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Southeast Tech students in an operating room lab, performing mock surgery.

Surgical Technology

Associate Degree Program - 63 Credits

Surgical Technologists are key members of operating room teams, which include the surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurse. As a surgical tech, you prep the patient as well as the operating room, handling the instruments, supplies and equipment. During the surgery, you pass instruments and equipment to the surgeon.

At Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, courses in surgical procedures, clinical practice, microbiology and patient care set a strong foundation for your success.

Clinical work is integral to your experience at STC. You will be placed in a clinical setting and students will not be substituted for personnel. Your time in clinical is educational. Your clinical work will be a key building block for your future as a medical professional, informing your critical thinking and problem-solving. 

Job Placement Rate

100%

Southeast Tech's Surgical Technology program boasts a 100% job placement rate among its 2023 graduates.*

* View details and methodology of the Graduate Outcome Report.

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Build Dakota Eligible

Earn a full-ride scholarship to Southeast Tech's Surgical Technology program through Build Dakota!

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Why Study Surgical Technology at Southeast Tech  

While pursuing your Associate of Applied Science degree, you will study in STC's state of art Healthcare Simulation Center, where you will learn how to maintain sterile technique, check and prepare supplies, properly care for specimens, appropriately apply monitors, and prep the patient’s skin. These learning outcomes are backed by critical thinking and professional standards including:  

  • Assessing safety measures  
  • Anticipating needed supplies  
  • Checking patient’s chart  
  • Preparing sterile dressing  
  • Following chain of command

Clinical Requirements  

You will be required to move and lift at least 75 lbs. In addition, you will have to transport both patients and equipment and have manual dexterity. 

What Can You Do With Your STC Degree? 

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a regional hub for many healthcare centers, which draw rural residents to the area. Your career opportunities upon graduation include many of these hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and outpatient care centers. Graduates find employment with the following healthcare and medical technology employers, among others across the state and country:

  • Avera Health Systems
  • Littleton Adventist
  • Medical Center of the Rockies
  • Mercy Medical Center
  • Rapid City Regional
  • Sanford Health
  • Sioux Falls Veteran’s Administration Health Care System
  • University of Colorado Medical System

Job Outlook

Explore Classes   

Southeast Tech’s program curriculum for Surgical Technology totals 63 credits over 24 months, including classes in Applied Anatomy/Physiology, General Psychology, Surgical Procedures and Surgical Asepsis. 

View Curriculum   ADMISSION CRITERIA  

Cost 

Costs are calculated based on a charge of $255 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

Total Costs  Cost and Fee Breakdown

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Faculty

Annie McGuire

Instructor
Surgical Technology
HSIM 105C

Ginger Peterson

Lab Specialist
Surgical Technology
HSIM 201A

Josette Otto

Program Director
Surgical Technology
HSIM 105C

All Healthcare Programs

Other Programs Related to Surgical Technology 

If a career in surgical technology interests you, you may also want to consider:  

LPN   Invasive Cardiovascular Technology

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