Surgical Technology
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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. Applicants must complete the 30 credits of required prerequisites by the end of winter quarter to be eligible for admission.

Occupational risk disclosure: Surgical technologists have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Injuries may occur due to incidents such as slips, falls, and overexertion. Workers reduce the risk of injury by following safety procedures and practices, such as using proper lifting technique and wearing shoes with slip-resistant soles (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).

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

Introduction to the concept of word building with Greek and Latin word roots (prefixes and suffixes), resulting in the acquisition of a large medical vocabulary. Essential for clinical and administrative personnel in the health field.

AHE 168 5.0

Course Substitute : BIOL& 241 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I w/ Lab ( 5 credits ) AND BIOL& 242 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II w/ Lab ( 5 credits )

Focuses on the structure, function, and location of the body's organ systems, and how organ systems interact to maintain homeostasis in response to different physiological challenges, such as exercise, injury, and disease. Lab included.

BIOL 128 5.0

English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.

 ENGL& 101 5.0

Examines the skills in communication and empathy required for intercultural communication. Includes an interdisciplinary study of diverse cultures and perspectives in the United States in the context of economic, political, and cultural globalization.

HUM 105 5.0

Course Substitute : MATH 136 - Inferential Statistics ( 5 credits )

(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

Course Substitute : PSYC& 200 - Lifespan Psychology ( 5 credits )

Introduction to the scientific study of human behavior including research methods, brain and behavior, learning, cognitive psychology, development, personality, abnormal psychology, and social thinking and behavior. Additional topics may include: emotions, perception, motivation, intelligence, genes and evolution, and health.

PSYC& 100 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