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If you’d like to learn more about the Surgical Technology program, we’d love to talk with you.
We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step.
Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Financial Aid Available
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Program Overview
Surgical technologists are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. The Surgical Technology program at Madison College will prepare you to enter this important healthcare field.
A surgical technologist works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.
A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic techniques. They combine knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation of tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
Students who are successful in becoming surgical technologists:
- Possess a strong sense of responsibility, considerable patience and concern for others
- Function well in a team
- Possess manual dexterity and fine motor coordination
- Perform accurately and efficiently under pressure
Please note that after acceptance to this program, you will be required to complete a background check and provide documentation of current required immunizations and current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
Surgical Technology Program Details
Wisconsin law requires background checks for persons who provide care for others or have access to people who receive care. This law applies to students in many School of Health Sciences programs. Please review the Caregiver Background Check information on the School of Health Sciences Forms and Policies.
ALL accepted (petitioned-awarded) Surgical Technology students will need to complete a 10-panel urine drug test prior to the start of the fall semester.
Students in the Surgical Technology program must attend full-time.
Classes are offered Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm.
Surgical Technology classes are held at Madison College's Truax campus.
Graduates of Madison College's one-year Surgical Technologist diploma program can pursue further education to obtain an associate degree.
Surgical Technology Careers
Earning your Surgical Technology degree at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as a:
- Surgical Technologist
- OB Technician
- Central Supply Technician
- Private Scrub Technologist
- Second Assisting
- First Assisting Technologist
- GI Technician
- Laser/Endoscopic Technician
- Tissue/Organ Procurement
- Material Manager
- Claims Approver
- Surgical Sales Representative
- Vet Technician
Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education and/or experience.
Surgical Technology Program Resources
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
Pre-ProgramFirst SemesterSecond SemesterThird SemesterFourth Semester -
Admission
To Apply
Students need to complete the petition process to get into core-program classes for this program. Before submitting an application, it’s important to review the Petition Process webpage which also includes estimated wait times for each program.
- View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials, and requirements
- There is currently 0-1 year between acceptance into pre-program and the start of core classes. The estimated time to enter the core program is subject to change based on the variable number of students ready to petition each semester.
- During the course of the program, you must demonstrate the ability to perform these essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations to help you perform these functions, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
- Learn more about the Madison College experience and get help with the admissions process
After Acceptance
Once you have been accepted in a pre-program status, your next step is to complete the Petition Requirements. See the Petition information in the next section.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission and petition requirements. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Surgical Technology career.
- View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials, and requirements
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Petition
After Admission (Petition Requirements)
Run a Degree Progress Report to confirm which pre-program requirements are satisfied/not satisfied and specific ways to satisfy requirements.
Complete the Petition Requirements for Surgical Technology. Courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. A grade of C- will not be accepted.
Mandatory workshop in BlackBoard
Prerequisites:
- Algebra (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in a related biological science)
- Chemistry (high school or college coursework)
- English and Reading (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree)
Course Requirements:
- Anatomy and Physiology: Choose one course
- General Anatomy and Physiology
- Anatomy and Physiology 2
- Medical Terminology
Petitioning
This program petitions for entry into the following term:
- Fall - Petition window opens on April 1
Review the Petition Process for details on how and when to petition.
After Petitioning
If awarded a seat, you will receive instructions regarding the below required items. If you do not complete the required items, it may result in losing your seat and starting the application process from the beginning.
- Healthcare Provider CPR Certification
- Health Screening Form
- Background Information Disclosure Form (Criminal Background Check). An acceptable background check is required prior to starting clinical courses.
- Enrollment in core program courses. Students who are awarded a seat are expected to start the core program courses for the awarded term. Students who choose not to begin the core program courses or are not able to begin core program courses may be discontinued from pre-program status.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Surgical Technologist program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be prepared to:
- Apply healthcare and technological science principles to the perioperative environment.
- Maintain principles of sterile technique in the surgical environment.
- Provide a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for the patient.
- Prepare the patient, operating room and surgical team for the preoperative phase.
- Perform intraoperative case management in the scrub role.
- Perform postoperative case management.
- Function as an ethical, legal and professional member of the healthcare team as determined by governing bodies.
A comprehensive course portfolio will be required for graduation.