MCC Surgical Technology students practice maintaining sterility while performing vascular surgery in a seated position during their lab session. Photo: MCC
Enrollment Update: Enrollment for the Fall 2026 cohort for the AAS in Surgical Technology program is now open.
Train for a Career in Surgical Technology
Midwestern Career College’s 2-year AAS in Surgical Technology is a CAAHEP-accredited program in Chicago that prepares students for entry-level surgical technologist roles through hands-on lab training and a 270-hour clinical externship.
Graduates are eligible for national certification, including CST, and may pursue surgical technologist roles in hospitals, surgical centers, and other operative care environments.
MCC’s Surgical Technology program has received continuing accreditation by CAAHEP through 2035. The 10-year accreditation cycle represents the longest interval awarded before the next review, and affirms the program’s commitment to quality, clinical excellence, and graduate success in the healthcare field. Read more.
What Do Surgical Technologists Actually Do?
Surgical technologists help prepare operating rooms, maintain sterile environments, and support surgical teams during procedures. Their work combines technical skill, organization, attention to detail, and the ability to stay focused in fast-moving clinical environments.
Preparing surgical instruments, supplies, and sterile equipment before procedures
Setting up operating rooms according to the needs of specific surgeries
Maintaining sterile technique throughout surgical procedures
Passing instruments and supplies to surgeons during operations
Supporting surgical teams in hospitals, surgical centers, and other operative care environments
Surgical technologists work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals as part of the operating room team.
Identify goals, personal strengths and important facts about your potential career path so you can make an informed decision about your future. It takes just a few minutes!
Strong Student Outcomes: MCC’s October 2025 Surgical Technology graduates achieved a 100% certification pass rate!
This exceptional result reflects the dedication of both students and faculty, and highlights the Surgical Technology program’s focus on hands-on preparation for real-world clinical success. Read More
What Surgical Technologists Do
Surgical technologists play a vital role in the operating room by demonstrating competence and skill in:
Preparation of the operating room environment with instruments, equipment, and supplies
Proper technique for surgical hand scrubbing, gowning, gloving and assisting team members
Set up and sterility of the Mayo and back tables
Proper handling of drapes for the surgeon
Proper handling of instruments, equipment, supplies and sutures before, during and after surgery
Application of common types of surgical and specialty dressing
Inside Surgical Technology Training at MCC
A quick look inside hands-on training in MCC’s Surgical Technology program.
MCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology teaches students to:
Communicate and interact as effective members of the surgical team
Practice independent clinical judgments under the supervision of the surgeon or registered nurse
Provide skills and knowledge to be successful as an entry-level surgical technologist
Pass the certification examination
Assume responsibility for lifelong learning following graduation
Demonstrate professional, ethical and legal principles of surgical technology practice
Demonstrate knowledge of preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative surgical case management in the role of surgical technologist
Assume a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, pride, teamwork and enthusiasm
Incorporate learned competencies to assemble and operate instruments, equipment and supplies for the delivery of patient care as an entry-level practitioner during basic surgical procedures
Demonstrate the application of the principles of asepsis and surgical conscience in a knowledgeable manner that provides optimal patient care in the operating room.
Curriculum
The Surgical Technology Program prepares competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Knowledge (what you’ll learn):
Prepare students to successfully complete the Surgical Technology Certifying Examination Correlate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and microbiology to the student’s role as surgical technologists
Prepare students to function in the role of an entry level surgical technologists in a professional, caring and ethical manner when providing patient care
Skills (what you’ll learn to perform):
Discuss, demonstrate and apply appropriate surgical technology protocols and procedures in various situations within the healthcare setting
Demonstrate safe practical techniques in perioperative routine, patient transportation, positioning and emergency procedures
Demonstrate and apply principles of surgical asepsis as part of the perioperative setting
Provide the community with professional and competent employees in the role of entry-level surgical technologists
Behavior (how you’ll operate in a clinical setting):
Promote life-long learning and development of professional and personal growth, critical thinking and leadership
Clinical Experience (Externship)
Students in MCC’s Surgical Technology program complete a 270 clock-hour externship at affiliated clinical sites, where they gain hands-on experience in real surgical and perioperative environments.
During the externship, students must complete at least 120 clinical cases, as outlined in the Surgical Technology Student Handbook. Completion of required clinical hours and cases is necessary for graduation.
See Surgical Technologists in Action
This short video provides an overview of the surgical technologist role, including operating room responsibilities, sterile technique, and the fast-paced clinical environments where surgical technologists work.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5% job growthin surgical technology is projected from 2024–2034, which is classified as faster than average.
Graduates may secure jobs in labor or delivery departments, inpatient/outpatient surgery centers, hospital surgery departments, physicians’ offices and central supply departments.
Projected Job Growth for Surgical Technologists (2024–2034)
Surgical technologists assist in the operating room by preparing sterile instruments and equipment, maintaining a sterile field, and supporting surgeons and nurses during procedures. They play a key role in patient safety before, during, and after surgery.
What degree do you earn in this program?
Students earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology upon successful completion of the program.
Is the Surgical Technology program accredited?
Yes. Midwestern Career College’s AAS in Surgical Technology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of ARC/STSA.
What certifications can graduates pursue?
Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams, including the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and the Certified Sterile Processing Technician through CBSPD.
Does the program include hands-on training?
Yes. The program includes lab-based simulation and a required externship, allowing students to practice surgical procedures and sterile technique in real-world clinical environments.
How long is the externship?
Students complete a 270 clock-hour externship and must complete at least 120 clinical cases as part of graduation requirements.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The program is designed to be completed in approximately two years.
What is the job outlook for surgical technologists?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow by about 5% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than average.
Where can graduates work after completing the program?
Graduates may work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, physicians’ offices, labor and delivery departments, and central supply or sterile processing departments.
Is this program a good fit for me?
This program is well suited for individuals who are detail-oriented, able to work in fast-paced clinical environments, and interested in surgical procedures, patient care, and sterile technique.
Inside MCC: Student Life, Skills, and Career Stories
Midwestern Career College shares student stories, program highlights, campus updates, career content, and college news across our official social media channels. Explore our latest content and follow MCC on the platforms you use most.
Official MCC channels: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
