Surgical Technology is a Certificate program offered by Rockford Career College in Rockford, IL. Tuition is $28,000 total.
Program Overview
Surgical Technology Associate Degree
Ready to work side by side with surgeons in one of healthcare’s most critical environments? The Surgical Technology Associate Degree program at Rockford Career College blends lab practice, clinical experience, and classroom instruction to help you develop the precision and confidence needed for the operating room. If you thrive under pressure, enjoy technical work, and want to play a vital role in patient care, this program could be your path forward.
Through personalized instruction, hands-on externship experience, and mentorship from faculty with real-world surgical expertise, you’ll gain the practical and professional skills needed to assist in surgical procedures. You’ll learn how to support operating room teams and ensure patient safety throughout all phases of surgery—preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative.
What sets this Program apart
What Sets Our Surgical Technology Program Apart
- Hands-On Labs: Practice sterile setup, instrument handling, and surgical protocols in simulated OR environments.
- Externship Training: Apply your skills in real hospitals and surgical centers with the support of experienced staff.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from professionals who know the field and care about your success.
- Career Services Support: From resume help to job placement assistance, our team is here to guide you.
Admission Requirements and Process
Q: What are the admissions requirements?
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, complete an application, and take a digital readiness assessment. Additional screenings may be required for externship eligibility.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
DURATION
18 Months
CREDENTIALS:Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
FORMAT:Blended
CREDITS:102 quarter credit hours
Campus Location
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Financial Aid / Student Accounts / Consumer Disclosures
Financial aid resources are available to those who qualify. Interested applicants should set up an appointment with one of our friendly and knowledgeable financial aid administrators by calling 815-965-8616 or emailing: famanagement@rockfordcareercollege.edu
Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
The Rockford Career College Financial Aid Office will provide the following information:
- Financial Aid assistance including information on all federal, state and institutional financial aid programs.
- Deadlines for submitting applications for each financial aid program.
- Details regarding cost of attendance.
- Resources considered in the calculation of financial need and unmet need.
- Expected disbursement dates of financial aid.
- Refund and Return to Title IV financial aid policies.
- The regulations governing federal financial assistance programs are subject to change by the federal government. The Rockford Carer College Financial Aid Office has the most recent information.
Types Of Financial Aid
- Grants: A grant is based on financial need and does not need to be repaid if the student completes all requirements. This includes the Federal Pell Grant and FSEOG.
- Loans: Low-interest Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to those who qualify. Direct PLUS loans are available for parents of Dependent students who qualify.
- For more information on types of grants and loans available, refer to https://studentaid.gov/
Affording VET TECH Training
Worried about how to afford veterinary technician training? Let us help! Our friendly financial aid team is here to help you explore funding, scholarships, and grants to help make Rockford fit your budget.
Curriculum
What You’ll Learn
- Surgical Techniques & Procedures: Assist surgical teams through pre-op, intra-op, and post-op responsibilities with a focus on patient safety.
- Anatomy, Physiology & Microbiology: Understand the science behind the body’s systems and surgical environments.
- Medical Terminology & Pharmacology: Learn clinical language and medication knowledge for surgical prep and recovery.
- Surgical Instrumentation & Equipment: Practice sterile technique, room setup, and safe tool usage.
- Clinical Externship: Gain hands-on clinical exposure through multiple supervised externship modules in local healthcare settings.
Career Outcomes
Explore Surgical Technologist Careers in Healthcare
Surgical technologists are essential members of the surgical team, responsible for maintaining sterile environments, preparing instruments, and assisting during procedures to ensure patient safety and surgical efficiency. Graduates of Rockford Career College’s program are equipped with the technical skills and clinical knowledge needed to thrive in high-demand healthcare environments throughout Illinois and beyond.
Whether working in busy hospital operating rooms or specialized surgical centers, you’ll be prepared to begin a rewarding career where precision, teamwork, and dedication make a difference—every single day.
Graduates of the Surgical Technology program may pursue roles such as:
- Surgical Technologist
- Operating Room (OR) Technician
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in Illinois for Surgical Technologist is expected to increase by 3% between 2023 and 2033.1
What to expect as a Rockford Career College student
Gain the core surgical technology skills needed to support surgeons, maintain sterile environments, and assist with critical procedures in real operating rooms. Through a combination of classroom instruction, lab simulations, and clinical externships, you’ll develop the confidence and hands-on experience to step into your surgical tech career from day one.
Surgical Techniques & Procedures : Assist surgical teams through pre-op, intra-op, and post-op responsibilities with a focus on patient safety.
Anatomy, Physiology & Microbiology : Understand the science behind the body’s systems and surgical environments.
Medical Terminology & Pharmacology : Learn clinical language and medication knowledge for surgical prep and recovery.
Surgical Instrumentation & Equipment : Practice sterile technique, room setup, and safe tool usage.
By the end of the program, you’ll be prepared to walk into your first surgical tech role with the confidence that comes from real experience. It’s not just about learning—it’s about doing.
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