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Career options 
Prepare for a career in surgical technology with this 62-credit-hour degree program. Working closely with surgeons, surgical technologists provide ensure that the operating room is fully prepared with surgical instruments, properly functioning equipment and environmental conditions that maximize patient safety.
Take classes in human anatomy, medical terminology, human physiology, surgical pharmacology, surgical procedures, clinical applications and more. Students learn in Harper's new state-of-the-art Surgical Technology Suite.
This is a limited-enrollment program. Please review this program's admission criteria and process.
This 62 credit-hour curriculum prepares the student for a career as a Surgical Technologist. Surgical technologists are integral members of the healthcare team, providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings such as operating rooms and outpatient surgical centers. They possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic techniques to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. The surgical technologist works directly under the supervision of the surgeon during invasive surgical procedures to ensure that the operating room environment is fully prepared with surgical instruments, properly functioning equipment and environmental conditions that maximize patient safety. Students will engage in clinical experiences built upon didactic instruction in healthcare sciences, technological sciences, patient care concepts, and surgical procedures. Because of the nature of clinical experiences, individualized instruction, and specialized technology/equipment, this program assesses a higher tuition rate for courses with the SUR prefix. Students pay 1.5 the regular rate of tuition. Surgical Technology is a limited enrollment program. For admission requirements, please contact the Admissions Outreach Office at 847.925.6700 or visit harpercollege.edu. Students who apply for this limited enrollment program are obligated to meet current admission requirements and follow program curriculum as defined at the time of acceptance to the program.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| A grade of C or better in all BIO and HSC courses is required. | ||
| BIO 260 | Human Anatomy 1 | 4 |
Description: Introduces the anatomy of the human body; the following systems studied either regionally or systemically: integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine and reproductive. Includes some introductory histology. Specially designed for students in health careers, biology, and physical education. Strongly recommended preparation: One year of high school biology with a grade of C or better taken within the last five years, or BIO 110. (NOTE: Lab science credit.) Formerly BIO 160. IAI BIO920C Prerequisite: Placement into college-level English without support. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HSC 112 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
Description: Emphasizes the origin and the basic structure of medical words, including prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms and plurals. Offers pronunciation, spelling, and definition of medical terms based on the body systems approach. Emphasis on rendering a professional vocabulary required for work in the health care field. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 6 | |
First Semester | ||
| A grade of C or better is required in all BIO and SUR courses. | ||
| BIO 261 | Human Physiology | 4 |
Description: Emphasizes physiological principles at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and system level, as they pertain to the human organism. The following systems are studied in detail: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and endocrine. In this course, special applications will be made to meet the needs of students in health careers, biology and physical education.(NOTE: Lab science credit.) Formerly BIO 161. IAI BIO920C. Prerequisite: BIO 260 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 100 | Orientation to the Profession | 1 |
Description: Introduces the student to the role of the surgical technologist and the professional practice of surgical technology. Emphasizes professionalism, organizations, credentialing and employability skills such as effective communication and teamwork. Students will investigate ethical, moral and legal issues, and hazard preparations, risk management and organizational relationships within the healthcare facility. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 1 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 101 | Surgical Pharmacology | 2 |
Description: This course provides an in-depth exploration of pharmacological principles relevant to surgical technology, with a focus on intraoperative solutions, medications, and anesthesia. Students will examine drug classifications, mechanisms of action, and safe handling practices specific to the surgical environment. Emphasis is placed on the preparation, administration, and monitoring of medications used during surgical procedures, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist in supporting medication and anesthesia delivery. Terminology, abbreviations, dosage calculation, and weights and measures associated with medication administration are presented. This course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure patient safety and effective surgical outcomes. Prerequisite: Admission into the Surgical Technology program. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 2 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 102 | Fundamentals of Surgical Technology | 4 |
Description: Presents fundamental principles and skills necessary for the use of aseptic technique in surgical procedures. Emphasizes the role of the surgical technologist within all phases of surgical case management including scrubbing, assistant circulating duties, safety considerations and preparation for emergency situations. Examines the use instrumentation, supplies, equipment utilized for surgical procedures and equipment sterilization and maintenance. Reviews wound care and hemostasis within relation to surgical care and the surgical patient. Prerequisite: Entrance into the Surgical Technology Program. Lecture Hours: 4 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 110 | Fundamentals of Sterile Processing | 3 |
Description: Introduces the primary responsibilities of a sterile processing technician. Emphasizes decontamination, disinfection, preparation, sterilization, storage and distribution of instruments, supplies and equipment, quality assurance and inventory management. Prerequisite: Entry into the Surgical Technology Program (Limited Enrollment) Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 111 | Fundamentals/Sterile Processing Laboratory | 1 |
Description: Provides supervised lab training applying the primary responsibilities of a sterile processing technician. Emphasizes identification, preparation, distribution and storage of instruments, supplies and equipment; quality assurance, and inventory management. Teaches students how to minimize contagions and maintain healthy hospitals while enforcing decontamination standards in a variety of clinical settings. Prerequisite: Entry into the Surgical Technology Program (Limited Enrollment) Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 2 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| A grade of C or better is required in all SUR courses. | ||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Mathematics 2 | 3 | |
| SUR 103 | Fundamentals/Surgical Technology Laboratory | 2 |
Description: Applies knowledge gained in didactic coursework within SUR 102 (Fundamentals of Surgical Technology.) Students will apply theoretical knowledge in the performance of tasks performed by surgical technologists in perioperative care. Emphasizes the surgical technologist’s role and skills in all phases of surgical case management. Prerequisite: SUR 102 with grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: N/A Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 104 | Surgical Procedures I | 3 |
Description: Examines specialized surgical procedures in relation to relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, supplies, equipment, and instrumentation needed for various surgical procedures. Reviews factors unique to surgical procedures including surgical hazards encountered, Content covers diagnostic testing, general, obstetric, and gynecological surgical procedures. Focuses on all phases of peri-operative care. Prerequisite: SUR 102 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 106 | Intermediate Surgical Procedures | 3 |
Description: Examines specialized surgical procedures in relation to relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, diagnostic testing, supplies, equipment, and instrumentation needed for various surgical procedures. Reviews factors unique to surgical procedures including surgical hazards encountered. Content covers minimally invasive, genitourinary, and orthopedic surgical procedures. Focuses on all phases of peri-operative care. Prerequisite: SUR 102 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 14 | |
| A grade of C or better is required in all SUR courses. | ||
| SUR 105 | Clinical Applications I | 2 |
Description: Applies the principles and practice of basic surgical procedures during clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals. Introduces the students to the scrub role in the operating room as Observation role, Second Scrub and First Scrub. Beginner level study includes the application of basic skills learned in the laboratory setting with an emphasis on General, Obstetric, Gynecological and Genitourinary surgical procedures. Focuses on knowledge, skills and professionalism necessary for perioperative case management. Prerequisite: SUR 103, SUR 104, and SUR 106 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 6 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 2 | |
Third Semester | ||
| A grade of C or better is required in all SUR courses. | ||
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 202 | Clinical Applications II | 5 |
Description: Applies the principles and practice of basic to complex surgical procedures during clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals. Continues familiarizing the students to the scrub role in the operating room as Observation role, Second Scrub and First Scrub. Intermediate level study includes the application of skills learned in the laboratory setting and SUR 105 (Clinical Applications I) with an emphasis on Ophthalmic, Otorhinolaryngology; Oral and Maxillofacial; Plastic and Reconstructive; Orthopedic and Neuro surgical procedures. Focuses on knowledge, skills and professional ism necessary for perioperative case management. Prerequisite: SUR 104, SUR 105, and SUR 106 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 15 Contact Hours: 15 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 211 | Complex Surgical Procedures | 3 |
Description: Examines specialized surgical procedures in relation to relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, diagnostic testing, supplies, equipment, and instrumentation needed for various surgical procedures. Reviews factors unique to surgical procedures including surgical hazards encountered, Content covers otorhinolaryngological, and plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures. Focuses on all phases of peri-operative care. Prerequisite: SUR 104, SUR 105 and SUR 106 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 213 | Surgical Procedures IV | 3 |
Description: Examines specialized surgical procedures in relation to relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, diagnostic testing, supplies, equipment, and instrumentation needed for various surgical procedures. Reviews factors unique to surgical procedures including surgical hazards encountered. Content covers ophthalmic, oral and maxillofacial, and neuro surgical procedures. Focuses on all phases of peri-operative care. Prerequisite: SUR 104, SUR 105, SUR 106 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 14 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| A grade of C or better is required in all SUR courses. | ||
| AAS General Education elective(s) + | 3 | |
| SUR 214 | Advanced Clinical Application | 4 |
Description: Applies the principles and practice of basic to major complex surgical procedures during clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals. Applies all knowledge learned while assisting the surgical team with the daily pre, peri and post-operative duties of a surgical technologist. Students will progress through increasingly complex first and second scrub roles in surgical procedures as they move toward entry-level surgical technologist abilities. Intermediate level study includes the application of skills learned in the laboratory setting, SUR 105 Clinical Applications I and SUR 202 Clinical Applications II with an emphasis on Peripheral Vascular, Cardiothoracic, Trauma and Gender Reassignment surgical procedures. Focuses on knowledge, skills and professionalism necessary for perioperative case management. Prerequisite: SUR 202, SUR 211, SUR 213 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 12 Contact Hours: 12 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 215 | Surgical Procedures V | 3 |
Description: Examines specialized surgical procedures in relation to relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, diagnostic testing, supplies, equipment, and instrumentation needed for various surgical procedures. Reviews factors unique to surgical procedures including surgical hazards encountered. Content covers peripheral vascular, cardiovascular, thoracic, gender reassignment and trauma surgical procedures. Focuses on all phases of peri-operative care. Prerequisite: SUR 211 and SUR 213 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SUR 220 | Surgical Technology Professional Seminar | 1 |
Description: Continues to develop student’s understanding of Surgical Technology scope of practice and professional code of ethics. Prepares students to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification exam. Aids students in preparation for job search and post-graduate employment. Prerequisite: SUR 211 and SUR 213 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 1 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 11 | |
| Total Hours | 62 | |
Must be completed no earlier than seven years prior to beginning the Surgical Technology program.
Students using math competency must take a three credit-hour AAS General Education course. See Math Competency options for information. See full list of AAS General Education electives.
Students must choose a 3 credit-hour course that meets the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. See full list of AAS General Education electives.
For more information about this program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form.