Scrub In and Join the Team That Changes Lives
Get equipped with the skills you need to support surgeons in the operating room. Surgical Technologists are vital members of the surgical team. Ozarks Tech trains you to work as a first and second scrub tech and be a part of a life-saving team. Courses and clinical experiences give you practice to confidently:
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Prepare and maintain a sterile surgical field
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Sterilize and handle surgical instruments
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Pass instruments to surgeons during procedures
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Support patient care and transport
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Manage operating room turnover between surgeries
After graduation step into roles in hospital operating rooms, outpatient centers or physicians’ offices.
The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
They can be contacted at 9355 113th St N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727) 210-2350
Program Information
Explore our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about how to apply for the program.
The Surgical Technology program is a selective admission program.
Application Requirements and Information
General Admissions to Ozarks Tech
Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.
At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.
We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.
Angie Enlow
Surgical Technology Program Director
417-447-8845
Accreditation
The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 113th St N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, (727) 210-2350 https://www.caahep.org/
The program is accredited through the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), 19751 East Mainstreet, Suite #339, Parker, CO 80138 303-694-9262 https://arcstsa.org/
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more on OTC Accreditation.
Program Outcomes
- Certification exam pass rate 2024 – 100%
- Program graduation rate 2024 – 86%
- Graduate employment rate 2024 – 100%
- Rention Rate 2023 – 88%
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Get Involved
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Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Surgical Technology (A.A.S.)
A.A.S. Degree: 62 Hours
Graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science degree designed to prepare them for the national certification exam administered by The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Graduates may work in hospital surgery or labor and delivery areas, out-patient surgery centers or as private scrubs for individual surgeons. The Surgical Technology program is reviewed by the Accreditation Review Committee in Surgical Technology and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Students may take the “Program Specific Courses” only if they have been admitted into the program.
A grade of “C” or better is required for all Surgical Technology Program required courses. A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program. A new class begins each fall semester. The application deadline for the program is April 1. Contact the Health Sciences Office for an application packet. The application packet is available online.
The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 113th St N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, (727) 210-2350 https://www.caahep.org/
The program is accredited through the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), 19751 East Mainstreet, Suite #339, Parker, CO 80138 303-694-9262 https://arcstsa.org/
Pre-Admission Requirements – 30 Credit Hours
Pre-Admission Requirements – 30 Credit Hours
- BCS 165: Human Anatomy
Human Anatomy
Microscopic and macroscopic examination of the human body structures and systems are the focus of this course. Students evaluate the integration of the various systems within the entire body. The laboratory provides an opportunity for identification and evaluation of representative human models and slides and dissection of comparable mammalian organ systems.
- BCS 200: Microbiology
Microbiology
This course entails a study of the structure, growth, control, classification and identification of microorganisms. In the laboratory students learn basic aseptic techniques and become familiar with common laboratory procedures.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in BCS 165. - BCS 205: Human Physiology
Human Physiology
This course examines the organization and function of the human body as a whole and the interrelationships of the various systems. The laboratory teaches the fundamental techniques necessary for the study of life processes. Laboratory activities give the students an opportunity to illustrate principles presented in lecture.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in BCS 165. - COM 100: Introduction to Communication
Introduction to Communication
This course provides an introduction to the study of communication, including interpersonal communication, small group dynamics, and public speaking.
or - COM 105: Public Speaking
Public Speaking
This is an introductory course in research, composition, delivery, and evaluation of speeches for a variety of purposes and occasions. Students develop skills in critical listening and analysis through small group and individual activities.
or - COM 200: Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication
This course is designed as an introduction to the theory and practice of interpersonal communication. Students learn how to become both effective and appropriate communicators in a variety of contexts. Students also develop good listening and responding skills, conflict management strategies, sensitivity to language and an understanding of cultural and gender differences.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better inENG 100 or ENG 101.
- COM 100: Introduction to Communication
- ENG 100: Composition I With Support
Composition I With Support
This course introduces students to college-level reading, thinking, and writing through a series of composition-rhetoric assignments and activities that culminate in a research-supported project. Specifically, students apply critical and creative thinking to evaluate problems, interpret evidence/data, and draw conclusions. As part of this process, students learn to evaluate sources and emerging digital tools for currency, feasibility, truthfulness, credibility, and accuracy. Ultimately, students learn to synthesize knowledge to solve problems. This writing process (thinking, researching, evaluating, and persuading) helps students to develop an essential skill set they can use in their future academic, civic, and professional lives. English 100 will be driven by the same course objectives as English 101 and satisfy the same requirement.
or - ENG 101: Composition I
Composition I
This course introduces students to college-level reading, thinking, and writing through a series of composition-rhetoric assignments and activities that culminate in a research-supported project. Specifically, students apply critical and creative thinking to evaluate problems, interpret evidence/data, and draw conclusions. As part of this process, students learn to evaluate sources and emerging digital tools for currency, feasibility, truthfulness, credibility, and accuracy. Ultimately, students learn to synthesize knowledge to solve problems. This writing process (thinking, researching, evaluating, and persuading) helps students to develop an essential skill set they can use in their future academic, civic, and professional lives.
or - ENG 102: Composition II
Composition II
This course continues developing students’ abilities to use research and writing to make informed and ethical arguments; effectively communicating these arguments to professional and expert audiences in a research-supported project. Moreover, the course further develops students’ skills in critical and creative thinking to evaluate problems, interpret evidence/data, and draw conclusions.
Emphasis is placed on honing skills of audience analysis, analytical reading, problem solving, research methods—including both primary and secondary research—and persuasive writing. Also, this course will acquaint students with patterns and conventions of multiple disciplinary communities. This writing process (thinking, researching, evaluating, and applying rhetorical strategy) prepares students for their academic and professional futures.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 100 or ENG 101.
- ENG 100: Composition I With Support
- HSC 120: Medical Terminology
Medical Terminology
This course introduces the basic word structure in medical terminology with an emphasis on word roots, prefixes, and suffixes using a body systems approach. Topics include conventional pathology, pharmacology, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, surgical nomenclature, and abbreviations related to each body system. Includes applications and activities that reinforce word building, pronunciation, spelling, and medical terminology commonly used in healthcare.
- MTH 128: Contemporary Mathematics
Contemporary Mathematics
This course provides students with a basic survey of mathematics. Topics include problem solving, modeling, counting methods, probability, statistics and geometry.
or - MTH 128S: Cont Mathematics with Support or higher
Cont Mathematics with Support
This course provides students with a basic survey of mathematics. Topics include problem solving, modeling, counting methods, probability, statistics and geometry. MTH 128S will be driven by the same objectives as MTH 128, and satisfy the same requirement. The course design will provide students with more time, support, and individualized instruction to accomplish those objectives.
- MTH 128: Contemporary Mathematics
- PLS 101: American Government and Politics
American Government and Politics
This introductory course familiarizes students with American and Missouri government constitutions, institutions, policies and processes. Students develop an understanding of the foundations, environment, and principles of democracy with key concepts about voting, political parties, campaigns, and interactions between the branches of government. The course emphasis is on the values, rights, and responsiblities that shape public decision making of active and informed citizens in the American political system. This course meets instruction requirements (Missouri Revised Statute 170.011.1) in the Constitution of the United States and the state of Missouri.
or - HST 120: U.S. History I: to 1865
U.S. History I: to 1865
This course is a survey of the history of the United States from pre-Columbian societies through the Civil War, including formative political, social, economic and cultural developments. It also introduces students to history as an academic discipline and requires analysis, synthesis and evaluation of primary and secondary materials in reading, discussion and writing. HST 120 will satisfy the Missouri state law requiring instruction in the United States and Missouri Constitutions.
or - HST 130: U.S. History II: 1865-Present
U.S. History II: 1865-Present
This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Reconstruction to the present, covering the political, economic, social and cultural developments that have shaped modern America. It introduces students to history as an academic discipline and requires analysis, synthesis and evaluation of primary and secondary materials in reading, discussion and writing. HST 130 will satisfy the Missouri state law requiring instruction in the United States and Missouri Constitutions.
- PLS 101: American Government and Politics
- PSY 110: Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Psychology
This course provides an introduction to psychology including history and systems, physiology, human growth and development, sensation and perception, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, personality, adjustment, psychopathology, industrial and social psychology.
Surgical Technology Program Requirements – 32 Credit Hours
Surgical Technology Program Requirements – 32 Credit Hours
- SUR 105: Operating Room Technique I
Operating Room Technique I
This course introduces students to surgical asepsis, communication, surgical instrumentation and basic lab skills.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Surgical Technology program; Grade of "C" or better in BCS 165, BCS 200, BCS 205, HSC 120. - SUR 106: Operating Room Technique II
Operating Room Technique II
This course introduces students to anesthesia concepts, hemostasis, positioning, wound closure materials, potential complications, infection, wound healing, and death and dying. This includes more advanced lab skill procedures.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SUR 105. - SUR 110: Pharmacology for Surgical Technologists
Pharmacology for Surgical Technologists
This course introduces basic pharmacology including mathematics, drug regulation and administration. The student is introduced to medications commonly used in surgery and learns how to safely prepare drugs for administration. Anesthetic agents and concepts are taught to give the student a more complete picture of surgical patient care.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Surgical Technology program. - SUR 120: Surgical Procedures I
Surgical Procedures I
This course is designed to instruct the learner to identify the operative sequence for surgical procedures. Emphasis is placed on surgical anatomy, equipment, and supplies needed for each procedure and surgical sequence. Areas studied include general surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, genitourinary, ophthalmic, ear and nose, and laser surgeries. Students will be assigned to cases in the operating room where they will learn to become proficient in their skills. Sterile technique will be practiced.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SUR 106 and SUR 110. - SUR 121: Surgical Procedures II
Surgical Procedures II
This course is designed to instruct the learner to identify the operative sequence for surgical procedures. Emphasis is placed on surgical anatomy, equipment, and supplies needed for each procedure and surgical sequence. Areas studied include thoracic, orthopedics, plastic, vascular, cardiac, throat, neurosurgery, pediatric, geriatric, and trauma surgeries. Students will be assigned to cases in the operating room where they will learn to become proficient in their skills. Sterile technique will be practiced. Students will be assigned to more advanced cases.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SUR 120.
Note:
Note:
* Please contact the Health Sciences Office if:
- you have taken MTH 110 prior to the fall 2018 semester
- you have previously taken BCS 145 and BCS 146
Locations Offered:
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Notices & Disclaimers
*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.
**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.