The Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program prepares you to become an integral part of a medical team. At High Desert Medical College, you can get the training you need in as few as 61 weeks!
We are currently enrolling for our next class start on March 23, 2026.
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Complete an interest form. Or stop by! No appointment is ever necessary to take a campus tour and find out more about training for a new career.
At High Desert Medical College, our Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science program in Temecula and Lancaster is designed to prepare students to enter a medical career in the healthcare industry. Surgical Technologists work to provide quality patient care through functioning in a sterile environment and assisting physicians in operating rooms for procedures performed in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, physician’s offices and other medical facilities.
This 61-week program provides students with intensive training emphasizing anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, pharmacology, principles of aseptic and universal precaution techniques, surgical procedures, patient care, and clinical externship experience.
In the Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science program, you’ll learn:
Graduates from the program receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree upon graduation.
A surgical technician assists in surgeries by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, and handing instruments to surgeons during procedures. They ensure a sterile environment and support patient care before, during, and after surgery, playing a critical role in the surgical team’s efficiency and safety.
High Desert Medical College’s Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program can be completed in as few as 61 weeks.
High Desert Medical College’s Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program is offered in a hybrid-online format. Students learn classroom theory online while completing hands-on training in on-campus labs. All students also gain valuable experience through an externship. The Surgical Technology AAS Program (STAAS) is offered at the Temecula and Lancaster campuses only.
Many of High Desert Medical College’s Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program graduates go to work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, physicians’ offices, and other medical facilities. Our Career Services department provides every student with a wide range of career support services and comprehensive job placement assistance.
In High Desert Medical College’s Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program, you’ll gain the real-world skills to provide quality patient care and assist physicians in operating rooms. Our hands-on training prepares you for the tasks employers are hiring for, and the AAS degree courses prepare you to be a more well-rounded job candidate, with courses in Psychology, Sociology, English Composition, American Government, Business Math, Critical Thinking, and Professional Development. Our Career Services department also provides every student with a wide range of support services and job placement assistance.
Graduates from the program receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree upon graduation.
To enroll, you’ll need a high school diploma or a GED. Don’t have your diploma yet? No problem – High Desert Medical College offers two high school completion programs to help you get started. Submit an interest form, stop by your closest campus, or call 888-633-4362 to get in contact with our admissions team.