Surgical Technology
Associate Degree
A.S. in Surgical Technology
Surgical Technologists are employed in hospitals, surgery centers, and physician's offices to deliver patient care before, during and after surgery. Cosumnes River College's program combines academic and clinical instruction that includes learning to prepare surgical instruments, passing them to the surgeon, and handling specialized equipment.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SURG 100 | Introduction to Surgical Technology | 2 |
| SURG 105 | Basic Sciences for Surgical Technologists | 5 |
| SURG 110 | Surgical Patient Care Concepts | 5 |
| SURG 112 | Surgical Skills Lab | 5 |
| SURG 115 | Surgical Specialties | 4 |
| SURG 120 | Surgical Technology Practicum I | 5 |
| SURG 122 | Surgical Technology Practicum II | 4.5 |
| Total Units: | 30.5 |
The Surgical Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local CRC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Admission to the Surgical Technology Program requires the following minimum entrance requirements. Credit may be given for previous comparable coursework. A minimum grade of "C" or better is required in all prerequisites:
- High school diploma or GED
- Human Anatomy equivalent to BIOL 430 and 431
- Medical Terminology equivalent to AH 311
- Microbiology equivalent to BIOL 440
- English equivalent to ENGL C1000 (formerly known as ENGWR 300)
Enrollment Process
Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:
- Admission to the Surgical Technology Program is by special application only. Students are chosen by random lottery process if demand exceeds capacity.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- PSLO #1: Demonstrate knowledge of surgical instruments and equipment handling across various surgical specialties.
- PSLO #2: Implement appropriate surgical protocols and procedures in various clinical settings, including aseptic technique and infection control.
- PSLO #3: Demonstrate competence in assisting surgeons before, during, and after surgical procedures.
- PSLO #4: Demonstrate professional behaviors appropriate for an entry-level surgical technologist.
Career Information
Surgical Technologists can work in Labor and Delivery rooms in hospitals, and/or in Operating rooms in hospitals, surgery centers and surgeon's offices. With additional education they can work as supervisors of Sterile Processing Units or instructors of surgical technology programs.