Students are expected to provide proof of a Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan prior to the start of the program or clinical start for PTA and SLPA. The insurance plan must cover you throughout the length of your clinical experience, which is most cases, consists of the entire length of the program. If you are in need of Health Insurance, please note the following important dates and visit cod.studentbenefitplans.com.

Important Dates

• November 1 through January 15: Open Enrollment
  If you will need health insurance ANYTIME within the next year, you must apply during the current open enrollment period.
• December 15: Deadline to enroll in a plan that will start January 1.
• January 15: Deadline to enroll in a plan that will start February 1.
• After January 15: Enrollment is closed.

If you miss open enrollment, but have a qualifying life event, you can still apply during a Special Enrollment Period.

While we cannot guarantee your official acceptance into the program, you need to be aware that there is short timeframe of when you are able to purchase a Health Insurance plan. The purpose of this step is to make you aware and that the time to research and purchase is NOW. Purchasing health insurance outside of this timeframe will take months and may prohibit your admittance into the Program. NOTE: Obtaining Health Insurance is NOT an application requirement but it is a requirement to be in the program.

You want to attend a credible college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:

• Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention.
• Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
• Affordable programs to help students achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
• Instruction utilizing top-notch facilities and equipment in the Health and Science Center (HSC).

Surgical Technology, A.A.S.

The Surgical Technology Program prepares competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The curriculum incorporates the Commission of Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) professional standards, guidelines, and competencies needed for surgical technology employment. Students must complete all courses in this program with a grade of C or higher.

The primary purpose of the Surgical Technology program is to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The graduate will demonstrate competency to meet national certification requirements, provide skills that meet standard in patient care, and function as an essential member of the health care and operating room team with knowledge and skilled competence.

Program Accreditation

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Outcomes Assessment Exam Results

Surgical Technology program graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam. 

Class Success Rate by Year

2018

• Retention rate: 24 initially enrolled, 2 dropped= 91%
• CST Participation in Certification Exam: 22/22= 100%
• CST Pass Rate in Certification Exam (first time): 19/22= 86%
• Graduate Placement (in field, continuing education)= 19/22=86%
• Employer Survey Return Rate: 16/22 = 72%

• Employer Survey Satisfaction Rate: 16/16 = 100%
• Graduate Survey Return rate: 22/22 = 100%
• Graduate Survey Satisfaction Rate: 22/22 = 100% 

2017

• Retention rate: 26 enrolled, 2 dropped= 92 %
• CST Participation in Certification Exam: 24/24= 100%
• CST Pass Rate in Certification Exam (first time): 21/24= 87%
• Graduate Placement (in field, continuing education)= 21/24=87%
• Employer Survey Return Rate: 15/20 = 75%

• Employer Survey Satisfaction Rate: 15/15 = 100%
• Graduate Survey Return Rate: 24/24 = 100%
• Graduate Survey Satisfaction Rate: 24/24 = 100%

2016

• Retention rate: 30 enrolled, 4 dropped = 86%
• CST Participation in Certification Exam: 26/26=100%
• CST Pass Rate in Certification Exam (first time): 25/26=96%
• Graduate Placement (in field, continuing education) = 24/26=92%
• Employer Survey Return rate=12/23=52%
• Employer Survey Satisfaction rate=12/12=100%
• Graduate Survey Return rate=14/26=53%
• Graduate Survey Satisfaction rate= 14/14=100%

2015

• Retention rate: 25 enrolled, 5 dropped; 20/25= 80%
• CST Participation in Certification Exam: 20/20=100%
• CST Pass Rate in Certification Exam (first time): 19/20=95%
• Graduate Placement (in field, continuing education) = 15/20=75%
• Employer Survey Return rate=10/14=71%
• Employer Survey Satisfaction rate=10/10=100%
• Graduate Survey Return rate=20/20=100%
• Graduate Survey Satisfaction rate= 20/20=100%

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

• Surgical Technology, Associate in Applied Science

Surgical Technology Program graduates will:

• Correlate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and microbiology to their role as a Surgical Technologist.
• Demonstrate a safe and professional level of practice and knowledge in their role as a Surgical Technologist.
• Acquire an understanding of the ethical, legal, moral, and medical values related to the patient and the surgical team during the perioperative experience.
• Correlate the elements, action, and use of medications and anesthetic agents used during the perioperative experience
• Implement safe practice techniques in regards to perioperative routines, patient transportation, positioning, and emergency procedures.
• Integrate principles of surgical asepsis as part of the perioperative experience.
• Accurately apply knowledge and skills of a professional Surgical Technologist to address the biopsychosocial needs of the surgical patient.
• Perform proficiently and competently as an entry-level surgical technologist in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains
• Value the professional attributes of the Surgical Technologist

College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in surgical technology. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.

For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.

Articulation Agreements

College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or Advising Services to stay on track.

• Northern Illinois University, AAS Surgical Technology to BS in Health Sciences

Transfer Guides

Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.