Are you an organized, detail-oriented person looking for a rewarding career in an allied health field? Would you enjoy a job where you truly help to make a difference in a patient’s life? If you think you would thrive in the fast-paced world of a hospital operating room, consider a career as a surgical technologist!
Surgical technologists, sometimes referred to as surgical technicians or surgery techs, serve as key members of the medical support team that assists surgeons in the operating room (OR) during surgery. Surgical techs must be able to think on their feet, keep cool under pressure and work well as a team player.
Their duties include preparing the OR for surgery; scrubbing, gowning and gloving; creating and maintaining the sterile field; passing instruments and supplies to the attending surgeon; care and handling of specimens; retracting the patient’s tissues; and assisting with wound closure.
Surgical Technologist Certificate
El Centro College offers the Surgical Technology program, a 15-month, 50-credit-hour curriculum that leads to a Surgical Technologist certificate.
The national certification exam is administered in the final week before graduation.
Perioperative Nursing Enhanced Skills Certificate
El Centro College also offers a Perioperative Nursing Enhanced Skills certificate, which offers registered nurses and graduate nurses the opportunity to acquire additional theory and skills required for patient care in the surgical setting using the perioperative approach to patient care.
Principles of surgical asepsis, patient care, use of surgical instruments, supplies, equipment and ethical/legal aspects are presented. The emphasis of the program is on the scrub and circulating roles. Upon successful completion of this two-semester, 10-credit-hour program, the nurse receives an Enhanced Skills certificate.
Other Degree and Certificate Options
The Dallas County Community College District offers nearly 350 career and technical degrees and certificates, plus 36 academic degrees. For more information, see a chart of our degree plans by location.