Surgical Technology

Get Started

  1. Seattle Central Allied Health home page
  2. Programs
  3. Surgical Technology
  4. Surgical Technology AAS-T

Surgical Technology

Associate of Applied Science - Transfer Degree (AAS-T)

This four-quarter program prepares students to share in the responsibility of the operating room team in the care of the patient requiring surgery. A surgical technologist is an allied health professional who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other surgical personnel delivering health care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during and after surgery. The technologist is at all times under the supervision of the physician and/or registered nurse.
Instruction covers the basic sciences, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, surgical functions in the operating room, surgical instrumentation and equipment, and aseptic techniques. The program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Clinical practice takes place in various health care facilities throughout Washington state. Graduation requirements include a minimum 2.0 GPA in each surgical technology course and related instruction and must be completed in the designated quarter to proceed to the next quarter.
The application for Surg Tech opens in December; The program begins summer quarter.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Credits
Associate of Applied Science - Transfer Degree (AAS-T) Full Time: 4
Part Time: 		95.0

Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.

High School Diploma or GED equivalent in the US

All prerequisites must be completed with a 2.0 GPA for each course before a student can enter the program or be placed on the waiting list. Entrance into the program or waiting list is on a first come first served basis.

Course Course ID Credits Availability

(Formerly MATH 109) Covers descriptive methods, probability and probability distributions, samples, decisions, hypothesis testing and statistical inferences. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree.

 MATH& 146 5.0

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss specific career goals and recommended coursework.

Job tests this program will prepare you for:

  • ARC/STSA approved Outcomes Assessment Exam

For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (206) 934-4068. There are additional costs for books and supplies. Each student is responsible for the purchase of certain supplies and required tools before the instruction begins.

Full Time Cost

Quarter Credits Resident Non-Resident International
1 11 $1,338.86 $1,521.83 $3,352.46
2 18 $1,779.58 $1,969.34 $3,850.58
3 18 $1,779.58 $1,969.34 $3,850.58
4 18 $1,779.58 $1,969.34 $3,850.58

The following fee is associated with the program:

  • Books and supplies: $1,368
  • Program-specific student supplies: $1,030
  • Lab fees $842 (Summer-Winter Qtr)

Equipment Fee associated with this program:

  • Universal Background Check : 59.50
  • Washington State Patrol WATCH Rapsheet : 11.00
  • IAHCSMM Central Service Technical Manual and Workbook 8th Edition : 135.00

Hours may vary based on specific program requirements.

Worker Friendly

This program is offered at times and in formats that meet the needs of working adults. This includes:

  • Daytime
  • Courses offered between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM

Coursework

Course Course ID Credits Availability

For students interested in being a certified Central Supply/Instrument Technician. Addresses infection control, supplying and processing and distribution of supplies. Gain knowledge in safety, inventories, interpersonal skills, communication, interdisciplinary teams, professionalism and ethics.

AHE 140 10.0

American Heart Association Certificate --Health Care Provider CPR is for those in or entering health care with patient contact. Covers skills competency for infant, child and adult CPR that might be needed in the professional health care setting. Certificate awarded on completion.

 AHE 152 1.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Covers principles and techniques of operating room procedures. Includes gowning and gloving, aseptic technique, creating and maintaining a sterile field, draping materials, basic instrumentation and patient transport.

 SURG 111 6.0

Intro to surgical technology, including legal and ethical aspects, relationships with co-workers, hospital organization and inter-departmental relations, physical and psychological aspects of patient care, operating room techniques and procedures.

 SURG 113 10.0

Covers observation of the environment, routines, supplies and equipment, patient-team interaction and application of scientific principles.

 SURG 115 2.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Intro to the principles and practice of surgical pharmacology and anesthesia related to the surgical patient. Learn about minimally invasive surgical instrumentation, equipment and supplies.

 SURG 121 6.0

Examines microbiology, pharmacology, and anesthesiology relating to the surgical patient. Includes additional peri-operative care techniques and surgical procedures, pathophysiology, and the technologist's role in surgery. Covers general, orthopedic, gynecological, genitourinary-re productive, and ophthalmic specialties.

 SURG 123 8.0

Provides clinical practice, with focus on development of entry-level skills.

 SURG 125 4.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Intro to circulating duties and job applicant skills. Covers advanced surgical specialties such as ear, nose and throat, vascular, cardiovascular, thoracic, neurological, plastic/reconstructive and pediatric procedures.

 SURG 133 8.0

Provides advanced clinical practice to develop entry-level skills.

 SURG 135 10.0