Surgical Technology: Career Associate

The Surgical Technology: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for an exciting and rewarding career in operating room settings. This comprehensive program provides students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to assist surgeons during operations, manage surgical instruments, and ensure patient safety throughout surgical procedures. Throughout the program, students engage in didactic coursework, laboratory simulations, and hands-on clinical experiences that mirror real-world surgical environments. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including anatomy and physiology, microbiology, surgical techniques, aseptic practices, anesthesia technology, patient care, and surgical instrumentation.

Students are trained to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, understanding the critical role they play in patient outcomes. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills vital to responding effectively in high-pressure situations. Graduates of the program will be qualified to assist in various surgical settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and surgical centers. They will be prepared to perform preoperative duties, maintain sterile environments, pass instruments to surgeons, handle surgical specimens, and monitor patient vitals during procedures.

Harrisburg Area Community College ensures that students receive a well-rounded education through experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The program also includes preparation for certification exams such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, enhancing graduates' employability and professional credibility. Upon completion, students are equipped with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and clinical experience necessary to thrive in the dynamic healthcare field. This program not only opens the door to meaningful career opportunities but also provides a solid foundation for lifelong learning and professional growth in surgical technology.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II (or)  3 
  ENGL 104 Technical Writing  (3) 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking or  3 
  COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication  (3) 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B, PSYC 101 General Psychology  3 
Free Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
SURG 101 Concepts in Surgical Tech  2 
SURG 105 Pharmacology  1 
SURG 110 Introduction to Surgical Tech.  4 
SURG 111 Surgical Procedures I   4 
SURG 112 Surgical Procedures II  4 
SURG 210 Surgical Clinical Externship I  4 
SURG 220 Surgical Clinical Externship II  6 
SURG 230 Surgical Clinical Externship III  9 

Other Required Courses   
BIOL 105 Medical Terminology  3 
BIOL 121 Anatomy &Physiology I  4 
BIOL 122 Anatomy & Physiology II  4 
BIOL 221 Microbiology  4 
BIOL 230 Physiological Pathology  3 
CIS 105 Introduction to Software  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Identify the roles and responsibilities of all surgical team members

Demonstrate the ability to anticipate the needs of surgical patients by properly preparing the operating room suite, equipment, and instrumentation required for surgical interventions

Display empathy for surgical patients and their significant others

Demonstrate a professional demeanor when communicating with patients and fellow team members

Demonstrate a surgical conscience

Participate as an effective member of the surgical team throughout the preoperative, intraoperative, and immediate postoperative periods

Write and speak effectively

Appreciate accomplishments in the arts and sciences

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Surgical Technology: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a vital role in the operating room by equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge required to assist in surgical procedures. This program emphasizes hands-on training combined with theoretical coursework, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to support surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals during surgical interventions. The curriculum typically covers anatomy and physiology, microbiology, surgical procedures, sterile techniques, anesthesia, and patient safety protocols. Students often gain practical experience through clinical rotations in hospital settings, allowing them to apply learned skills in real-world environments under supervision. The program aims to develop competencies in operating room technology, surgical instrumentation, patient preparation, and post-operative care. Graduates of this associate degree program are qualified to take national certification exams, such as the Certified Surgical Technology Examination, which can enhance employment opportunities in hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics. The program fosters a collaborative approach to patient care, emphasizing professionalism, communication, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students are prepared to pursue employment as surgical technologists, contributing significantly to surgical teams and patient outcomes. The program's duration typically spans two years, and it is accredited by relevant surgical technology accreditation bodies, ensuring it meets industry standards. Overall, this program provides a comprehensive pathway for individuals interested in entering the healthcare field with a focus on surgical assistance, emphasizing both technological proficiency and compassionate patient care.