Programs
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Program Overview
HDMC’s Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online classroom theory with hands-on training in on-campus labs and real-world experience through a clinical externship.
Program Length
- 62 weeks
Program Details
- 900 classroom hours
- 210 lab hours
- 560 clinical externship hours
- 1,670 total clock hours
- 79 semester credits
Students complete a combination of surgical technology coursework, General Education classes, hands-on laboratory training and clinical experience.
Contact Admissions for current class schedules and availability at your preferred campus.
High Desert Medical College offers its Surgical Technology AAS program at its Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Temecula, California campuses. Students’ complete hybrid classroom instruction along with hands-on training at their selected HDMC campus.
See Which Campus Is Closest to You
The Surgical Technology AAS curriculum combines surgical theory, patient care and hands-on technical training with General Education coursework designed to prepare students to work as part of a surgical team.
Coursework and training include:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Microbiology
- Professional Practice
- Patient Care Concepts
- Surgical Techniques
- Pharmacology & Anesthesia
- Surgical Procedures
- Technological Sciences
- Psychology
- Nutrition
- English Composition
- Oral Communication
- Basic College Mathematics
- Clinical Externship
Students develop skills in sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, patient care and operating room procedures while learning how to function safely and effectively as part of a healthcare team.
Graduates of the Surgical Technology AAS program are eligible to sit for the Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C) examination through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Applicants must meet HDMC’s admissions requirements, including having a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
Additional prerequisites and admissions requirements may apply to the Surgical Technology AAS program, including academic readiness, entrance assessments, and required prerequisite coursework. See the school catalog for current admissions requirements.
An Admissions Representative can review the current requirements with you and help you understand each step of the application process.
For the most current Surgical Technology AAS tuition and fee information, refer to the HDMC School Catalog or speak with an Admissions Representative.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you understand available options and determine what you may be eligible for.
High Desert Medical College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
HDMC is also approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
What you’ll learn
HDMC’s Surgical Technology AAS program combines surgical theory with hands-on training to help you develop the technical and patient care skills used in the operating room.
Is a Career in Surgical Technology Right for You?
Take the HDMC Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz.
This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and will give you a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Support beyond the classroom
HDMC supports students beyond the classroom with career-focused guidance, professional development resources, and personalized support designed to help graduates feel confident entering the healthcare field.
Resume &
Interview Support
Career
Preparation
Professional
Development
Student
Support Resources
What you walk away with
Earn your degree and build surgical skills.
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology from HDMC.
Hands-On
Surgical Training
Build practical skills through 210 hours of laboratory training focused on surgical techniques, equipment and procedures.
Real-World
Experience
Complete a 560-hour clinical externship where you can apply your skills as part of a professional surgical team.
* Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C) examination through NCCT.
Where you could work
Surgical Technologists work across a variety of healthcare settings. Picture yourself working in:
Hospitals
Support hospital surgical teams
Outpatient Surgery Centers
Assist with outpatient procedures
Physicians’ Offices
Support office-based surgical procedures
Medical Facilities
Work alongside surgical care teams
Dental Offices
Assist with oral surgeries
Specialty Hospitals
Support specialized surgical care
Potential Careers
A Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree can prepare you for entry-level job opportunities like:
Surgical Technologist
Surgical Scrub Technologist
Operating Room Technician
Certified Surgical Technologist
Scrub Technician
Potential Careers
A Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree can prepare you for entry-level job opportunities like:
Surgical Technologist
Surgical Scrub Technologist
Operating Room Technician
Certified Surgical Technologist
Scrub Technician
Questions?
Here are a few things everyone asks. If you don’t see your question, reach out to see whether our Surgical Technology AAS program is right for you.
Surgical technologists are members of the operating room team who help prepare for and support surgical procedures. Responsibilities can include preparing operating rooms, maintaining a sterile environment, setting up instruments and equipment, passing instruments during procedures and helping support patient safety.
HDMC’s Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science program can be completed in as few as 62 weeks. The program includes 1,670 total clock hours and 79 semester credits, including 210 hours of hands-on lab training and a 560-hour clinical externship.
The program is offered in a hybrid format. Students complete classroom theory online while gaining hands-on experience in on-campus labs. The program also includes a clinical externship in a professional healthcare environment.
Graduates of HDMC’s Surgical Technology AAS program are eligible to sit for the Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C) examination through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Passing the certification examination is separate from completing the HDMC program.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you review available options and determine what you may be eligible for.
Additional Resources
to help you build confidence before entering the workforce
