Certificate or Associate of Science
in Surgical Technology

Our Program    How and When to Apply    Background Preparation    Clinical Work Experience    Faculty     Job Outlook

Become a Surgical Technologist. A surgical technologist (ST) is educated in surgical applications, technology, and patient care. As an ST you will assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. You’ll be a member of an operating room team.

Our Program

Your three-semester ST program includes classroom instruction, lab instruction in operating room techniques and clinical experience in hospital and surgery centers. We enhance your clinical skills as your knowledge and confidence increase under the guidance of a clinical instructor and preceptors in a surgical setting.

Once you have completed the certificate ST program, you may continue on to work toward the two-semester Associate of Science in Surgical Technology Program Completion.

Once you successfully complete these programs, you have the opportunity to advance into the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health or Health Care Administration degree programs at Mercy College.

Our Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

How and When to Apply

We accept 20 students into the ST program each fall semester. Because admission into this program is on a competitive basis, early application is encouraged. Application deadline is July 20.

Background Preparation

You will need to complete high school (or college equivalent) algebra I, biology,and English coursework before admission.

Clinical Work Experience

You will experience direct patient contact during your clinical experience (called practicums) at Mercy Medical Center. You will also work at many other leading health care providers in central Iowa to gain hands-on learning throughout your course of study.

Faculty

Our ST faculty team includes a full-time program chair and an instructor as well as many medical professionals in the clinical setting. As a student, you will receive an exceptional level of personalized instruction.

Job Outlook

Once you have completed your ST degree, you will have the knowledge and clinical experience necessary to become nationally certified. Your opportunities for employment will be excellent, as employment is projected to grow much faster than average as the volume of surgeries increases. For more details and statistics about specific roles and job opportunities go to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics website.