Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology is a dynamic and essential healthcare profession that places you at the heart of the operating room team. Surgical technologists play a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and successful surgical procedures. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, maintaining the sterile field, assisting surgeons during procedures, and providing vital support before, during, and after surgery.

As a surgical technologist, you will:

• Work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses in high-stakes environments 
• Handle specialized surgical instruments and sterile equipment 
• Anticipate the needs of the surgical team during procedures 
• Protect patients from infection by maintaining a strict sterile field 
• Contribute directly to life-saving interventions

This is a profession that demands focus, precision, and integrity—but also offers deep rewards. Surgical technologists are guardians of safety, champions of teamwork, and advocates for patients when they are most vulnerable.

Whether assisting in a routine procedure or a complex emergency, your skills and calm under pressure will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every single day.

Why Choose Surgical Technology?

• Fast-paced and hands-on work 
• Growing job demand across hospitals, surgery centers, and specialty clinics 
• Deep sense of purpose and professional pride 
• Opportunities for advancement in surgical assisting, education, and leadership

Campus Locations: Oxford and DeSoto 

Program Options:  

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – 2 years 
• Career Certificate – 1 year

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have a High School Diploma or GED on file with NWCC Admissions office
• Official transcripts must be on file prior to submitting application
• Have an ACT Composite Score (English, Math, Reading, & Science) of 16 or greater on file with the Office of Admissions and Records.
• Apply for general admission to Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Submit all required high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions
• Obtain your NWCC Student ID number (Need help? Visit: www.northwestms.edu > Students tab > MyNWCC Forgot ID)
• Complete the Surgical Technology Program Application
• Do not submit multiple applications to the same campus
• If applying to both Oxford and DeSoto campuses, submit a separate application for each

All eligible applications will be scored using a revised objective and holistic scoring rubric, which considers:

• ACT score
• GPA
• Prior healthcare experience and coursework
• Essay response
• (Probable) Interview

A copy of the scoring rubric and essay instructions can be found on the Surgical Technology Application Resources Page.

• It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are submitted by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Students must provide a valid and frequently checked email address.
• If you are not selected for admission in the current cycle, you must reapply in the next cycle to be considered again.

Your application essay is an important part of the selection process. It should reflect your own thoughts, experiences, and writing. Use of AI-generated content (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly) or outside authors is strongly discouraged. Essays that appear inauthentic or generic may negatively impact your score.

• Total Possible Points: 50
  • ACT Composite Score
    16–18 = 1 | 19–21 = 2 | 22–24 = 3 | 25–27 = 4 | 28+ = 5
  • Cumulative College GPA
    2.5–2.9 = 2 | 3.0–3.49 = 3 | 3.5–3.79 = 4 | 3.8+ = 5
  • Healthcare Experience
    ​​​​​​​None = 0 | Shadowing ≤20 hrs = 1 | 21+ hrs or part-time = 2 | Full-time = 3
  • Relevant Coursework
    ​​​​​​​Medical Terminology = 1 | Anatomy & Physiology I = 1 | Anatomy & Physiology II = 1 | Microbiology = 1
  • Highest Degree Earned
    ​​​​​​​None = 0 | Certificate = 1 | Associate = 2 | Bachelor’s = 3 | Master’s+ = 4
  • Essay – See Essay Rubric
  • Interview – See Interview Rubric

In addition to academic criteria, applicants are evaluated on professional attributes essential to success in surgical technology, including:

• Professionalism and maturity
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking and judgment
• Emotional readiness for high-pressure environments

Oxford Campus
Director: Lindsey Powell | Phone: (662) 281-1912 | Office: Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center in Oxford
Address: 1310 Belk Blvd. Oxford, MS 38655

DeSoto Campus
Lead Instructor: Celia Barham | Phone: (662) 996-2683 | Office: DeSoto Campus
Address: 5197 W.E. Ross Parkway W, Southaven, MS 38671

Note: Email is the best form of communication for either campus contact

Surgical Technology Course Curriculum
Surgical Technology Certificate