Surgical Tech

Testimonials

Kalysta, Marquette Alternative High School / MATMC Apprentice “I never really knew what I wanted to do with life, so it was always very scary for me to think about my future. The Middle College helped me find out what I wanted to do and I think it's cool because now I can empower other women.”

Career Focus

Prepared for immediate employment, advanced certifications, and further education

Details

Students enrolled in the surgical technology associate degree program at NMU prepare to assist the surgeon and other members of the operating room team.

Duties

  • Setting up sterile trays and equipment for procedures
  • Scrubbing for procedures with the surgeon
  • Draping patients
  • Passing instruments
  • And holding retractors
  • Sterilizing instruments and supplies
  • Maintaining stock inventory

Michigan and National Employment & Wage Data

Bachelor's Degree or Higher

  • Athletic Trainer
  • Audiologists
  • Career/Technical Education Teachers
  • Chiropractors
  • Dentists
  • Dietitians and Nutritionists
  • Health Services Managers
  • Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  • Nurse Anesthetists 
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Optometrists
  • Pharmacists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physician Assistants 
  • Physicians and Surgeons
  • Registered Nurses
  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Veterinarians
  • Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Associate's Degree, Long-Term Training & Apprenticeships

  • Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians 
  • Chemical Technicians
  • Dental Hygienists
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  • Dietetic Technicians
  • Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
  • Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
  • Opticians, Dispensing
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Radiologic Technologists
  • Respiratory Therapists
  • Veterinary Technologists 

Certificate or Moderate-Term Training

  • Dental Assistants
  • Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics 
  • Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers 
  • Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
  • Massage Therapists
  • Medical Assistants
  • Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
  • Medical Transcriptionists
  • Nursing Assistants
  • Pharmacy Technicians
  • Phlebotomists
  • Surgical Technologists

High School Diploma or Equivalent & Short-Term Training

  • Healthcare Support Workers
  • Health Technologists and Technicians
  • Home Health Aides
  • Occupational Therapy Aides
  • Personal Care Aides
  • Physical Therapist Aides
  • Psychiatric Aides
  • Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
  • Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Students should inquire within their guidance office about high school curriculum requirements that may be satisfied through a college course, as this is determined individually by school district.

Students earn direct college credits from NMU at no cost.