Certificate or Associate of Science
in Surgical Technology

Our Program  Licensure/Certification Rates  How and When to Apply    Background Preparation    Clinical Experience    Faculty     Job Outlook     Gainful Employment

Become a Surgical Technologist. A surgical technologist (ST) is educated in surgical instrumentation, procedures and practices. As an ST you will assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, and anesthesiologists. You will be a vital member of the operating room team.

Our Program

Our three-semester certificate 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.

Upon completion of the ST certificate, you may take an additional 28 credit hours to earn an Associate of Science Completion degree.

Our Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs through the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

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

Licensure and Certification First Time Pass Rates

How and When to Apply

We accept 20 students into the ST program each fall semester. Once you have completed that curriculum, you may be admitted into the Associate of Science Completion degree program and take one or more courses per semester--choose the pace that's right for you.

Applications to the ST certificate program must be received by the Office of Admissions by June 15. Your admission into this program is on a competitive basis, so early application is encouraged. Following general College admission, students may enroll in Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) courses in the Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences prior to admission into the ST program.

Background Preparation

You need to successfully complete one year high school (or college equivalent) algebra I, biology,and English coursework before admission. Students are encouraged to take LAS courses at Mercy College to meet any unmet program requirements above.

Clinical 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.

Gainful Employment

Program Length:

Surgical Technology Certificate (CIP Code 51.0909):  Three-Semester (12 months)

Related Occupations:

• Surgical Technologist (SC Code 29-2055.00)

Program Costs:  (Costs based on 2013-2014 Academic Year)

• Tuition and fees:  $22,907
• Room and Board:  Not Applicable
• Estimated Books and Supplies:  $2,100

Debt at Program Completion (2011-2012):

• Median Title IV loan debt:  $ 9,500
• Median private loan debt:  $ 0
• Median institutional financing plan debt:  $ 0

On-time Completion Rate (2011-2012):

• Students completing program:  11
• Students completing program in normal time:  9
• On-time completion rate:  81.8%

Job Placement Rate (2011-2012): 

Students completing the program:  78%