Surgical Technology Degrees
NMC has partnered with Munson Medical Center to offer an associate degree surgical technology program. Prospective students complete all prerequisite courses before applying to the Surgical Technologist Program.
A cohort of up to 10 students is offered each year. The Surgical Technology courses take four semesters to complete (one of those during the summer). The clinical component is held at Munson, the Surgery Center, or other Munson affiliates.
About Surgical Technology Careers
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies.
Successful surgical techs enjoy a fast-paced environment, work quickly under pressure, and have excellent communication skills. They are good at anticipating the needs of the medical team and the patient. Potential areas of specialization include:
- Orthopedics
- General Surgery
- Gynecology
- Urology
- ENT
- da Vinci robotic surgical system
- Neurosurgery
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Endovascular
- Ophthalmic
- Podiatric
- Pain Procedures
Explore careers related to this program
Program Accreditation
The Surgical Technology Program at Northwestern Michigan College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs ( www.caahep.org) on the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th Street
Seminole FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org
Graduation Year |
# of Students Accepted |
# of Graduates |
Program Retention Rate |
CST Exam Pass Rate |
Job Placement Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
May 2017 |
10 |
8 |
80% |
87.5% |
87.5% |
|
Dec. 2017 |
10 |
7 |
70% |
85% |
100% |
|
Dec. 2018 |
11 |
8 |
72% |
87.5% |
100% |
|
Dec. 2019 |
13 |
7 |
53% |
75% |
86% |
|
Dec. 2020 |
10 |
6 |
60% |
67% |
100% |
|
Dec. 2021 |
10 |
5 |
50% |
100% |
100% |
|
Dec. 2022 |
7 |
5 |
71% |
100% |
100% |
|
Tuition Rates (per contact hour): |
In-District |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Education Courses |
$126.00 |
$269.00 |
$350.00 |
$394.00 |
|
Surgical Technology Courses |
$151.00 |
$308.00 |
$399.00 |
$451.00 |
|
Tuition Costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
General Education Contacts — 28 |
$3,528.00 |
$7,532.00 |
$9,800.00 |
$11,032.00 |
|
Surgical Technology Contacts — 63.5 |
$9,588.50 |
$19,558.00 |
$25,336.50 |
$28,638.50 |
|
Note: Tuition is paid on the contact hour. |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL TUITION |
$13,116.50 |
$27,090.00 |
$35,136.50 |
$39,670.50 |
|
Additional College Fees: |
|
|
|
|
|
General fee: $33.00/contact hour |
$3,019.50 |
$3,019.50 |
$3,019.50 |
$3,019.50 |
|
Health Services fee: $40/semester (fall and spring only) |
$120.00 |
$120.00 |
$120.00 |
$120.00 |
|
(applies to students taking 6 or more contacts) |
|
|
|
|
|
Class & Materials Fees |
$1,203.00 |
$1,203.00 |
$1,203.00 |
$1,203.00 |
|
Surgical Technology Program Fees and Related Costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
Criminal Background Check |
$30.00 |
$30.00 |
$30.00 |
$30.00 |
|
Drug Screen |
$38.00 |
$38.00 |
$38.00 |
$38.00 |
|
Health exam, blood tests, immunizations |
$250.00 |
$250.00 |
$250.00 |
$250.00 |
|
Books |
$520.00 |
$520.00 |
$520.00 |
$520.00 |
|
iPad |
$399.00 |
$399.00 |
$399.00 |
$399.00 |
|
AST Membership & Certification Fee |
$247.00 |
$247.00 |
$247.00 |
$247.00 |
|
TOTAL FEES |
$5,826.50 |
$5,826.50 |
$5,826.50 |
$5,826.50 |
|
TOTAL TUITION AND FEES |
$18,943.00 |
$32,916.50 |
$40,963.00 |
$45,497.00 |
All fees are approximate and are subject to change. Additional class fees may apply. Health exam estimated costs based on NMC Health Services and assumes student needs all required immunizations.
Revised 8/13/24
Note: For more information on how COA component estimates are calculated, see the bottom of the Tuition and Fees page.
Enrolled students can find their own calculated Cost of Attendance in NMC Self-Service under Financial Aid. Others can use the Net Price Calculator to estimate the total annual cost of attending NMC based on their program and enrollment plans, along with financial aid eligibility.
Job Outlook
Surgical technologists are in demand. Job and career opportunities exist in Traverse City and the surrounding areas. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth of 5% to 10% over the period 2020–2030.
Median earnings for surgical technologists in the Grand Traverse Area were $23.00 an hour in 2021.
