Surgical Technology
The Surgical Technology Program is now accredited for an AAS degree. Instead of a
certificate, students can now earn their associate in surgical technology.
The Surgical Technology Program at Prairie State College is now accredited for an AAS degree. Instead of a certificate, students can now earn their associate degree in surgical technology.
The Surgical Technology Program trains students to become surgical technologists who assist in various medical settings, including operating rooms, labor and delivery units, and outpatient surgical centers. They work under medical supervision to ensure the safe and efficient completion of invasive surgical procedures, with a focus on patient safety. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
This program begins only in the fall semester and takes one year to complete. It requires students to attend classes and clinical labs for a total of 40 hours per week. The clinicals will take place in hospital operating rooms, where students will work alongside a preceptor. Students are responsible for their own transportation to a hospital site within a 45-mile radius.
Upon completing the program, students will be eligible to take the certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
Note: Students will not receive reimbursement for travel or work done at their assigned clinical site, and will not be treated as employees during the program.
This Surgical program has special admissions requirements. Contact the Office of Enrollment Services to obtain a copy of the Surgical Technology Application Procedures Booklet or download a copy online. Click here for the Online Intent Form.
Surgical technology is a rapidly growing field with ample opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor predicts a 43 percent increase in demand for surgical technologists over the next five to ten years. Many hospitals offer sign-on bonuses, and there may also be financial incentives for being on-call.