About Surgical Technology

Clinical learning experiences in an operating room and related areas are an integral part of the Surgical Technology program. This program is offered in both traditional classroom instruction and online learning settings. Training includes but is not limited to performing a surgical hand scrub, gowning and gloving, setting up the operating room with sterile supplies, instruments, equipment, medications and fluids needed during surgery; preparing patients for surgery by performing a surgical skin prep of the areas on which the surgeon will operate; passing instruments and other sterile supplies to the surgeon; transporting patients to and from the operating room; communication, interpersonal skills, legal and ethical responsibilities.

The mission of the OTC Surgical Technology program is to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (hands-on skills), and affective (professional behavior; conduct) learning domains.

Program of study

The program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of occupational completion points (OCPs), linked to employment opportunities established by the Florida Department of Education based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Academic skill level required to complete the program: Grade 10 math, grade 11 language, and reading.

* OCP A, Basic Healthcare Worker, is the foundation of the majority of health-related programs of study. If the student has high school credit for Health Science I and Health Science 2 or an applicant can demonstrate the skills in those courses through a written and performance test for OCP A, the student may start with OCP B, Central Supply Technician.

Schedule and cost

The Surgical Technology program length is 1,440 hours.

For tuition, fees, and materials, see the 2026–27 Student Costs Chart.

Industry certifications

Industry certification and licensure

During the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Center for Competency Testing’s (NCCT) Tech in Surgery-Certified certification to become a certified surgical tech.

Program accreditation

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), on recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA Accreditation).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763 · (727) 210-2350

Where this program is offered

Surgical Technology is offered at one Orange Technical College campus:

• Main Campus — 301 West Amelia St, Orlando, FL 32801 · (407) 246-7060

Admissions requirements

• Valid government identification
• Two proofs of Florida residency for the in-state tuition rate
• Basic Skills Requirement: CASAS Reading Goals 2 and CASAS Math Goals 2

Basic Skills Exemption

Students may provide one of the following:

• Official college transcript showing a degree earned
• Official State of Florida public high school transcript (2007 or after)
• Official documentation of a passing score on a state-approved industry certification or licensure exam related to the program of study
• Official concordant test scores no more than 2 years old (PERT, GED®, SAT, ACT, WBST, Accuplacer)
• Active-duty military status

Paying for the program

Orange Technical College does not offer federal student loans, but provides pathways to fund your education through grants, scholarships, Veterans educational benefits, and alternative funding sources.

• Complete the FAFSA at Student Aid website
• Meet with a Financial Aid staff member at least 2 weeks before registration

FAFSA school codes

How to enroll

• Explore the program overview at Orange Technical College website or in the Admissions Office.
• Complete or update your student application.
• Meet with an Admissions Counselor to review the checklist and program information.
• Provide your official high school, GED®, or college transcript, if applicable.
• Provide disability documentation for accommodations, if applicable.
• Complete the Florida Residency Verification form (1 year of Florida residency is required for resident tuition rates).
• Take the CASAS Goals Test or provide proof of exemption, if applicable (government-issued photo ID required).
• Complete the FAFSA at Student Aid website, if applicable.
• Meet with a Financial Aid Office representative.
• Complete the online student orientation video, in the Admissions Office or from home.
• Register for class and complete the Model Release form.
• Make payment or bring a financial aid voucher to the Business Office to get your student schedule and ID badge. Both must be presented to your instructor on the first day of class.

Some programs have additional requirements. Your Admissions Counselor will confirm what applies to you.

Conduct and accessibility

Code of Student Conduct

Minimum standards of dress and grooming apply to all students; some programs have specific dress code requirements found in the Student Handbook and program orientation materials. The full Code of Student Conduct is available at OCPS website.

Students with disabilities

Orange Technical College is an Equal Access / Equal Opportunity institution, in compliance with Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Disclosure of a disability is voluntary. To be eligible for accommodations, provide appropriate documentation of a disability, dated within 5 years, to a counselor in Student Services or the Office of Admissions. All information is kept confidential.