Surgical Technology
AAS
Why study Surgical Technology?
As critical members of life-saving teams, surgical technologists are part of the sterile team in surgical operations under the supervision of a surgeon. Also called scrubs or operating-room technicians, surgical technologists work alongside surgeons, first assistants, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses in the operating room.
Before an operation, before scrubbing for surgery, a surgical technologist might help the team assemble and adjust non-sterile equipment, ensuring it works properly. Surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by scrubbing, gowning, and gloving to set up a sterile back table with surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, drapes, and solutions. Once a patient is positioned and prepped, the surgical technologist will help the surgeon and surgical assistant don sterile gowns and gloves and then apply sterile surgical drapes to the patient.
During surgery, surgical technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants. They may hold retractors and cut sutures. They are responsible for the counting of sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical technologists help apply dressings at the end of a procedure and care for specimens prior to taking them for laboratory analysis.
After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room, or intensive care unit, as well as clean and restock the operating room. Some other might work in the sterile processing department decontaminating instruments and equipment or re-assembling instrument sets and operating sterilizers.
The operating room is a fast-paced environment. Individuals well suited for this program enjoy challenges, multi-tasking, and even a degree of stress in the work environment.
Visit the UC Clermont Surgical Technology website.
Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid). To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.
Admission Requirements
This program is open to students who have earned a high school diploma or GED and are motivated to succeed in college. While admission is open, progression to advanced coursework requires meeting established academic standards.
First-year students may be required to complete English and mathematics placement testing if they do not meet the minimum ACT/SAT scores for exemption. These free assessments do not affect admission but ensure appropriate course placement and must be completed before registering for English or math courses.
The program includes a distance education component featuring virtual lectures, online assignments, and digital learning tools. To be successful, students must have reliable access to a computer and high-speed internet. Required technology includes a current web browser (Google Chrome recommended) compatible with Canvas and Cengage eBook/MindTap, the ability to stream Kaltura videos, and a webcam and microphone for online testing. Students should also have access to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat—or equivalent software capable of creating and viewing .docx, .pptx, and .pdf files.
After admission, students must complete the following program requirements:
- Physical examination
- Immunizations
- Proof of health insurance
- Background check
- Drug screening
Applicants must have completed high school biology and chemistry within the past six years with a grade of C or better. Students who do not meet this requirement must complete Biology for Health Professionals and Technical Programs I (BIOL1051C) and Introduction to Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHEM1020C), including labs, and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.75 before being eligible to join the Surgical Technology program waitlist.
Due to limited clinical placement availability and high program demand, a waiting list may apply. The pre-Surgical Technology Advisor can provide current details regarding waitlist status and estimated timelines.
Surgical technologists should have an excellent sense of responsibility, be able to work quickly with attention to detail, and effectively manage emergencies and task prioritization. They must possess sufficient motor skills and tactile ability to assemble surgical instrumentation, as well as adequate sensory function to hear and comprehend detailed instructions. They should be able to lift at least 25 pounds on a regular basis and tolerate long periods of standing without food, drink, or bathroom breaks. A high tolerance for blood, other bodily fluids, and odors is also necessary. Surgical technologists must be comfortable working in a potentially hazardous environment, with possible exposure to infectious diseases, allergens (such as latex or surgical soaps), sharp objects, surgical plume, ionizing radiation, and chemical fumes. They must be conscientious, organized, and emotionally stable to meet the demands of the operating room environment. Surgical technologists must also be willing to engage in ongoing study throughout their careers in order to keep up with medical advances.
Employment opportunities include the following:
- certified surgical technologist
- sterile processing manager
- surgical technology instructor
- sterile processing instructor
Academic advising is an essential part of your educational experience.
We are committed to providing advice and assistance throughout your academic journey. You and your advisor work together to create an academic plan based on your goals.
Questions? Email us at clermont.advising@uc.edu or call 513-558-8317 to schedule an appointment.
UC Clermont students have access to free tutoring and academic support services through Learning Commons. The Learning Commons provides centralized academic support for all University of Cincinnati students by bringing together faculty, best practices in teaching and learning, and hundreds of outstanding peer educators to create flexible academic success programming. Free services available to UC Clermont students include group review sessions, success skills workshops, and tutoring in writing, math, science, and more. Services are available on campus or virtually. Visit the Learning Commons webpage for more information or schedule an appointment.
Academic Writing Center (AWC) – The Academic Writing Center (AWC) offers tutoring for all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to incorporating research. The AWC is not course-specific and can help with discipline-specific documents, as well as non-course-based writing. Students can make an appointment or stop by the Front Desk on the first floor of the Fred Marcotte Library.
Group Review Sessions (GRS) – Group Review Sessions (GRS) are small study groups, led by a peer leader, that meet to review content that is covered in course-supported lectures each week. Find the list of supported courses on the Learning Commons website.
Drop-In Study Tables: Drop-in study tables are small group tutoring tables based on your course where you can collaborate with fellow students and learn from your table leader. No appointments needed! All drop-in study tables are in-person in the Learning Commons on the 1st floor of the Fred Marcotte Library in Jones 120. You can view the up-to-date study table schedule on the Learning Commons website.
Peer Tutoring – Peer tutoring sessions are one-on-one with a subject-specific tutor to answer questions and help you master content in more than 200 undergraduate courses, including subjects such as math, science, languages, and business. Schedule appointments up to 7 days in advance for one-hour, 90-minute,e or two-hour sessions. If you notice your desired course is not offered, please let us know.
Canvas Navigator Workshop – Designed to help students who are new to college and need help navigating their coursework online. The workshop shows students how to access their course materials, publisher homework, quizzes, textbooks, academic services like tutoring, and more. Students who attend this workshop can expect to gain clarity on what they need to do on a weekly basis to stay on track with their coursework throughout the semester, which helps students stay motivated, leading to greater confidence and success in their courses.
Math Placement Test Workshop – Offered to prospective and current UC students who want to brush up on their math skills before taking the Math Placement Test. A UC Clermont professional tutor leads the free synchronous online workshop. The three-week workshop series is offered monthly except in January. It is recommended that students sign up for all three weeks to get the maximum benefit from these workshops.
Math for Science Students Workshop – Designed for students enrolled in entry-level biology and chemistry courses, these workshops cover foundational math concepts that students need to succeed in their science courses. A UC Clermont tutor leads the synchronous online workshops. The workshop repeats each week, starting the week before classes begin and continuing through week 3 of the semester.
In order to graduate from UC Clermont, a student must:
- Complete all required course work and program requirements
- Obtain at least a 2.0 university grade point average
- Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension
- Meet the college's residency requirement of 20 semester credit hours
- File formal application for the degree by the posted semester of graduation deadline
Prior to graduation, you must apply for the certification exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). This exam will be administered prior to graduation on the Clermont campus.
For more information on certification, visit the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting webpage.
We accept transfer applications all year long, and you may start any semester, provided your transcripts arrive in time to be evaluated before the start of the semester you wish to attend.
If you have not taken college-level mathematics or English, you will need to take the corresponding placement test.
You must also meet all the admissions requirements of a beginning student.
Other UC students may transfer into UC Clermont College by completing the application for change in college and program. You are urged to see your advisor before transferring into a different major to minimize any impact on your degree progress.
You must also meet all the admissions requirements of a beginning student.
You must demonstrate English proficiency. You must also meet admissions deadlines and visa requirements, and provide documentation of sufficient funds before we can complete your admission. Please call the International Admissions Office (513) 556-2069 for details or email with questions.
Learn more about becoming an international student at UC Clermont.
Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Science and Health
Application Deadlines
For specific deadline information, visit the Admissions webpage.
Our surgical technology program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Contact Information
Clermont College
4200 Clermont College Drive
Batavia, OH 45103
(513) 558-8316
clermont.admissions@uc.edu
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Program Code: 34ASC-STN-AAS