Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science

Surgical Technician

Surgical Technicians are skilled individuals tasked with the responsibility of passing sterile operating instruments to surgeons. This specific skill set involves assisting as needed during surgical procedures that may include holding instruments, setting up equipment, and specimen handling for laboratory analysis. Surgical technician duties may include preparing operating rooms, equipment sterilization, maintaining a sterile environment, and providing support as needed to the surgical team. This Michigan Workforce Training and Education Collaborative (MWTEC) program provides the skills and knowledge needed for competent practice through hands-on learning and encouraging professional growth.

Before applying for this program

Candidates for this program must be currently employed with a participating healthcare employer and be hired as an apprentice to be able to participate in this program. This associate degree is designed as an apprenticeship program with hospital-based clinical education delivered in partnership with Corewell Health South.

Upon acceptance into the apprenticeship program with Corewell Health South and acceptance into Lake Michigan College, students will also work with MiWorks upon completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if additional funding is needed for program costs.

How the Surgical Technician Apprenticeship program works

This program is offered in partnership with other Michigan Workforce Training and Education Collaborative (MWTEC) colleges. Each college enrolls students in the program under their admission criteria and awards the degree according to that college’s completion requirements. Students in the program complete the Surgical Technician courses in an online environment by the host college through MWTEC.

Clinical education is arranged through the collaborative’s educational coordinator in collaboration with surgery departments of affiliated hospitals.  Upon program completion, students will have met the necessary objectives and obtain the skills and experiences for eligibility to take the exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become a Certified Surgical Technician (CST).