60 Credits AAS3530, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
The Surgical Technology program prepares students for entry-level employment as surgical technologists in hospitals, surgery centers, and specialty clinics. Surgical Technologists are highlytrained professionals who help to deliver patient care as integral members of the operating team. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, and other personnel to ensure quality patient care during the procedure.
Responsibilities include gathering and opening instruments and supplies; scrubbing, gowning, and gloving self and others; setting up and organizing instruments, supplies, and medications; and performing counts and assisting during the surgical procedure. Surgical Technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile technique and combine knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, instrumentation tools, and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance.
Successful surgical technologists enjoy a fast-paced environment. They must work with speed, accuracy, and skill. They must be able to anticipate the needs of the surgeon. In addition, excellent communication skills, critical thinking skills, and an aptitude for science are a must. Surgical Technologists must be able to stand for long periods of time and respond effectively and efficiently to emergency situations and work well under pressure.
This program combines didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction, which provides students with the knowledge and skills required to enter the field of surgical technology. As part of the requirements to graduate, students must take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting(NBSTSA) Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Fall
Base estimate for 60 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $12,867
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $12,867 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (9 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
HC1000 Medical Terminology (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the language of medicine that is used in the health care profession. The student will learn to spell, pronounce, define, and interpret medical terminology related to body structure, disease, diagnosis, and treatment. (Prerequisites: None)
SURG1100 Introduction to Surgical Technology (2 credits)
This course introduces the student to the field of Surgical Technology. Emphasis on history, roles, education of the Surgical Technologist, work environment, career opportunities, attributes for success, legal and ethical concerns, hospital administration and organization, and professional behaviors. Students will be introduced to the importance of certification and joining the national organization. (Prerequisite: HC 1000 - Medical Terminology, BIOL 220 - Anatomy, CHEM 109 - Introduction to Chemistry OR CHEM 110 - Chemistry for Health Sciences.)
SURG1220 Surgical Lab (4 credits)
This course focuses on applied principles of surgical asepsis in the operating room. It provides an introduction to the physical organization of the surgical suite. Students learn to prepare and maintain the sterile field including identification, care, and handling of instruments, suture, preparation and use of supplies and equipment. Emphasis is on basic skills of the surgical technologist in preparation for and during the operative procedure. (Prerequisite: SURG 1100 Corequisite: SURG 1240)
SURG1240 Surgical Techniques I (6 credits)
This is the first course that will focus on surgical techniques. This course emphasizes procedures related to general, obstetrics, gynecology, genitourinary, ears, nose, and throat, orthopedics, and ophthalmic surgery. Topics related to anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, wounds, and phases of healing. (Prerequisites: SURG 1100) (Corequisite: SURG 1220)
SURG1330 Pharmacology for the Surgical Technologiest (2 credits)
This course introduces pharmacological fundamentals that correlate with the surgical settings. Emphasis is placed on the role and responsibility of the surgical technologist related to medication handling. Topics to be covered will include surgical team roles, classifications, packaging, measurement, calculations, and delivery of medications. Anesthesia techniques including regional, general, and local administration. (Prerequisites: SURG 1100, 1220 and SURG 1240) (Corequisites: SURG 1340, SURG 1450).
SURG1340 Surgical Techniques II (6 credits)
This is the second course that will focus on surgical techniques. This course emphasizes procedures related to plastic and reconstructive, oral maxillofacial, vascular, thoracic, cardiac, and neurological surgery. Topics related to anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, wounds, and phases of healing. (Prerequisites: SURG 1100, SURG, 1220 and SURG 1240) (Corequisites: SURG 1330, SURG 1450.)
SURG1450 Surgical Clinical (5 credits)
Students will be scrubbing in a hospital operating room. This clinical will prepare students to perform in the role of first scrub. Students will assist in a variety of surgeries and related duties, and will apply knowledge of surgical technniques, procedures, equipment, instruments and supplies along with increasingly developing their skills to more complex procedures. (Prerequisites: SURG 1100, SURG 1220, SURG 1240) (Corequisites: SURG 1330, SURG 1340).
SURG1460 Career & Exam Prep (1 credits)
This course covers topics to prepare students for the National Certification Exam and careers for surgical tech graduates. This class focuses on resume writing, simulated job interview, and review for the National Certification Exam. Students are required to complete the Program Assessment Exam conducted by the Association of Surgical Technologists. (Prerequisites: SURG 1100, SURG 1220, SURG 1240, SURG 1330, SURG 1340) (Corequisite: SURG 1470).
SURG1470 Surgical Internship (5 credits)
Students will continue scrubbing in a hospital operating room. This internship will allow students to perform in the role of first scrub. Students will assist in a variety of surgeries and related duties, and will apply knowledge of surgical techniques, procedures, equipment, instruments and supplies along with increasingly developing their skills to more complex procedures. (Prerequisites: SURG 1100, SURG 1220, SURG 1240, SURG 1330, SURG 1340, SURG 1450) (Corequisite: SURG 1460).
Required Arts and Sciences (7 Courses)
Choose from the following courses.
BIOL220 Human Anatomy (4 credits)
This course takes an in-depth look at the anatomy of the human body systems. The course emphasizes structure and anatomical function at the cellular, tissue, organ and systemic level. Dysfunctions are included but the body in homeostasis is emphasized. This course includes a weekly three hour lab. Some labs include dissection. (Prerequisite: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Area 3)
BIOL230 Human Physiology (4 credits)
This course provides an in-depth study of the functioning of most body systems, including muscle, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and endocrine systems at both the cellular and systemic level. An emphasis is placed on normal physiology, but dysfunction will also be discussed. This course contains a weekly 3 hour laboratory component. (Prerequisites: BIOL 220 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 108, CHEM 110 or CHEM 120 with a grade of C or better) (MNTC Goal Area 3)
BIOL270 Microbiology (4 credits)
This course is an introduction to the general principles and methods used in the study of microorganisms. It includes a survey of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms emphasizing bacteria and viruses. Topics include microbial cell structure and function, metabolism, microbial genetics, and the role of microorganisms in disease, immunity and other selected applied areas. Laboratory techniques include isolating, culturing and identifying microorganisms. This course contains a three hour per week laboratory component. (Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in BIOL115 OR BIOL225 OR BIOL220 AND CHEM108 OR CHEM110 OR CHEM 120) (MNTC Goal Area 3)
CHEM108 Introduction to Chemistry (4 credits)
A one-semester introduction to the field of chemistry, this course is designed to allow the student to understand how chemistry relates to everyday life and to learn some of the language and concepts of chemistry related to applied health. This course uses a math-based approach. (Prerequisite: [Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher] AND [have a Next-Generation Accuplacer AAF score of 250 or higher or (Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher and Classic Accuplacer Elementary Algebra score of 76 or higher) or completion of either MATH 0085 or MATH 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or ACT Math score of 19 or higher or MCA Math score of 1158 or higher.] (MNTC 3: Natural Sciences)
OR
CHEM110 Chemistry for the Health Sciences (4 credits)
Key concepts of general, organic, and biological chemistry are introduced in an integrated approach with applications from the medical fields. The course is designed to prepare students for Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology or to be utilized as a general Liberal Arts and Sciences course. Limited mathematical approach; this course does not meet the requirements of a prerequisite for CHEM 120. Lecture and a 2-hour lab are included. (Prerequisite: [Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or READ 0095 or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher] AND [ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher] AND [have a Next-Generation Accuplacer AAF score of 250 or higher or (Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher and Classic Accuplacer Elementary Algebra score of 76 or higher) or completion of either MATH 0085 or MATH 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or ACT Math score of 19 or higher or MCA Math score of 1158 or higher.] (MNTC 2, 3: Critical Thinking, Natural Sciences)
COMM140 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
In this class, participants will examine key components of interpersonal communication theory, identify the interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy relationships, assess their own interpersonal communication effectiveness, and practice and hone interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy home and work relationships. This course will also address relevant issues of social interaction, including how human diversity/culture (age, race, gender, etc.) affects our interpersonal communication. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 1: Communication)
HUM121 Introduction to the Humanities (4 credits)
This course is an overview of the principal trends in Western thought and artistic expression from ancient times to the contemporary. Its aim is to foster an appreciation of how diverse ideas and works of art have contributed to our understanding of the universal human experience. Classroom instruction will be supplemented by guided tours of museums/exhibitions, and attendance at live performances of works pertinent to the course. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 6: Humanities & Fine Arts)
PSYC110 Lifespan Psychology (3 credits)
This is an introductory course examining human development across the lifespan, with emphasis on normal physical, cognitive, and social development. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5 - History/Social & Behavioral Sciences, MNTC 7a - Human Diversity, MNTC 7b - Race/Power/Justice)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
