Be the Surgeon’s Second Hand
Train for the fast-paced world behind operating room doors.
For more than 40 years, Owens Community College has prepared students to become vital members of surgical teams. Launch your career in the fast-paced world of surgery with Owens’ Surgical Technology, AAS program.
As a surgical technologist or operating room technician, you’ll master instruments and sterile fields and be part of life-changing moments. Working alongside surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists, you’ll prepare and pass sterile instruments, maintain aseptic environments, anticipate surgical needs and support patient care.
Organized, driven and ready to learn, you’ll graduate prepared for in-demand careers nationwide, with the technical expertise and professional readiness necessary to make a meaningful difference where it matters most—behind the scenes in surgery.
Professional qualities for standout surgical technologists:
- Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in maintaining sterile fields and handling instruments is critical to patient safety.
- Calm Under Pressure: An ability to stay focused and composed during high-stakes, fast-paced procedures of all types is paramount.
- Teamwork and Communication: Seamless collaboration with surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists keeps the operating room running smoothly.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
At Owens, you have a team of dedicated, experienced professionals guiding you. In turn, your faculty will be supported by an Advisory Committee of local professionals.
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 Applied Science (AAS)
Department
Department of Surgical Technology
Required Credit Hours
64-65
Looking Ahead
120
Hours of clinical practice in various surgical settings
20-25
Typical class size—smaller cohorts for personalized instruction
6%
Projected national job growth through 2031
Prepare. Practice. Perfect Your OR Skills.
Your path to a career in surgical technology unfolds over six carefully planned semesters, transforming you into a skilled healthcare professional ready for the operating room (OR).
You’ll begin with healthcare fundamentals: understanding medical terminology and developing essential composition and critical thinking skills. Your fall semester introduces human anatomy and physiology, surgical-specific courses covering microbiology, pharmacology and hands-on sterile processing techniques in our state-of-the-art labs.
Deepen your knowledge with advanced anatomy and physiology, alongside intensive surgical technology training in your third semester. You’ll learn patient care principles, biomedical equipment operation, and gain real-world experience through your first clinical placement.
Your summer intensive focuses on advanced surgical concepts and direct patient care in real-world surgical settings. Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll apply your knowledge while building confidence in real operating rooms.
Your final year combines psychology and social problems courses with advanced surgical technology coursework and increasingly specialized clinical rotations across various surgical specialties.
You’ll complete your studies with dedicated career preparation courses. The first will cover everything from portfolio creation to employment strategies, while the second will focus on exam preparation for the certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Career Outcomes
Upon graduation, you’ll be qualified to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination, opening doors to diverse career opportunities across healthcare settings—from hospital operating rooms and outpatient surgery centers to endoscopy units and sterile processing departments.
Your specialized training also qualifies you for roles in medical sales, surgical equipment companies and supply distribution. Many surgical technologists choose the exciting path of travel healthcare, earning competitive wages while exploring new regions and healthcare systems.
A foundation in surgical technology provides an excellent stepping stone to roles like surgical first assistant, registered nurse or physician assistant. You can also pursue a bachelor’s degree in surgical technology or related healthcare fields.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“They are motivating, knowledgeable and only want what is best for us. They set us up for success and I appreciate everything they have done!”
Hannah Beard, Surgical Technology Program, ’24
Selective Admission Requirements
Surgical Technology, AAS is a “Selective Health” program—meaning we can only admit a limited number of students each year. Prospective students should apply to Owens first, and then to Surgical Technology. Class admission uses a point-based system based on your academic record.
First, we look at your grade point average (GPA). Next, bonus points are awarded for most surgical technology general education courses earning a C or better. If you haven’t taken enough of those courses, we look only at your high school GPA. General education courses can be taken before you’re admitted to the program.
If you choose a different program at Owens, these general education courses may also count toward it. Work with your advisor early and often if you are considering multiple programs. See how the points work.
For clinical placement, you are required to submit documentation of a completed health exam and background check, along with additional requirements.
Accreditation
The Surgical Technology Program at Owens Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, telephone: (727) 210-2350 web: caahep.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (567) 661-7310 or email april_kesler@owens.edu.
(Accredited to May 2027)
Contact Us
April Kesler
Chair
Healthcare Education Center 132 C
Toledo-area Campus
Phone: (567) 661-7310 | Email
New Owens Students
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Current Owens Students
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