Surgical Technology, A.A.S.

This program combines courses in general and surgical technology education with learning experiences in hospitals and health agencies, Graduates of the Associate in Applied Science Surgical Technology degree program may apply to take the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) national certification examination for certification. Students must complete BIOL 211  - Microbiology, BIOL 221  - Human Anatomy and Physiology I, and BIOL 222  - Human Anatomy and Physiology II with a grade of C or better prior to admission into the surgical technology program. Students are also encouraged to complete as many general education courses as possible before enrolling in the Surgical Technology course.

Please note: This program has special admissions requirements. Contact Enrollment Services to obtain a copy of the Surgical Technologist Application Procedures Booklet.

This program prepares students to work as surgical technologists in the operating room, labor and delivery, ambulatory surgical care centers, cardiac catheterization laboratories, physician’s offices, or central supply units. Surgical technologists work under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective performance of invasive surgical procedures aimed at optimizing patient safety. This program meets nationally established standards for Surgical Technology. It has been approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduates may sit for the Surgical Technologist national certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

This program begins only in the fall semester and takes one year to complete. It is essentially a 40-hour per week day-time program that includes both classes and clinical labs. Clinicals will be held in hospital operating rooms with students working with a preceptor. Students must have their own transportation to travel to a hospital site within a 45-mile radius. Upon completion of the program, students will take the certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become Certified Surgical Technologists (CST).