Train for a Hands-On Role in the Operating Room.
Build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support surgical teams and help patients through critical moments of care. The Pre-Health Professions: Surgical Technology (A.A.S.) program prepares you for entry-level surgical technology roles. You will study essential healthcare topics, complete required coursework, and gain focused surgical technology education through a partnership with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.
What makes our program stand out?
- Hospital-Based Partnership: Offered in partnership with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, combining college coursework with specialized classroom and clinical experience.
- Clear Path To Degree: Complete general education and major requirements through the College, while earning block transfer credit from Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology toward the degree.
- Career-Focused Curriculum: Coursework prepares you for the real demands of the surgical setting, including anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical terminology, law and ethics, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and operating techniques.
- Strong Foundation: The program supports future growth in surgical specialties and related healthcare areas, helping you prepare for more than one career path.
Why Enroll in Our Program?
- Pathway to Career: Surgical technologists play an important role in the operating room by assisting surgeons, nurses, and other surgical personnel before, during, and after procedures.
- Range of Opportunities: Graduates may pursue roles in surgical specialties, sterile processing, labor and delivery, anesthesia technology, materials management, medical sales, private practice support, and more.
- Learn Skills Employers Value: Build practical knowledge in patient preparation, operating room setup, instrument handling, surgical support, and safety procedures.
- Develop Critical Thinking and Clinical Excellence: Emphasis on scientific knowledge, sound judgment, and caring professional practice to help find success in fast-paced clinical environments.
- Future-Focused: Support long-term opportunities in education, travel surgical technology, research support, military service, consulting, and other healthcare-related paths.
How and Where You Will Study
Students can enroll in this program in a variety of ways.
- In-Person at the Richland Campus and the Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology: Students attend daytime classes in person at the Richland Campus, while clinical courses are held at the Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology.
Partnership with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College accepts a block transfer of 30 credits from Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology towards an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Pre-Health Professions – Surgical Technology.
To earn the Associate of Applied Science Degree, students must first apply to and be accepted by the Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology. Eligibility requires meeting all admission criteria set by the School of Surgical Technology, which includes completing any prerequisite coursework with a satisfactory grade of C or higher.
Program availability:
- Richland Campus (Some classes will be held at the Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.)
