Surgical technologists assist in operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical staff.  They perform a wide variety of tasks, from transporting and positioning patients to laying out necessary instruments, equipment, sterile supplies and solutions.

They also may hand instruments to surgeons, hold retractors, cut sutures, apply dressings, and operate sterilizers, lights, suction machines, diagnostic equipment, and electrosurgical apparatus.

The employment outlook for surgical technologists is favorable, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which projects a job growth rate of 21-35 percent.

Southeast Community College offers an associate of applied science degree in surgical technology at its Lincoln Campus. In central Nebraska, SCC makes the program available in cooperation with Central Community College.

General education and academic support courses are provided by Central Community College at its Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses as well as off-campus sites throughout the college’s 25-county service area. Surgical technology students also take three credits in a CCC nursing course.

Surgical technology courses are transmitted by Southeast Community College via satellite to the Central Community College campuses in Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings.

Clinical courses are provided by SCC at Saint Francis Medical Center in Grand Island and Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

Admissions - In order to enroll in this cooperative program, you must meet the Central Community College Ability to Benefit requirement before taking general education courses.

To be admitted to the surgical technology program by Southeast Community College, you must take the ASSET academic skills assessment. Minimum acceptable scores are: writing, 40; reading, 40; numerical, 40.

A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) card is required prior to beginning the third quarter of study.

Before entering the program, you must submit a student health statement.

In all first quarter final testing, you must attain a C+ or better in SUR (surgical) and a C or better in non-SUR courses in order to continue in the program.

You must achieve a grade of C or better in all general education courses.

SCC’s Surgical Technology Advisory Committee suggests that applicants for admission to this program have good motor coordination and manual dexterity.

Accreditation - Central Community College and Southeast Community College are accredited independently by the Commission on Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The SCC Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination for certified surgical technologist status.

If you plan to enroll in the surgical technology program offered jointly by Central Community College and Southeast Community College in central Nebraska, contact: the admissions office at the Columbus, Grand Island or Hastings campus.

If you plan to enroll in the program at SCC’s Lincoln Campus, contact:

Admissions Office

Southeast Community College-Lincoln Campus

(402) 437-2600

1-800-642-4075