Surgical Technologist

The surgical technologist, working closely with surgeons and registered nurses, functions as a member of the surgical team. Coursework is primarily taken at the ICC Peoria Campus. Each student receives a variety of clinical experiences in all the surgical specialties at two to three Bloomington/Peoria hospitals. Qualifies instructors are with students at each clinical location.

Courses include study of basic patient care practices, sterile technique, surgical anatomy, surgical procedures, working as a team, communication skills, ethical/legal aspects of safe patient care, and surgical supplies and instruments. Today's Surgical Technologist also must know how to assemble and trouble shoot high tech equipment and instrumentation. ICC's program is a fast paced demanding curriculum requiring higher order thinking processes. There is a requirement that all mussed clinical and lab time is made-up. For the current 8 and 10 credit hour courses, students are scheduled in lab or class 22-24 hours per week. Students are advised to work less than 20 hours per week and to complete the anatomy and physiology and medical terminology requirement prior to beginning the SURTK sequence.

The ICC Surgical Technologist Program is accredited by:
The Commission on Accreditation and Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP)
35 E Waker Dr., Suite 1970
Chicago, IL 606610-2208
phone (312) 553-9355
e-mail: caahep@caahep.org

Graduates of the Surgical Technologist Program are prepared to seek employment in a variety of health care settings. Career Opportunities include:

Major Operating Room Surgical Suites
Outpatient Surgical Facilities
Obstetrical Departments
Oral Surgeon/Plastic Surgeon Surgical Suites
Private Scrub for a Surgeon
Diener (help pathologist during autopsy)
Harvesting Team for the Red Cross

ICC graduates are eligible to write the certification examination to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). There are employment opportunities in surgical suites during the program. After graduation Surgical Techs can work full time, rotate shifts, take call with some opportunity for part time or reduced schedules.

Surgical technology is a rapidly expanding career. Currently there are job openings with sign on bonuses locally and across the country. Pay is competitive with other health careers with similar educational requirements.