The organizing framework includes unifying concepts, core abilities, and program outcomes based on the Association of Surgical Technologists Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology Seventh Edition. The curriculum is designed to assist the student in accomplishing program goals. Each course contributes to the knowledge and skills needed in the development of a Surgical Technologist employed in today’s operating room.
Course Sequence
Each course in the SURGT program is foundational for subsequent courses. Students must receive a "C" or better in each course.
Math and English Placement Tests must be taken prior to Math and English course registration.
Spring Start
Fall 1st Semester (14 credits)
- ENGLI 1101 (3 credits)
- SURGT 1001: Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique (4 credits)
- Math 1100 or above (3 credits)
- ANAT 1551/1571 (4 credits)
Spring 2nd Semester (13 credits)
- CSPD1111: Central Sterile Processing and Distribution (3 credits)
- SURGT 1000: Ethics and Professionalism in Healthcare (3 credits)
- ANAT 1552/1572 (4 credits)
- Elective (3 credits) *Recommend CSPD1211 –Can work as a sterile processing tech while waiting for SURGT program to begin
Fall 3rd Semester (9 credits)
- HLTHS 1110 (3 credits)
- SPEEC1100 (3 credits)
- Behavioral/Social Science (3 credits)
Semesters within the Surgical Technology cohort
Spring 4th Semester (15 credits)
- First 8 weeks
- SURGT 1101: Surgical Health and Technological Sciences (3 credits)
- SURGT 1102: Surgical Technology Skills (3 credits)
- Second 8 weeks
- SURGT 1201: Introduction to Surgical Technology (3 credits)
- SURGT 1202: Surgical Technology Practicum I (3 credits)
- Summer 5th Semester (6 credits)
- SURGT 1301: Surgical Procedures I (3 credits)
- SURGT 1302: Surgical Technology Practicum II (3 credits)
Fall 6th Semester (4 credits)
- First 8 weeks
- SURGT 1401: Surgical Procedures II (3 credits)
- SURGT 1402: Surgical Technology Practicum III (3 credits)
Second 8 weeks
- SURGT 1500: Professional Practice (4 credits)
Fall Start
Fall 1st Semester (14 credits)
- ENGLI 1101 (3 credits)
- SURGT 1001: Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique (4 credits)
- Math 1100 or above (3 credits)
- ANAT 1551/1571 (4 credits)
Spring 2nd Semester (16 credits)
- CSPD1111: Central Sterile Processing and Distribution (3 credits)
- SURGT 1000: Ethics and Professionalism in Healthcare (3 credits)
- ANAT 1552/1572 (4 credits)
- Elective (3 credits) *Recommend CSPD1211
- HLTHS 1110 (3 credits)
Semesters within the Surgical Technology cohort
Fall 3rd Semester (15 credits)
- First 8 weeks
- SURGT 1101: Surgical Health and Technological Sciences (3 credits)
- SURGT 1102: Surgical Technology Skills (3 credits)
- SPEEC1100 (3 credits)
- Second 8 weeks
- SURGT 1201: Introduction to Surgical Technology (3 credits)
- SURGT 1202: Surgical Technology Practicum I (3 credits)
Spring 4th Semester (15 credits)
- First 8 weeks
- SURGT 1301: Surgical Procedures I (3 credits)
- SURGT 1302: Surgical Technology Practicum II (3 credits)
- Behavioral/Social Science (3 credits)
- Second 8 weeks
- SURGT 1401: Surgical Procedures II (3 credits)
- SURGT 1402: Surgical Technology Practicum III (3 credits)
Summer 5th Semester (4 credits)
- SURGT 1500: Professional Practice (4 credits)
Certified Surgical Technologist Exam
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) National Certification Examination will be scheduled at COD on the last day of the fall semester. This exam is 175 questions and is a required component of the course. You must score 102 on the exam to pass.
Readmission Policy
Students who withdraw, or fail, from any SURGT course, may re-take the course once during the next available cohort. Please note, that a student may have to wait multiple semesters for the next available cohort. Upon return, a student may have to repeat SURGT1102 (lab) before re-entry. SURGT1102 must be completed within 6 months of taking any clinical course (1202, 1302, 1402).
Please note, that a student may only be readmitted once into the program.
Program Contact Information
Please visit the Program Contacts page for detailed information.