Wisconsin Surgical Technician Training Programs and Schools

Surgical technicians, also called surgical technologists, work in the operating rooms of hospitals, clinics, or other surgical facilities under the supervision of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other surgical personnel. Technologists' responsibilities include the preparation, handling and maintenance of surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment. They are trained in the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, and surgical techniques, and they are responsible for maintaining a sterile, safe surgical environment during procedures.

Wisconsin Surgical Technician Schools

Accredited surgical technology programs in Wisconsin offer a technical diploma or an associate degree. Degree programs require general-education coursework on top of professional and clinical training in surgical technology, and they typically take at least two years to complete. Diploma programs typically are shorter in duration and require less general-education coursework.

• Chippewa Valley Technical College: The CVTC program in Eau Claire is a Technical Diploma program that takes approximately one year to complete. It is fully accredited and qualifies graduates to sit for certification exams.
  
  
• Madison Area Technical College: The Madison College program is a diploma program designed to be complete in two semesters. The program does require, however, that applicants complete pre-requisite courses in anatomy/physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, and written communication before beginning the program.
  
  
• Mid-State Technical College: The Mid-State program is a Diploma program designed to be complete in three semesters.
  
  
• Milwaukee Area Technical College: The MATC program awards graduates an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology. The program requires 68 hours of coursework, including 27 hours of general studies requirements.
  
  
• Moraine Park Technical College: This AAS program is designed to be completed in four terms, or approximately two years. Applicants to the program must complete pre-requisite courses in anatomy and physiology before beginning the surgical technology program.
  
  
• Northcentral Technical College: This diploma program typically takes three terms to complete, including the completion of pre-requisite courses in anatomy/physiology and medical terminology.
  
  
• Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College: This program, located in Green Bay, offers a diploma and may be completed in three semesters.
  
  
• Western Technical College: This five-semester program in La Crosse culminates in an AAS degree. Applicants must complete anatomy/physiology pre-requisite before beginning the program.

What to Expect from Wisconsin Surgical Technician Schools

Wisconsin's surgical technology programs train participants in surgical, medical, and healthcare topics. The subjects covered in the professional portions of these programs include:

• Microbiology
• Anesthesia/pharmacology
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy/physiology
• Clinical procedures
• Patient care
• Surgical techniques
• Pathophysiology
• Psychology

Degree-granted programs typically require more general-education coursework than Diploma programs do. The additional requirements generally include:

• College-level math
• English
• Communications
• General-education electives

Wisconsin Surgical Technician Certification

Surgical technologists do not need to hold a license from the state of Wisconsin to practice in the state. Professional certification, however, is generally required for a technologist to qualify for employment in most clinical settings. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) administers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification, the credential accepted as the industry standard. In order to be allowed to sit for the certification exams, candidates must have graduated from a surgical technology training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Resources for Surgical Technicians in Wisconsin

• National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Association of Surgical Technologists
• AST Wisconsin State Assembly