Surgical Tech Program Overview
The Surgical Technologist program is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to begin a career as a surgical technologist and become a vital member of the healthcare team. The program prepares the students to work in hospitals, surgical centers, or outpatient medical facilities.
The Surgical Technologist training program will provide the student with an understanding of various surgical procedures necessary to anticipate the needs of the operating room team members. Students will learn to apply the principles of sterilization, disinfection, and aseptic and sterile techniques while using supplies and equipment to prepare for surgery. This knowledge will be demonstrated by the ability to position patients and to prepare instrumentation, equipment, and supplies appropriate for surgeries.
The program concludes with an externship to a hospital or ambulatory center to provide hands-on working experience. The curriculum exceeds the criteria set forth in the current CAAHEP Standards and guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Surgical Technology.
Course Listing
What Surgical Technologists Do
Experienced Instructors
All the instructors at Great Lakes have years of experience working in the field. In fact many instructors continue to work in the field while also teaching at Great Lakes.
Lifetime Job Placement Assistance
We offer job placement assistance to all graduates, regardless of when they graduated. If you find yourself out of work years down the road, feel free contact our Career Services department for assistance.
Nationally Accredited School
Great Lakes is nationally accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. In 2017, the last year eligible, Great Lakes was named a School of Excellence by ACCSC for rigorous adherence to their educational standards.
Job Placement Sites
Below is a list of recent job placement sites that graduates of the Surgical Technologist program found employment.
Program Specific Accreditation
The Surgical Technologist program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158, Clearwater FL 33763, (727) 210-2350, www.caahep.org, upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), 6 W. Dry Creek Circle, Suite #210, Littleton, CO 80120, (303) 694-9262, www.arcst.org. The program is currently in good standing. All students must sit for the Certified Surgical Technician (CST) exam prior to graduation. Obtaining CST certification is mandatory for employment in Pennsylvania.
Graduate Testimonials

Amanda Caraballo, CST
AHN Saint Vincent
“Attending Great Lakes Institute of Technology definitely helped prepare me for my career in the O.R. I am a hands-on learner, so it was a great experience to be able to take in the information from the textbook and lectures, then apply that right after during lab. The skills I learned during my time at Great Lakes led me to become a better surgical technologist and I was hired during externship because of those skills”

Kenia Murillo-Becerra, CST
UPMC Hamot
“I recently graduated from Great Lakes Institute of Technology. I enjoyed the Surgical Technologist program very much. The teachers I had at Great Lakes were super helpful and listen to your concerns. The environment was welcoming and friendly, I’ve met amazing teachers and made new friends while being there. I’m happy I chose to attend Great Lakes.”
Great Lakes By The Numbers
Financial Aid Available
We understand that furthering your education in pursuit of a new career is a costly investment. Great Lakes offers financial aid to those that qualify. Our dedicated financial aid advisors will cover all funding options with you, including grants, scholarships, state, and federal aid.