Surgical Technology Overview
Surgical technologists are vital members of the surgical technology team who work under the supervision of surgeons and other surgical personnel. They are trained to maintain a sterile environment and assist in preventing infection.
Before surgery, technologists prepare the operating room by setting up sterile instruments, equipment, drapes, medications, and supplies. They assist team members with donning sterile gowns and gloves to ensure proper aseptic technique.
During procedures, surgical technologists anticipate the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments, holding retractors, preparing suture, and counting instruments, sponges, and sharps. They also assist with the application of surgical dressings.
Following surgery, technologists help with room turnover and the preparation of the operating room for the next procedure.
Classes for the Rhodes State College Surgical Technology program will be held at the NEW Borra Center for Health Sciences, where a state-of-the-art operating room setting is available for students to experience and feel comfortable in an actual operating room environment. Click here to schedule a tour of the Borra Center.
Highlights
- There is a new cohort accepted into the Surgical Technology program each summer. The program is five semesters, not including prerequisites.
- Median Pay in 2024 was $62,830/year or $30.21/hour
- Credits transfer toward a bachelor's degree.
Program Goal & Mission
Mission: The mission of the Surgical Technology program is to train students to become skilled, professional surgical technologists who can work safely and effectively as part of the operating room team. The program focuses on hands-on skills, teamwork, and patient safety, preparing graduates to support successful surgeries and provide high-quality care.
Goal: The goal of the Surgical Technology program is to prepare entry-level graduates in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Getting Started:
- New to Rhodes State: contact Admissions
- Current Rhodes students: contact the SRG Program Coordinator at rhoad.a@rhodesstate.edu
- 16 Hours of Observation must be completed prior to the start of the program
Tips for Setting up Observation Hours
Surgical Technology Plan of Study
The Surgical Technology Program accepts a new cohort each summer, with a maximum enrollment of 20 students who meet all program eligibility requirements. Please note: Admission is determined based on the date each requirement is received by the Program Coordinator or faculty.
Program briefings are designed to introduce you to the profession, program requirements, and other important information you will need to get started. Students must contact the Program Coordinator at rhoad.a@rhodesstate.edu to schedule the required personalized program advising session.
Surgical Technology Program Eligibility Requirements
Career Opportunities
A Surgical Technologist works directly with the surgeon in the OR to handle instruments, supplies, and equipment, and to assist the surgeon as needed. The Surgical Technologist provides direct patient care and is responsible for maintaining sterile and safe conditions during surgery. A Surgical Technologist may work in surgery, medical sales, or in several other fields. Learn more about this career at www.ast.org or www.nbstsa.org.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for Surgical Technologists in 2024 was $30.21 per hour.
- Employment growth will continue with advancements in medical technology and the aging population.
- Students in this program will get access to world-class equipment at the new Borra Center for Health Sciences.
Student Outcomes:
| Graduation Year | Number of Graduates | Number of Graduates Taking the Exam | Number of Graduates Passing the Exam on the 1st Try | First Time Pass Rate |
|
2024 |
4 | 4 | 4 | 100% |
| 2025 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 100% |
| 2026 | In Progress | In Progress | In Progress | In Progress |
National Pass Rates Vs. RSC SRG Program
Average Hourly Rate
Testimonials
“Our community has faced significant shortages in the field of Surgical Technology for years. In this time, we have seen many students come through our organization, inquiring about what pathway they should take to become a Surgical Technologist. Until recently, options for this degree program have been limited, causing many students to choose different career paths or alternative pathways for this field that are time-consuming. We are very grateful that Rhodes State College has chosen to onboard this degree program within our region.”
- Tiffany Neeley, BSN, RN
“My partners and I have recognized the need for additional surgical technicians in nearly every hospital where we work. The current shortage in Surgical Technicians has created tremendous job opportunities for those who complete the program at Rhodes State College. There are employment opportunities for Surgical Technician students upon completion of their training and the hospitals will benefit from the availability of qualified candidates.”
- Dr. Michael Wieser, M.D., Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery.
“I chose the surgical technology program at Rhodes because I wanted to be part of a fast-paced healthcare team where I could help improve patients’ lives. Rhodes State was the perfect fit because it is close to home and flexible enough to allow me to keep working while in school. The instructors are not only hands-on and knowledgeable, but also genuinely invested in the success of their students. The extensive lab practice and personalized guidance gave me the confidence I needed for clinicals, and I know I will be fully prepared to launch my career upon graduation.”
-Elizabeth Yoder, Current Surgical Technology Student
“My career in healthcare started off by working in Sterile Processing. While working in this field, I was able to work hand in hand with the Surgical department and saw just how great the need for more Surgical Technologists was. I knew right away that this was something I wanted to do. I am so thankful that Rhodes State College brought the Surgical Technology Program to our area. By having this program offered here locally, I was able to attend Rhodes State College and graduate, obtaining my degree in Surgical Technology. This program gave me the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to be able to become a Certified Surgical Technologist and start my new exciting career right after graduation.”
– Justin Burden, Graduate of Surgical Technology Program
Scholarships
Up to $600 scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact your Student Navigator to get registered and see if you qualify.
Rhodes State has been awarded a Choose Ohio First (COF) Scholarship grant by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The grant provides scholarships to students majoring in disciplines that significantly strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine (STEMM) education and industry.
Accreditation Information
“The Surgical Technology Program at Rhodes State College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of ARC/STSA.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org)
9355 113th St N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
(Accredited through May 2029)
