Make a difference in the lives of surgical patients with a Surgical Technology associate
degree at OCC. In as little as two years, confidently work in healthcare alongside
doctors, nurses and anesthesiologists. You’re calm under pressure, able to lift and move patients and have plenty of stamina
to stay focused, day in and day out. Work in operating rooms, surgical centers or
private office settings. This could be your calling—we’ll help you get started.
Coming Soon!
In 2026, the Surgical Tech program will move to the new, state-of-the-art Health Sciences
building on our Orchard Ridge Campus. Here, you will meet and work with expert caring
faculty, staff, and students in all the healthcare disciplines – just as you’ll experience
in the field. Check out the new facilities.
Set the Stage for Surgeons to Work Their Magic
As a surgical technologist, you work under the supervision of a surgeon to assist
in the safe and effective care during surgical procedures. Your job is important.
You help ensure the:
Operating room environment is sterile
Equipment is arranged and in proper working order
Procedures are conducted with the highest standards of safety
You remain actively engaged with the surgical team throughout the surgery, from start
to finish. The person at the surgeon’s elbow in Grey’s Anatomy—that could be you.
From Lecture to Lab: Hear It, See It, Do It
Your OCC instructors and mentors are experienced practitioners in the medical field.
They are passionate about your success. Classes are small and focused.
Upon graduation, you’re ready to get to work. Hands-on labs and clinical training
condition you for a wide range of patient care experiences.
A Growing Industry With Good Pay
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of surgical assistants
and technologists will grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all
occupations.
Job Market Outlook
Is Surgical Technology Right for Me?
To succeed as a surgical technologist, you need to have strong communication and interpersonal
skills to interact with patients and healthcare teams. You should be self-motivated
with good physical health. You also need:
Strong Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with
patients and healthcare teams.
Emotional Maturity: The ability to remain calm under pressure, respect patient privacy and demonstrate
empathy is crucial in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Self-Motivation: Proactive learners with strong time management and problem-solving skills will thrive
in this demanding program.
Dedication: A commitment to academic excellence and a willingness to balance coursework with
clinical responsibilities is required.
Physical Fitness: Good physical health, including strength, stamina and hand-eye coordination, is essential
for assisting with surgical procedures.
What You Need to Be Successful in the Surgical Tech Program
To succeed in OCC’s surgical tech program, you need to meet our technical standards:
Academic: Master medical terminology, analyze patient data, conduct research.
Interpersonal: Collaborate, communicate clearly, build rapport with diverse patient populations,
classmates and instructors.
Clinical: Use knowledge of surgical procedures and equipment to make critical thinking decisions
and make rapid decisions and apply theory to practice.
Physical: Ability to transport equipment and patients, perform CPR, interpret orders, observe
patients, move quickly within workspace and respond to verbal and nonverbal cues.
Technical: Computer proficiency, documentation and adherence to HIPAA.
Begin Your Journey: Attend a Program Information Sessions
Register for a required upcoming information session. You will learn about:
Program requirements
Theory classes
ADD Application process
Labs
Clinical phases
How to succeed
Information Sessions
All information sessions are approximately 2 hours long. You must reserve a spot
to attend. Sessions that are offered via Zoom require that your camera is on for the
entire session.
This program actively accepts new students. We admit approximately 25 students per
cohort. Cohorts begin once per year, every July.
Program Goals
The goal of the Surgical Technology Program is to prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists
who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective
(behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. The instruction includes a robust academic curriculum for Surgical Technology education
that encompasses:
Learner-based theoretical education
Inter-professional education
Simulation education
Health care competency assessment
Clinical education
Full-Time Commitment
As a full-time student, you'll spend 16-32 hours in class, 3 days in clinicals, and
15-20 hours studying weekly.
Face-to-face Learning Community
Surgical tech classes meet in-person at the Southfield campus. Clinicals are held in medical centers across metro Detroit. In fall of 2026 our
Health Sciences programs will be moving to the Orchard Ridge campus. Learn more about the new location.
Coursework Prepares You to Practice
Your coursework blends foundational courses in humanities and sciences with specialized
training in surgical care.
Pharmacology for the Surgical Technologist
Foundations of Surgical Technology I
Foundations of Surgical Technology II
Surgical Procedures I
Surgical Procedures II
Surgical Instrumentation & Equipment
Clinicals at Local Area Hospitals
Clinicals run from January through June. You go on site three days a week for eight
hours per day. Think of this as a job while you continue to attend class.
We try to keep you at one site throughout the clinical experience, whenever possible.
You should expect the following:
Clinical sites within a 75-mile radius and assigned by the program
Your clinical assignment will be held at one of our affiliated hospital partners:
Did you know that the OCC Surgical Technology students have a 90% certification
exam pass rate? We on average have the best pass rate in the Detroit metro area, and local employers
love to hire our graduates.
A Career With Endless Possibilities
Want to advance your career further? OCC partners with Eastern Michigan University,
Oakland University, Wayne State University, and more to offer seamless transfer options
for a bachelor's degree. OCC Surgical Technologist graduates have gone on to become:
Nurses
Physician Assistants
Surgical First Assistants
Surgical Technology Educator
Medical Device Representatives
And more!
Start Your Someday at OCC
Begin with a degree from the leading surgical technology program in the metro area
for program completion and national certification pass rate.
How to Become a Surgical Technologist at OCC
It takes most students one to two years of prerequisites to prepare to enter the OCC
Surgical Technology program and an additional year to get through the program. Before
successful admission to the program, you must complete course prerequisites and meet
all eligibility requirements.
Attend a Surgical Technology Program Information Session
Register for a required information session. Find a session that works best for you.
Complete All Required Prerequisites
Most students complete their prerequisites in one year. Each of your pre-requisite
courses must be completed with a grade of B or better
Microbiology
Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
Computer Literacy
Composition I
Composition II or Professional Communication
Medical Law and Ethics
Introduction to Psychology
Math Requirement: MAT1125 completed with a B or higher
Your Fine Arts requirement must be completed with a grade of C or better
Fine Arts/Humanities Requirement: Complete two courses from the Fine Arts/Humanities
Michigan Transfer Agreement Distribution list.
Apply to the Surgical Technology Program
Applications to this program are due every December. Admission selections are revealed
by March 31.
At the end of the fall semester (of year one) meet with your counselor to complete the official Surgical Technology application for admission and checklist.
Attend a Record Review
After you successfully complete the prerequisites, you must attend a record review
session with the Program Director or designee.
Other Eligibility Requirements
All surgical tech students must maintain current health records, CPR certification,
liability insurance, and TB clearance. For detailed program policies, contact the surgical tech program director.
Though not required for admission, you must provide proof of additional eligibility
requirements before classes start:
Criminal Background Check
You must pass a criminal background check to be admitted to the surgical tech program.
Felonies within the past 10 years or misdemeanors within the past 5 years may disqualify
you from the program.
Drug Screening
You must pass a drug test to be admitted to the Surgical Technology program. Drug
use is prohibited on campus and in clinical settings. Details about the drug testing
process will be provided to admitted students.
Health Insurance
You are required to have health insurance, as the college does not cover accidents
or illnesses.
Physician Exams & Immunizations
Physical exams and immunizations are required before starting clinicals, including
TB tests or chest x-rays.
Annual TB screening: Mandatory for all students.
Required vaccines: Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, Hepatitis
B (or declination), and annual influenza.
You must have a current BLS Healthcare Provider Certification before starting clinicals.
Certification must be maintained.
Credentials Received & Accreditation
The program prepares selected individuals through theory and clinical experiences
to practice as a surgical technologist in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates
must pass the national credential exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting to practice as a Certified Surgical Technologist, or CST.
