Get ready to take the fast pass to CVTC!  August 7  |  2 - 7 PM Learn More

What can we help you find?

Can't Find What You Need?

Chat with an Admissions Advisor by closing the search window and then clicking the chat icon at the bottom.

Give us a call at 715-833-6300.

Or send us an email at therightchoice@cvtc.edu

Log into Student CommonsSearch CVTC.edu Toggle main menu 

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Log into Student CommonsSearch CVTC.edu  
Submit Search 

Program Requirements

Home  //  Programs & Courses  //  Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Surgical Technology

Associate Degree 10-512-1

www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882

Start Dates: June

Effective: June 2025

First Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
501-101 Medical Terminology 3   This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis, and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition, and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.
Course #: 501-101
Title: Medical Terminology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis, and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition, and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.
806-177 Gen Anatomy & Physiology 4 836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test Score Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.
Course #: 806-177
Title: Gen Anatomy & Physiology
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test Score Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.
  Total Credits: 7  
Total Credits: 7

Second Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
512-125 Intro to Surgical Technology 4 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 806-177 and 501-101 or M101 Test Score; Corequisite: 512-126 Provides the foundational knowledge of the occupational environment. Principles of sterilization and disinfection are learned. Surgical instruments are introduced. Preoperative patient care concepts are simulated. Lab practice is included.
Course #: 512-125
Title: Intro to Surgical Technology
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 806-177 and 501-101 or M101 Test Score; Corequisite: 512-126 Provides the foundational knowledge of the occupational environment. Principles of sterilization and disinfection are learned. Surgical instruments are introduced. Preoperative patient care concepts are simulated. Lab practice is included.
512-126 Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1 4 Program student; 806-177 and 501-101 or M101 Test Score; Corequisite: 512-125, 512-127 Focuses on preparing the patient and operating room for surgery. Principles of sterile technique are emphasized as the student moves into the scrub role. Lab practice is included.
Course #: 512-126
Title: Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; 806-177 and 501-101 or M101 Test Score; Corequisite: 512-125, 512-127 Focuses on preparing the patient and operating room for surgery. Principles of sterile technique are emphasized as the student moves into the scrub role. Lab practice is included.
512-127 Exploring Surgical Issues 2 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; Corequisite: 512-126 Explores a variety of issues related to surgical technology. Emphasis is placed on becoming a professional member of the surgical team.
Course #: 512-127
Title: Exploring Surgical Issues
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; Corequisite: 512-126 Explores a variety of issues related to surgical technology. Emphasis is placed on becoming a professional member of the surgical team.
806-197 Microbiology 4 806-177 or 806-207 This course examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth, and the relationship between humans and microorganisms. Disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms, and the medical impact of microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology are also addressed.
Course #: 806-197
Title: Microbiology
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 806-177 or 806-207 This course examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth, and the relationship between humans and microorganisms. Disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms, and the medical impact of microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology are also addressed.
  Total Credits: 14  
Total Credits: 14

Third Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
512-128 Surgical Tech Fundamentals 2 4 Program student; (512-127 or S127 Test Score) and 806-197 and 512-125 and (512-126 or S126 Test Score) and (501-101 or M101 Test Score); Corequisite: 512-129 Focuses on enhancing surgical technology skills while functioning as a sterile team member. Lab is included.
Course #: 512-128
Title: Surgical Tech Fundamentals 2
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; (512-127 or S127 Test Score) and 806-197 and 512-125 and (512-126 or S126 Test Score) and (501-101 or M101 Test Score); Corequisite: 512-129 Focuses on enhancing surgical technology skills while functioning as a sterile team member. Lab is included.
512-129 Surgical Pharmacology 2 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 512-125 and (512-126 or S126 Test Score) Basic study of drug classifications, care, and handling of drugs and solutions, application of mathematical principles in dosage calculations, and terminology related to pharmacology, anesthesia, and drugs used in surgery.
Course #: 512-129
Title: Surgical Pharmacology
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 512-125 and (512-126 or S126 Test Score) Basic study of drug classifications, care, and handling of drugs and solutions, application of mathematical principles in dosage calculations, and terminology related to pharmacology, anesthesia, and drugs used in surgery.
512-130 Surgical Skills Application 2 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; 512-125 and (512-126 or S126 Test Score) and 512-128 or concurrent; Corequisite: 512-129 Provides a transition from the academic to the clinical setting. Learners integrate the surgical technologist skills as they apply to various surgical procedures.
Course #: 512-130
Title: Surgical Skills Application
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; 512-125 and (512-126 or S126 Test Score) and 512-128 or concurrent; Corequisite: 512-129 Provides a transition from the academic to the clinical setting. Learners integrate the surgical technologist skills as they apply to various surgical procedures.
809-198 Intro to Psychology 3   This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.
Course #: 809-198
Title: Intro to Psychology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.
801-136 English Composition 1 3   This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.
Course #: 801-136
Title: English Composition 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.
  or  
or
801-219 English Composition 1 3   English Composition 1 develops critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both exposition and argumentation. The course emphasizes college-level writing skills supported by reasoning, organization, and language conventions for research, presentations, and other discourse.
Course #: 801-219
Title: English Composition 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   English Composition 1 develops critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both exposition and argumentation. The course emphasizes college-level writing skills supported by reasoning, organization, and language conventions for research, presentations, and other discourse.
  Total Credits: 14  
Total Credits: 14

Fourth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
512-131 Surgical Interventions 1 4 Program student; 512-128 and 512-130 Provides the foundational knowledge of surgical core and specialty procedures. Examines the pathophysiology, diagnostic interventions, health sciences, and surgical techniques for a variety of procedures.
Course #: 512-131
Title: Surgical Interventions 1
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; 512-128 and 512-130 Provides the foundational knowledge of surgical core and specialty procedures. Examines the pathophysiology, diagnostic interventions, health sciences, and surgical techniques for a variety of procedures.
512-132 Surgical Technology Clinical 1 3 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 512-128 and 512-130 Apply basic surgical theories, principles, and procedural techniques in the operating room. Students begin to function as team members under the guidance of the instructor and authorized clinical personnel.
Course #: 512-132
Title: Surgical Technology Clinical 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 512-128 and 512-130 Apply basic surgical theories, principles, and procedural techniques in the operating room. Students begin to function as team members under the guidance of the instructor and authorized clinical personnel.
512-133 Surgical Technology Clinical 2 3 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; 512-132 and 512-131 or concurrent Further experience in a clinical setting allows the student to continue to improve technical skills while accepting more responsibilities during surgical procedures.
Course #: 512-133
Title: Surgical Technology Clinical 2
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; 512-132 and 512-131 or concurrent Further experience in a clinical setting allows the student to continue to improve technical skills while accepting more responsibilities during surgical procedures.
801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Comm 3   Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
Course #: 801-196
Title: Oral/Interpersonal Comm
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
  Total Credits: 13  
Total Credits: 13

Fifth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
512-135 Surgical Technology Clinical 3 3 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 512-131 and 512-133 Further experience in a clinical setting allows the student to continue to improve technical skills while accepting more responsibilities during surgical procedures.
Course #: 512-135
Title: Surgical Technology Clinical 3
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 512-131 and 512-133 Further experience in a clinical setting allows the student to continue to improve technical skills while accepting more responsibilities during surgical procedures.
512-136 Surgical Technology Clinical 4 3 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; 512-135 and 512-142 or concurrent During this clinical course, the student will function relatively independently. Serves as a transition from a student perspective to an employee by utilizing advanced skills for an entry level Surgical Technologist.
Course #: 512-136
Title: Surgical Technology Clinical 4
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; 512-135 and 512-142 or concurrent During this clinical course, the student will function relatively independently. Serves as a transition from a student perspective to an employee by utilizing advanced skills for an entry level Surgical Technologist.
512-142 Surgical Interventions II 4 Program student; 512-131 and 512-133 Expands knowledge of core and specialty surgical procedures by incorporating pathophysiology, diagnostic interventions, health sciences, and surgical techniques.
Course #: 512-142
Title: Surgical Interventions II
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; 512-131 and 512-133 Expands knowledge of core and specialty surgical procedures by incorporating pathophysiology, diagnostic interventions, health sciences, and surgical techniques.
809-196 Intro to Sociology 3   This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology, including culture, race, socialization, gender, group behavior, deviance, social stratification, and social change. Students will use the sociological perspective to analyze major social institutions, multiculturalism, and social issues affecting our selves and society. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to strengthen and demonstrate these perspectives and skills. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, and learning activities include applying sociological theory to current issues in society. The focus is on how social factors and forces influence beliefs and behaviors, both in our personal lives and at work.
Course #: 809-196
Title: Intro to Sociology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology, including culture, race, socialization, gender, group behavior, deviance, social stratification, and social change. Students will use the sociological perspective to analyze major social institutions, multiculturalism, and social issues affecting our selves and society. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to strengthen and demonstrate these perspectives and skills. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, and learning activities include applying sociological theory to current issues in society. The focus is on how social factors and forces influence beliefs and behaviors, both in our personal lives and at work.
  Total Credits: 13  
Total Credits: 13

Course Title

###-### | # Credits

Course Description

Find Upcoming Sections

Minimum Program Credits Required: 61

Grade of B- required for program core courses

Grade of C required for general education courses

2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.

Updated: 4/25/2024 12:53 p.m.  |  Printed: 7/31/2025 4:39 p.m.

Print Page

Join Us To

Experience CVTC for Yourself

Explore CampusAttend an EventSchedule a Visit
Go Back to Top Tell us who you are!
I'm a(n)
Schedule
a visitApply
todayChat
with us