Set the Surgical Stage
Create the conditions that make life-saving care possible.
Chart your future toward a rewarding career in the operating room with a strong foundation in surgical technology. Owens’ Pre-Surgical Concentration, AS prepares you for admission into the Owens’ Surgical Technology, AAS program while keeping doors open for transfer into bachelor’s programs in other healthcare fields.
An integral part of surgical teams, surgical technologists work alongside surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists to keep procedures running smoothly. You’ll set up surgical instruments, sterile equipment and supplies, and maintain a contamination-free surgical field.
During procedures, you’ll pass instruments to surgeons, hold retractors, operate specialized equipment and anticipate the surgical team’s needs in real time. Afterward, you’ll help position patients, apply sterile dressings and ensure proper specimen handling for lab analysis.
Professional traits that make members of surgical technology teams stand out:
- Attention to detail: You understand that lives depend on meticulous attention to detail and flawless execution in the operating room.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure: You thrive in high-stakes environments, staying calm and focused when every second counts.
- Growth-driven: You’re committed to continuous learning, constantly refining your skills and mastering new techniques to deliver exceptional patient care.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Science (AS)
Department
Department of Surgical Technology
Required Credit Hours
62-66
The Path Forward
2
Years of training to complete Surgical Technology, AAS prerequisites
$56K
Potential salary for entry-level roles in surgical technology—high job demand across the region
20
Students admitted to the Surgical Technology, AAS program each year by competitive application process
Train Today for Tomorrow’s Surgical Team
From day one, you’ll begin preparing for a career in the surgical field with courses that connect science, patient care, and communication. In your first semester, you’ll explore the human body through anatomy and physiology, discover how people think and act in general psychology and gain fluency in medical terminology. You’ll also learn how various healthcare careers connect in an introduction to health science.
In your second semester, continue your study with Anatomy and physiology II and learn to care for patients across all ages through lifespan psychology. Math and communication courses strengthen your problem-solving and collaboration skills—skills critical to high-stakes surgical environments. You’ll expand your understanding of the social factors that shape health through sociology, preparing you to work with diverse patients and communities.
In your third semester, you’ll study the science of infection and immunity in microbiology and immunology. You’ll work through real-world decisions healthcare professionals face in principles of ethics and gain hands-on experience in Certified Nurse Aide Training.
Finally, you’ll choose five electives that align with your career goals. Whether you’re preparing to enter a surgical technology program, exploring specialized areas of healthcare or laying the groundwork for a bachelor’s degree, these courses let you tailor your pathway toward the operating room and beyond.
Career Outcomes
This program will prepare you to meet the rigorous prerequisites for competitive entry into Owens’ Surgical Technology, AAS program and other professional health programs.
With an aging population and constant medical breakthroughs, hospitals, outpatient surgical centers and specialty clinics nationwide are actively seeking skilled surgical technologists, surgical assistants and medical equipment preparers.
Pursue high-stakes fields like neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery or orthopedics with additional training. Surgical technologists can also advance to become surgical first assistants, registered nurses or earn advanced healthcare degrees—building careers that combine cutting-edge technology with life-changing patient impact.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“You will never get an opportunity like this outside of Owens. I feel like it was a blessing to be here and have Owens have this program. I don’t know what I would have done without it.”
Gracie Squires, Surgical Technology, ’25
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.
Contact Us
April Kesler
Chair
Healthcare Education Center 132 C
Toledo-area Campus
Phone: (567) 661-7310
Email