Surgical Technology

Apply to the Surgical Technology Program

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The NWCC Surgical Technology Program application is now open and will remain open through May 1.

We are excited to begin reviewing applications for our next cohort and look forward to another outstanding group of future surgical technologists. There are great things happening within our program, and we can’t wait to continue building on that momentum with this upcoming class.

Please note that there have been important updates to the application process, including the use of a revised objective and holistic scoring rubric.

Admission decisions will be made following the application deadline. Applicants will be notified of their status (accepted, alternate, or denied) via the email address provided on their application beginning May 8th and the week following .

Be sure to check your email regularly beginning May 8, 2026, including your spam or junk folders.

The NWCC Surgical Technology Program is currently transitioning from a certificate pathway to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree to further strengthen academic preparation and support career advancement for graduates.

Beginning with the Fall 2026 cohort, students admitted to the program are expected to follow the updated AAS degree pathway, which will include general education coursework, expanded surgical technology curriculum, and clinical education. As part of this transition, certain prerequisite coursework will be required prior to entering the program, including Anatomy and Physiology I.

Final institutional approval of the updated curriculum is anticipated in March 2026. Additional curriculum details will be posted following final approval.

Program Information

About the Surgical Technology Profession

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

How to Apply

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

Application Scoring

Important Notes

A Note on Essay Integrity

Application Scoring Rubric

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

Essay Scoring Rubric

Holistic Scoring Guide

Contact

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

Course Curriculum

The NWCC Surgical Technology program has not made a determination on whether the degree meets the state educational requirements for other US States, Territories, or the District of Columbia. Additional information on Surgical Technologist licensure/licensure as it relates to other states can be found at Medical Technology Schools website.