four surgical tech students, watching how to put gloves on

Surgical Technology (CST)

Become a Certified Surgical Technologist

  • Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings
  • The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room or environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety
  • A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
  • Surgical technologists engage with cutting-edge technology and embrace continuous learning in a dynamic, collaborative work environment.
  • The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Surgical Technologists are in high demand and the job outlook is positive:
    • Projects a 6% growth in employment for Surgical Technologists from 2023 to 2033 and projects over 8,000 openings for CST’s each year over the decade
    • Median Salary $60,370

Program Goals

The goal of the John Wood Community College Surgical Technology program is to prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

In this shared program with Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences, qualified students will develop the skills for a career as an essential member of the surgical team. Graduates of the program will be prepared to successfully complete the NBSTSA board certification exam and become dedicated professionals and respected colleagues.

Career Opportunities

  • Certified Surgical Technologist
  • Surgeon’s Scribe
  • Organ Procurement Team
  • Surgical Equipment Sales Representative
  • Sterile Processing Manager
  • Traveling Surgical Technologist
  • Advancement through additional education to CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assistant)
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Selective admission is based on the following:

  1. Acceptance to John Wood Community College
  2. The following application criteria must be met:
    1. Complete required surgical observation.
    2. Complete American Heart Association BLS
    3. Completion of the following courses with a “C” or better:
      1. FYE 100
      2. ENG 101
      3. MAT 100 or above
      4. PHL 111 or 121
      5. SUR 200
    4. Eligibility for BIO 293 (** successful completion of BIO 101 or waiver approval).
  3. Submission of the following before the November 25th deadline date and return to Advising office in the Student Administrative building:
    1. Surgical Technology Degree Program Application
    2. Surgical Observation Verification Form
    3. ONE letter of character reference
  4. Submission of the following to the Allied Health Sciences office:
    1. Physical form
    2. Immunization form
    3. Complete criminal background check
    4. Complete required drug testing
Suggested Pathway for Surgical Technology (AAS)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
Pre-Requisites Details
BIO 101 General Biology Details 4
An introductory biology course that covers a breadth of biological concepts including biochemical pathways, molecular and cellular biology, the structure and function of organisms, genetics and heredity, evolution, ecology, and the importance of life science to society. In the laboratory setting, emphasis will be placed on utilizing the scientific process to arrive at evidence-based conclusions. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: L1 900L.
Prerequisites: MAT 010 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement test score, or consent of department. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
BIO 293 Microbiology Details 4
Introduces characteristics, actions and control of microorganisms with emphasis on their relation to health and disease. The application of the principles of microbial control and laboratory techniques will be stressed. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 101 with a grade of "C" or above or ACT science score of 25 or higher or consent of department via a minimum BIO 101 placement exam score. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
BIO 275 Human Anatomy and Physiology I Details 4
A study of the structures and functions of the human body; an integrated study of the systems of the human body including gross and microscopic structures and their physiology. Course covers cells, tissues, chemistry of life, metabolism and the systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive and urinary. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 101 with a grade of "C" or above or ACT science score of 25 or higher or consent of department via a minimum BIO 101 placement exam score. Prerequisite must be met within 10 years prior to enrolling in BIO 275. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
BIO 276 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Details 4
A continuation of BIO 275. Emphasis is on more depth in the physiology of various body systems including the central and peripheral nervous systems, sensory organs, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, male and female reproductive and human development. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 275 with a grade of "C" or above or consent of department
OFT 281 Medical Terminology Details 3
Teaches medical language of prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms. Students will learn to pronounce and spell medical terms and also learn how to combine prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms to describe a medical term. Course utilizes a body system approach focusing upon specific body systems and providing a brief overview of anatomy and physiology, pathology, word roots, related terms, and special procedures with emphasis on building a working medical vocabulary based on body systems.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various MAT Gen. Ed. Requirements (AAS) Details 3
AAS degree-seeking students must select at least one course from the listed classes.
MAT 100 Technical Mathematics Details 3
A course designed to cover mathematical processes and problems that relate to career, technical and workforce applications. Specific topics include fractions; decimals, ratio, proportion and percentage; measurements; and area and volume.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 113 College Algebra Details 3
This course is intended for students who plan to continue their college mathematics education or to meet college transfer requirements. Topics include advanced factoring of higher order polynomials; solving quadratic inequalities; advanced topics in relations, functions and their graphs; zeroes and graphs of polynomial and rational functions; and exponential and logarithmic functions.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 114 Trigonometry Details 3
This course is intended for students who plan to continue their college mathematics education or to meet college transfer requirements. It is the study and analysis of the sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent function; show these functions are used to solve many types of problems involving the sides and angles of triangles; and how these functions are used to solve many types of problems involving cyclic patterns, some that vary with time. Topics include definitions, properties and manipulation of trigonometric functions; applications of trigonometric functions; analytic trigonometry; trigonometric form of complex numbers; and polar coordinates, equations and graphs.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Details 4
A course designed to introduce the concepts of derivative and integral to the student interested in pursuing degrees related to engineering, science or mathematics. Specific topics include functions and graphs; slopes and rates of change; limit theory and continuous functions; formal differentiation; application of differentiation; integration; and applications of integration. IAI: M1 900-1, MTH 901.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 and MAT 114 with grades of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 234 Calculus for Social Scientists Details 4
A course designed to introduce the business and social science student to the concepts of derivative and integral. Applications of these concepts stress the use of calculus to solve business and social science problems. Specific topics include relations and functions; algebraic functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; derivatives; applications of derivatives; advanced derivative techniques; integrals; advanced integration techniques. IAI: M1 900B.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 with a grade of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
Various PHL 111 / PHL 121 Details 3
Choose PHL 111 or PHL 121
PHL 111 Introduction to Critical Thinking Details 3
A study of the rules of valid judging and reasoning, both inductive and deductive, in a traditional, language-centered context rather than a symbolic context. Logical analysis of both formal and informal fallacies and of the consistency and logical consequences of a given set of statements is included. IAI: H4 906
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 121 Ethics Details 3
A study of the principal ethical theories and concepts of human conduct and character, as well as a critical evaluation of these theories and concepts as they apply to particular moral problems and decisions. IAI: H4 904
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Details 3
Basic introduction to the major areas of psychology--the study of behavior and the mind. Areas of emphasis include human development, personality theory, learning, thinking, stress and motivation, mental illnesses, and biological and social aspects of behavior. Course will combine research with real life application throughout. IAI: S6 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
CMN 104 Interpersonal Communication Details 3
An introduction to the basic theories and concepts relevant to face-to-face interaction. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in the creation, maintenance, and termination of social, romantic, familial, and professional relationships. IAI: MC 901
Prerequisites: (none)
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
Fall Semester Details
SUR 200 Intro to Surgical Technology Details 3
This course introduces the learner to the health system and hospital organization with an emphasis on surgical services. Students will examine physical aspects of the operating suite, the history and role of the surgical technologist along with basic skills, including basic patient care concepts required for the surgical technologist. Students will gain an understanding of surgical history, OR safety, environmental, ethical and legal issues. Professionalism, communication, scope of practice, workplace management skills and credentialing for the surgical technologist will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: (none)
SUR 210 Principles of Surgical Technology Seminar Details 3
Examines principles and concepts necessary to build on the basic knowledge for surgical technology. Emphasis is placed on the surgical team and the role of the surgical technologist including infection control, surgical asepsis, sterile technique, and hemostasis. Methods of disinfection and sterilization will be applied. Students will be introduced to technological concepts, MIS and equipment and supplies used to perform basic surgical procedures. Concepts of perioperative case management and care processes of the patient will be examined.
Prerequisites: SUR 200, Entrance into the Surgical Technology Program
Spring Semester Details
SUR 220 Surgical Specialties Details 3
This course is designed to provide instruction regarding specific surgical procedures Emphasis is on the role of the surgical technologist in preparing for and participating in General, OBGYN, otorhinolaryngology, oral & maxillofacial, peripheral vascular as well and cardiothoracic surgical procedures.
Prerequisites: SUR 210
SUR 214 Surgical Pharmacology Details 2
This course is designed to enhance pharmacology information the student has already covered in prior coursework. It will further prepare the surgical technologist to safely handle those medications required for surgical cases. The emphasis is on reviewing drug sources, forms, actions and effects, routes of administration, classifications, and names; a more in-depth review of math, units of measures and conversions, drug handling techniques, and commonly used medications in the operating room. Methods and techniques of anesthetic administration are also included.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Surgical Technology AAS Degree
Summer Semester Details
SUR 240 Surgical Specialties II Details 3
This course is designed to provide the student with the instruction for specialty surgeries. The emphasis is placed on the role of the surgical technologist in preparing for and participating in surgeries relating to ophthalmic, plastics and reconstruction, plastics & reconstructive, neurosurgery, orthopedic, genitourinary, ophthalmic, plastics and reconstructive surgical procedures.
Prerequisites: SUR 220

Contact our team

Jori Bottorff
Program Director
217.641.4550
Email Jori

Sarah Straza
Administrative Specialist
217.641.4551
Email Sarah

Sara Deters
Academic & Success Coach
217.641.4361
Book time with Sara

Clinical Affiliates

  • Blessing Health System
  • Quincy Medical Group
  • Hannibal Regional Hospital
  • Northeast Missouri Ambulatory Surgery Center
  • McDonough District Hospital
  • Memorial Health System
  • HSHS St. Johns
  • Great River Health System
  • St. Mary Medical Center

Program Outcomes

YearNBSTSA Exam Pass RateJob Placement RateGraduates
202486%100%7
202380%100%5
202245%91%11

Logo for the Path Grant - Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce

The PATH program, funded through an Illinois Community College Board grant, aims to serve, create, support and expand the opportunities for individuals in nursing and select health care pathways to obtain certificates and degrees, allowing them to enter and/or advance their careers in the health care industry.

The PATH grant provides free short-term and long-term education/training programs designed to help participants gain employment in high-wage and in-demand occupations within the health care field. Students receive supports, including compensation to help cover basic costs while receiving the training.

More information on the PATH Program

Accreditation Information

John Wood Community College Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

CAAHEP logo

9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727.210.2350
Fax: 727.210.2354
mail@caahep.org

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)

ARC/STSA logo

19751 East Mainstreet, Suite 339
Parker, CO 80138
Phone: 303.694.9262
Fax: 303.741.3655
info@arcstsa.org

Licensure/Certification

Following successful completion of all didactic, laboratory, and clinical competency requirements, the graduate will receive an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) upon passing the National Certification Examination given by the National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assistants (NBSTSA). Students wishing to practice within Illinois may also seek registration from the Department of Regulation in Springfield, Illinois.