diploma/GED
Submission of College transcripts for candidates that have previously earned college credits
Minimum GPA and overall cumulative academic performance of C+ (75) or higher
Placement into college level Math with a score of 250 or higher on the Accuplacer exam or equivalent
Placement into college level English
Interview with the Surgical Technology Program Director
Submission of Personal Statement

Future Career in Surgical Technology

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2020 and 2030, employment opportunities for surgical technologists will grow at a faster-than-average rate of nine percent. This increased demand is expected to create 9,500 new surgical tech positions over a ten-year timeframe.

Positions in the New York tri-state area include:

Operating Room Technician
Obstetrical Scrub Technician
Organ Recovery Specialist
Surgical Tech – Ambulatory Surgery OR
Surgical Tech – Plastic Surgery

Professional Opportunities

Clubs and honor societies offer a wealth of networking opportunities, and often give you information and experiences you don’t get in a classroom. At Monroe, there are several to choose from:

Alpha Eta - The national honor society for the allied health professions
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) - A professional organization
Allied Health Club of Monroe College - Conduct health fairs, attend presentations, participate in community service