Certificate – 40 credits
Program contact: Division of Allied Health and Human Services, (815) 921-3200

Program overview

Surgical technologists prepare the operating room and equipment used for surgery, assist in preparing patients for surgery, are responsible for maintaining the sterile environment in the operating room, and assist in other aspects of the procedure. The program, featuring classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences, prepares students to assume an important role with surgical teams at entry level.

Work and employment

Graduates are employed in hospital operating rooms, delivery rooms, ambulatory care areas, surgical centers, travel agencies, physician offices, dental offices, and central sterilizing departments. With additional specialized educational and training, graduates can become Surgical Assistants, Program Directors, Instructors, and Surgical/Medical Sales Representatives.

Professional credential and program accreditation

Graduates are eligible to become Certified Surgical Technologists (CST). Students in their last semester of the program will sit for the National Certification Examination through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (INBSTSA) prior to graduation.  The program is governed by the Association of Surgical Technology (AST)and is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).

Admission to the program

Admission is selective and competitive. Prerequisite course work in chemistry, biology, and mathematics is required. For more information, call the Allied Health and Human Services division office at (815) 921-3200.

Admissions policies

Requirements for application and admission:
1.    A graduate of a recognized or accredited secondary school at the time of enrollment or complete the GED as required by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

2.    Admission to Rock Valley College according to college policies governing full-time students.

3.    Chemistry requirement: Two semesters of high school chemistry successfully completed within the past five years with a grade of “C” or better for both semesters or complete a college chemistry course (with a lab) with at least a minimum grade of “C.”

4.    Grade Point Average: A 2.0 GPA in all course work completed for college credit.

5.    Math requirement: Completion of high school algebra with a grade of “C” or better or have Math 095, Elementary Algebra, and earned at least a minimum grade of “C.”

6.    Concurrent hospital clinical practice also necessitates that students meet the following requirements:
a.    Be in good health as certified by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, and complete in full the medical examination and immunization form provided.
b.    Possibly submit to further laboratory tests as requested.
c.    Undergo a criminal background check and drug test. It is possible that a student’s criminal background and/or a positive drug test will prevent participation in a clinical practice and program completion.
d.    Carry professional liability insurance (available at group rates to surgical technology students).
e.    Provide evidence of health insurance coverage for the duration of the program.
f.    Provide evidence of current Adult, Child, Infant certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, (CPR).

7.    Qualified applicants who are residents of Rock Valley College District 511 or who reside in a district that has a cooperative agreement with Rock Valley College will be admitted first. Out-of-district applicants will be admitted only if the surgical technology class has not been filled and all qualified in-district or cooperating community college applicants have been accepted.

Admissions procedures:
1.    The following records must be sent directly to the Allied Health division office:
a.    High school transcripts or GED scores.
b.    Previous college transcripts.

2.    Applicants are required to complete a separate application for admission to the Surgical Technology program, hereafter referred to as the surgical technology application.

3.    The surgical technology application may be filed at any time and must be filed before April 15 prior to the fall term a student hopes to enter the program. Only completed applications are processed. Completed applications include:
a.    Chemistry grade(s).
b.    Algebra grade or score.
c.    Required documents listed above (transcripts and applications).

4.    Students will be notified of their admission status prior to June 15.

5.    Applicants not selected one year are individually responsible for reactivating and updating their application in subsequent years.

6.    Contact the Division of Allied Health and Human Services at (815) 921-3200 for additional information on the program.

Application deadline: Students must be admitted to Rock Valley College and complete application requirements prior to fall semester. Algebra and chemistry must be completed to be reviewed for admission to the program. Applications must be submitted prior to April 15.

Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology must be completed before enrollment in the Surgical Technology program courses.

Standard for progression in the program

Students are required to earn at least a minimum grade of “C” in each clinical course and all prerequisite courses required for the certificate program.

Surgical Technology Course Requirements:                 (26 credits)
*    SRG    101    Surgical Tech I Central Service Principles and Practice                (4)
*    SRG    102    Surgical Tech II Principles and Practice    (6)
*    SRG    103    Surgical Tech III Principles and Practice Specialty            (5)
*    SRG    104    Surgical Tech IV Principles and Practice Specialty            (5)
*    SRG    105    Surgical Tech V Principles and Internship                (4)
*    SRG    106    Surgical Tech Seminar                (2)

General Education Course Requirements:                (14 credits)
*    BIO    185    Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology                (5)
*    BIO    274    Microbiology                    (4)
*    ENG    101    Composition I                    (3)
      HLT    110    Medical Terminology                (2)
Comparable BIO, ENG, and HLT courses may be taken at the cooperative community colleges.

*Course has a prerequisite—refer to course description.

Cooperative community colleges are: Highland Community College, Kishwaukee College, and Sauk Valley College.