Hands-On Surgical Training for a High-Demand Healthcare Career
Gain the skills needed to make a real impact in the operating room by earning a Surgical Technology AAS Degree at Iowa Lakes. As a surgical technologist, you’ll work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel, playing a critical role in patient care before, during, and after surgery.
The Surgical Technology AAS Degree program provides comprehensive training to prepare students for a fast-paced surgical environment. From learning how to maintain a sterile field to assisting in complex procedures, you’ll develop the expertise needed to succeed in this vital healthcare role.
At Iowa Lakes, students gain practical experience through state-of-the-art surgical simulation labs and real-world clinical experiences, ensuring they graduate with the technical skills, critical thinking, and professionalism required in modern surgical settings.
Explore career opportunities and salary expectations for surgical technologists through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Ready to start your journey? Connect with an enrollment coach today!
Find Your It!
Surgical Technology Training & Roles
Versatile Training for a Dynamic Career
Surgical technologists play multiple roles in the operating room to ensure the safety and success of every procedure. Iowa Lakes’ program provides hands-on training in each of these essential roles:
- Scrub Surgical Technologist
- Handles instruments, supplies, and equipment during surgery
- Anticipates the needs of the surgeon
- Ensures quality patient care and maintains a sterile field
- Circulating Surgical Technologist
- Obtains additional instruments, supplies, and equipment during procedures
- Monitors conditions in the operating room
- Assesses the needs of the patient and surgical team
- Second Assisting Surgical Technologist
- Assists the surgeon and first assistant with technical tasks
- Supports the operative procedure, excluding cutting, clamping, and suturing
- May work simultaneously in the scrub role
Prepare for Certification & Career Growth
Graduates of the Surgical Technology AAS Degree program at Iowa Lakes are prepared to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, enhancing their career opportunities in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty clinics.
Minimum Expectations Statement:
To prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
Take the first step toward a high-demand career in surgical technology. Get to it!
Program Details
Length
5 terms
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (63 credits)
Campus
Spencer
Training
Internship/Practicum
Additional Information
Term 1
BIO 168 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I
An advanced study of anatomy and physiology. The relationship between body structure and function and homeostasis forms the basis for the course. Pathological processes that result in dysfunction and disease are presented. Major topics include cell biology, histology, skin, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Lecture and laboratory.
HSC 114 – Medical Terminology
Studies medical terminology, including spelling and definitions.
MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts
This is a general survey course which includes sets; number systems; elementary algebra; exponents; equations and inequalities; fractions; ratios; proportion and variation; probability and statistics; elementary graphing; consumer mathematics; and an introduction to geometry.
Prerequisites: appropriate placement score or MAT 054 – Math Strategies
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
SUR 123 – Patient Care Concepts
This course intends to introduce the student to the practice of surgical patient care. Preoperative and postoperative routines as well as some of the responsibilities of the surgical technologist in the circulating role are discussed. The bio-psycho-social needs of the patient are addressed in addition to patient identification, review of the chart, documentation, surgical transport and positioning, skin preparation, urinary catheterization, specimen care, wound classification, vital signs, hemo-dynamics, monitoring, and discharge planning. The student will learn appropriate response to legal, ethical, and moral issues, as well as emergency situations and personnel safety practices as outlined by OSHA Standards.
Term 2
BIO 173 – Human Anatomy & Physiology II
An advanced study of anatomy and physiology. The relationship between body structure and function and homeostasis forms the basis for the course. Pathological processes that result in dysfunction and disease are presented. Major topics include digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, immune, blood, metabolism, reproduction, urinary, fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Lecture and laboratory.
BIO 186 – Microbiology
General microbiology designed for the science major and nursing students. Emphasis on morphology, physiology, microbial genetics, immunology, pathology, epidemiology, and laboratory techniques. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: BIO 105 – Introductory Biology, BIO 112 – General Biology I, BIO 163 – Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology, BIO 168 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I, AGV 118 – Animal Anatomy & Physiology I or higher.
PSY 111 – Intro to Psychology†
An introduction to the scientific study of behavior; a brief history of psychology as a science, and topics fundamental to human behavior including developmental issues, sensory abilities, cognitive performance, social and emotional factors in behavior, and abnormal behavior and therapies.
SUR 129 – Surgical Foundations
This course provides the student with an orientation to the surgical technology profession and operating room theory. Principles and concepts associated with the professional aspects of surgical technology are presented. Foundational concepts such as the role of the surgical technologist, professional aspects, and medical law will be covered .A theoretical overview will be given for introduction into: the surgical environment, biomedical sciences, aseptic techniques, sterilization and disinfection, instrumentation, equipment and supplies, wound healing and diagnostic procedures.
Prerequisites: BIO 163 – Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology or BIO 168/BIO 173 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II, HSC 114 – Medical Terminology
Corequisites: SUR 131 – Surgical Foundations Lab
Term 3
PSY 121 – Developmental Psychology
Studies human development from conception through the lifespan. Physical, emotional, social, cognitive and moral aspects are studied in the classroom, by lecture, file/video, projects, and observation and by reading the literature.
SUR 131 – Surgical Foundations Lab
This course provides the student with an orientation to the surgical technology profession and operating room theory. Principles and concepts associated with the professional aspects of surgical technology are presented. Foundational concepts such as the role of the surgical technologist, professional aspects, and medical law will be covered. A theoretical overview will be given for introduction into: the surgical environment, biomedical sciences, aseptic techniques, sterilization and disinfection, instrumentation, equipment and supplies, wound healing and diagnostic
procedures.
SUR 420 – Pharmacology for Surgical Tech
This course reviews basic math and science skills. It provides an introduction to surgical pharmacology and emphasizes the classifications of medications used in surgery. The student will become familiar with the general terminology used with medication application, the use of drugs in the care of surgical patients, and the principles of anesthesia administration for routine cases and emergency procedures.
Term 4
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
SUR 223 – Surgical Procedures
This course provides the student with the preoperative theory, procedural anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic interventions, procedural considerations, instrumentation, and steps related to various surgical specialties. Specialties include: diagnostic, general, obstetrics and gynecology, genitourinary, ear, nose and throat, ophthalmic, plastic, orthopedic, peripheral vascular, cardiovascular, neurosurgery. Students will incorporate safe perioperative patient care techniques, medical terminology, and pharmacology to each procedure.
SUR 517 – Surgical Procedures Practicum 1
This practicum application provides the student the opportunity to apply classroom theory learned in the first and second semesters in a hospital operating room.
SUR 910 – Certification Review I
This course provides an overall review for the surgical technologist attempting the national certification examination. The course will assist students with knowledge of all subject areas pertaining to the field of surgical technology. The course will provide the student with strategies and skills related to test-taking.
Prerequisites: SUR 223 – Surgical Procedures, SUR 420 – Pharmacology for Surgical Tech & SUR 517 – Surgical Procedures Practicum I
Term 5
SUR 205 – Surgical Procedures & Techniques II
Introduction to surgical pathology and it’s relationship to surgical procedures. Emphasis is given to surgical procedures related to the thoracic, peripheral vascular, plastic/reconstructive, EENT, cardiac, and neurological surgical specialties incorporating instruments, equipment, and supplies required for safe patient care.
Prerequisites: SUR 223 – Surgical Procedures, SUR 420 – Pharmacology for Surgical Tech & SUR 517 – Surgical Procedures Practicum I
SUR 527 – Surgical Technology Practicum II
Continuation of Surgical Technology Practicum I with student advancing to moderately complex surgical cases. An advanced level of proficiency is achieved in all areas of the operating room.
Prerequisites: SUR 223 – Surgical Procedures & SUR 517 – Surgical Procedures Practicum I
Corequisite: SUR 205 – Surgical Procedures & Techniques II
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Surgical Technology program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn how to:1
- Correlate the knowledge of medical terminology, surgical procedures, anatomy, and physiology to the student’s role as a surgical technologist and recognize their relationship to safe patient care.
- Understand the principles of safe patient care in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative surgical settings.
- Develop and apply fundamental surgical technology skills through practice and evaluation in the laboratory and clinical settings.
- Accurately apply the principles of asepsis across the spectrum of common surgical experiences.
- Recognize the variety of patients’ needs and the impact of their personal, physical, emotional, and cultural experiences.
- Demonstrate professional responsibility in performance, attitude, and personal conduct in the classroom and clinical setting.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Clinical – Surgical Rotation and Roles Requirements
Licensure and Certification Disclosure Requirements by State:
- Iowa Lakes Community College’s Surgical Technology program meets the educational requirements in the following states/jurisdictions: All 50 states.
- Iowa Lakes Community College has not made the determination if the Surgical Technology program meets the state educational requirements for the following states/jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The Surgical Technology AAS Degree Program, Spencer Campus, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. (ARCSTSA)
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727-210-2350
Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting (ARCSTSA)
19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite #339
Parker, CO 80138
Phone: 303-694-9262
The Surgical Technology Program at Iowa Lakes Community College is a CAAHEP-accredited program. Graduates of our program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants (NBSTSA). Upon passing the exam, they are able to use the credential Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
In 2020, 100% of our graduates passed the exam offered by the NBSTSA. Also, in 2020, 100% of our students were placed in surgical technology-related jobs following graduation.
Technology Innovation in the Surgical Technology Program
Iowa Lakes has recently enhanced its Surgical Technology program with the addition of advanced surgical simulation mannequins, providing students with an unparalleled hands-on learning experience.
- These high-fidelity mannequins replicate real-life surgical scenarios, allowing students to practice critical procedures, instrument handling, and patient care techniques in a controlled environment. With lifelike responsiveness and realistic anatomical features, these mannequins help students develop the technical precision, critical thinking, and teamwork required in modern operating rooms.
- By integrating cutting-edge simulation technology into the curriculum, Iowa Lakes ensures that students are fully prepared before stepping into real surgical settings. These mannequins allow students to simulate complex procedures, respond to unexpected surgical challenges, and refine their problem-solving skills under the guidance of experienced faculty. This hands-on training approach enhances student confidence and competence, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for clinical rotations and real-world surgical environments.
Occupational Risks
To understand the occupational risks of being a surgical technologist according to ARC/STSA, here are the following points:
- Exposure to infectious materials and pathogens during surgeries.
- Risk of injury from sharp instruments and surgical tools.
- Potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals and anesthetic gases.
- Long hours on your feet leading to musculoskeletal strain.
- Stress from high-pressure environments and critical decision-making.
- Need for constant attention to detail to prevent errors.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.3%
Potential Careers
Scrub Surgical Technologist, Circulating Surgical Technologist, Second Assisting Surgical Technologist
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$53,539
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$62,250
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Kevin Pirie Surgical Technology Instructor/Program Coordinator 712-580-8658 | kpirie@iowalakes.edu |