SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE IN SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION IN SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY
CAREER DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GET STARTED
As an important member of the surgical team, you will work with surgeons, nurses and other surgical personnel before, during and after an operation. Before an operation, you have the significant role of helping to set up the operating room by preparing sterile medical instruments and checking equipment to make sure it is working properly. You may also prepare patients for surgery. During surgery, you need to be able to anticipate surgeons’ needs by passing instruments, retracting tissue and operating equipment. After an operation, your responsibilities may include transferring the patient to the recovery room and sterilizing the operating room.
At GateWay Community College you can earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology in two years or you can earn a Certificate of Completion in Surgical Technology in approximately one year. Our certificate prepares you to take the exam for certification as a Surgical Technologist.
Surgical Technologists must handle the demands of working in an operating room environment. You must work well with your hands and have extensive knowledge and experience with aseptic techniques and surgical instruments. Most Surgical Technologists are employed by hospitals, but some are also employed in clinics and surgical centers.
ACCREDITATION
55 WWW.GATEWAYCC.EDU/HEALTHCARE
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK In Arizona, Surgical Technologist positions are expected to increase 30% or more by 2018. Surgical Technologists earn an average hourly rate of $21.18 for an average annual salary of $44,063.
accredited institution are eligible to sit for certification administered by AST.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Call an advisor at (602) 286-8600 or visit: www.gatewaycc.edu/ Programs/SurgicalTechnology SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST average time to complete* DEGREE CERTIFICATE
Our Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP accreditation is the only agency recognized by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). Only those students graduating from a CAAHEP
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SEMESTERS
annual salary range** $ 0
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$ THOUSANDS *see pages 9-10 $=average **see inside cover