Surgical Technolgy (ST)

The Surgical Technology Program at the Columbia Area Career Center thoroughly equips students with the educational foundation to deliver quality care for surgery patients. Our program, which is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs, strives to provide the surgical community with skilled, professional practitioners. Students receive training from knowledgeable instructors with real experience in the surgical field at an above-average facility. Through both classroom experience and clinical practice our students graduate ready to, and fully capable of, successfully working in the surgical field.

Below is a list of common tasks performed by a Surgical Tech:

• Prepare the operating room by setting up the surgical tools and equipment
• Assemble equipment and check to make sure it is working properly for the surgery
• Prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving, disinfecting incision sites
• Pass instruments and supplies to surgeon/surgical assistants during surgery
• Help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis
• Transport patients to the recovery room after surgery

In 2008 there were approximately 91,500 STs and the demand for the position is expected to increase by 25 percent between 2008 and 2018 as the number of surgical procedures expands due to a growing and aging population.

The following is a list of Prerequisites for the ST program:

• High School diploma/GED
• Accurate completion of the entire application packet (including application fee and three (3) signed reference forms with attached evaluations)
• General aptitude exam (scheduled when turning in application)
• Possible interview (depending on decision of admissions committee)
• TOEFFL score of at least 500 (only applicable to anyone with English as a second language)

Tuition is variable for program sessions so please call the Health Sciences Office at (573) 214.3772 for current tuition rates and other questions such as admissions procedures, dates, fees, etc. Additionally, the ST program is financial aid approved and funding sources include A+, Vocational Rehabilitation, VA and Pell Grant. Please contact the financial aid office at (573) 214.3809 for further information about financial aid eligibility and the financial aid application process.

Testing Dates for August 2012 Class:
Friday, April 13, 2012---8:00 - 12:00
Saturday, May 5, 2012---9:00 - 1:00
Tuesday, May 22, 2012---12:00 - 4:00
Thursday, June 21, 2012---12:00 - 4:00

Please download the Surgical Technician application and return to the Health Sciences Office at 4203 S. Providence Road in the Columbia Area Career Center.

Financial Aid is Available
Job Placement Information