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If you’d like to learn more about the Surgical Technology program, we’d love to talk with you.
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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
Apply Now – Secure Your Spot in Pre-Program!
This program operates on a petition process. To be eligible to enroll in program classes, students must first complete petition requirements and go through the petition process.
Before submitting an application, be sure to:
- Review the Petition section.
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-1 year wait time 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.
- Make sure you can meet the program’s essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, petition requirements, and complete the petition process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Beginning Fall 2026 – Secure Your Spot on the Waiting List!
This program operates on a waiting list. To be eligible to enroll in program classes, students must first complete academic preparedness requirements and go through the declaration process.
Before submitting an application, be sure to:
- Review the Waiting List section.
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-1 year wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
- Program Capacity: 20 spots each Fall semester. Up to 6 students who have an apprenticeship contract with an employer sponsor.
- Make sure you can meet the program’s essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
Need help? Learn more about the Madison College experience and get support with your application.
Start your application today and take the next step toward your career goals!
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. 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.
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Waiting List
Beginning Fall 2026
This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program. A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will complete the declaration process.
Pre-core students can run their Degree Progress Report to confirm which academic preparedness requirements are satisfied/not satisfied and view specific ways to satisfy requirements.
Mandatory workshop in Brightspace
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
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Petition
This program uses a petition process to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program. A petition process helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
This program has petition requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. When you’ve completed all petition requirements, you will complete the petition process.
Pre-program students can run their Degree Progress Report to confirm which petition requirements are satisfied/not satisfied and view specific ways to satisfy requirements.
Mandatory workshop in Brightspace
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
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.