The program starts each fall with a cohort of 20-24 students.

The program is 2 years (6 terms) long. There is a one day mandatory course (ST155) the summer between the first and second year. It is also expected that students practice in the lab over the summer.

The majority of the Surgical Technology courses are held during the day, with one class held in the evenings during winter term of the first year.

You begin visiting clinical sites fall quarter of the first year. Second year clinical practicum is scheduled Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, variable 8 -10 hour shifts, including days and evenings off campus. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from clinical sites. The program complies with the Surgical Rotation Requirements established by the Association of Surgical Technologists Core Curriculum Sixth Edition.

BOARD EXAMS AND/OR LICENSING: Students will be required to sit for the National Certification Exam prior to graduation from the program.

The exam pass rates from 2014-2022 have been 94-100%.

Health and Safety: You are required to meet all Health and Safety requirements established by affiliate health care facilities and by the college. These requirements include annual training, immunizations, tuberculosis screening, drug and alcohol testing, and criminal background check. You will be advised of the requirements and timeline for completion upon acceptance into the program. It is your responsibility to provide documentation and maintain currency. Students who are not in compliance will be unable to attend clinical practicum. Please note, this drug screening may also check for prescription drugs that contain amphetamines, barbiturates, opioids, benzodiazepines and marijuana. If you are taking any prescribed medication that may contain these drugs you will need to meet with the program director before completing the drug screen. All immunizations required by Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for healthcare providers and our clinical contracts will be mandatory, including COVID-19 vaccination.

Orientation for accepted and alternate students – Two mandatory program orientations will be held for accepted students. One will be in late June and the other is generally the week before fall term starts each year. The specific dates will be provided to you if accepted to the program. Attendance is required, or a waitlisted applicant will be given your assigned place in the program.

Work limitations while in the program: The Surgical Technology program is a full-time program and requires a significant amount of study time. You should not work more than 16 hours a week. Students who are experiencing academic difficulty should not work at all. You are encouraged not to work at all during second year due to the amount of study time required and clinical practicum hours.

An academic advisor can help you determine if your coursework will meet program prerequisites. Once you apply for general admission and have an MHCC ID number, you can request an official transcript evaluation.

Please note that the science prerequisites must be completed within the past 10 years with a grade of 'C' or higher.

You may check your application status in the MyMHCC student portal at the location where you filled out the application under the “Check application status” link.

Courses with the prefix ST are not offered online. Other courses included in the program curriculum, including core courses such as anatomy and physiology and computer classes may be offered online.

Completion of an associate or bachelor's degree is not part of the selection process. Surgical Technology courses are offered only once each year, in sequence. For this reason, having earned a degree previously will not shorten the length of time needed to complete the program. Students who have already completed general education coursework that is included in the program curriculum may have a lighter credit load during the first 3 quarters of the program.

Most program graduates are employed in hospital operating rooms. Other settings include labor and delivery, day surgery centers and clinics. The average starting wage range is $22-31 per hour.