Demand is growing for qualified surgical technologists all over the country. The Department of Labor foresees a 24% increase in available positions over the next 6 years. Now is a great time to begin training for a lucrative career as a crucial member of a surgical team.
Starting a new career as a surgical technologist is easier than you think. The first step is enrolling in a program that will equip you with the tools you need to start a successful career right out of school. American Career College offers an Associates Degree in Occupational Science, the credential preferred by the American Surgical Tech Association for entry-level techs. With flexible scheduling, a wealth of financial aid options, and experienced instructors, American Career College will work with you to find the best path to your new career.
Associate of Occupational Science Degree
American Career College (ACC) currently offers an Associate’s degree in Occupational Science. This degree takes approximately 20 months to complete, though the time frame will vary based on the scheduling needs of individual students. Associates degrees are generally considered more desirable by employers than certificates or diplomas, as they indicate more in-depth training and a dedication to the field.
Graduates of the occupational science program at American Career College are competitive in the job market due to the good reputation of the school. ACC is currently ranked number 8 out of the 20 top surgical technology schools in the country, a prominent status that helps new graduates make their way into the workforce.
The Occupational Science program at ACC trains students for professional work as surgical technologists with a combination of hands-on clinical training and in-class theoretical instruction. Over 20 months, surgical technology students take courses in microbiology, surgical techniques, patient care, operating room procedures, anatomy, pharmacology, and medical ethics. Introductory courses to medical terminology, written communication, and basic mathematics prepare students to work in several health care capacities, including nursing and hospital administration. ACC also offers classes in career planning to help students manage their livelihood post-graduation.
Students participate in hands-on work in school laboratories, which are modern, fully equipped reproductions of hospital operating rooms. Instructors train students to perform the duties of a surgical technologist through realistic demonstration and assessment. Students complete a minimum of 125 in-class procedures while at ACC, which gives them the extensive experience employers look for when convening a surgical team. In addition, occupational science students are required to work for 15 weeks as a rotating surgical tech in local hospitals that have a professional relationship with ACC. This out-of-school work is supervised and performed under the guidance of instructors and surgeons.
American Career College has full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduates from the surgical technology degree course are encouraged to sit for the national certification exam; a strongly suggested credential for all surgical technologists. Passing the exam is a prestigious achievement available only to students from accredited schools.
Program Requirements
For admission to the Occupational Science program, American Career College asks that students be 18 years of age and in possession of a high school diploma or equivalent. They also require a score of 150 or higher on the Career Programs Assessment test (CPAt), a basic exam that measures entry-level language, reading, and math skills for applicants to career colleges.
American Career College requires that applicants visit a campus in order to get a good feel for the community and facilities. To formally apply to ACC, you must fill out an application form and schedule an interview with an admissions counselor. They can provide you with more information about the occupational science department’s particular requirements if you are still unclear.
Financial Aid
As a private institution, American Career College may prove costly for some individuals. ACC participates in several Federal Student Aid programs and works with several lending companies to assist students in need. Speak to the financial aid office at your local ACC campus to find out what your options are. You may be eligible for one or more of the following aid programs:
Federal Pell grant
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity
Federal Family Education Loan Program
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students
Cal Grant Program
Private Loans and Scholarships
Campus Locations
American Career College has 3 campuses located in Southern California.
The Los Angeles location boasts a 30,000 square foot facility with 14 classrooms and 10 laboratories, including computer labs. It is easily accessible by public transportation, but offers both street and private lot parking to students.
The Anaheim campus is 21,000 square feet and has 11 classrooms and computer labs, along with 6 modern science laboratories. An additional facility houses 9 more classrooms and 3 more equipped labs. Parking is free on the campus.
ACC’s newest campus is located in Ontario and is 64,000 square feet. The facility includes 16 brand new classrooms and computer labs, 9 science labs outfitted with cutting edge equipment, and several communal areas for students. Parking is also free around the campus.
General Information
American Career College (ACC) has been preparing students for successful careers in healthcare since it’s founding in 1978. ACC was originally conceived as a school for optical dispensers, but steadily expanded the curriculum to include allied health care educational programs of all types. Currently ACC is highly ranked as a school that produces competent, qualified candidates for health care jobs in the national market.
ACC focuses on training students quickly and economically for careers in high-demand areas of health care. Some programs at American Career College can be completed in less than one year of study. Up to date facilities and skilled instructors give every student at ACC the knowledge they need to shine in their chosen health care field.
American Career College works with students to find the best solution to their individual needs. The school offers nighttime classes for those who are also employed full-time or cannot attend during the day. ACC also has a student services department dedicated to assisting students resolve any routine concerns, such as transportation, childcare, and on-campus tutoring. A career placement center helps graduates find jobs as professional surgical technologists in hospitals all over the country.
American Career College has full accreditation by CAAHEP.
