Surgical Technology

Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of a team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings.

This twelve month program prepares students for entry-level positions as surgical technologist. Students learn aseptic technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures and patient care through classroom, laboratory practice, and supervised practicums in area clinical agencies. Students learn to assist the surgeon by passing instruments and sutures, holding retractors and cutting sutures. Persons interested in the program should be able to work well with others in a team environment, and function effectively under intense and stressful situations.

Surgical technologists are integral members of the surgical team who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel-delivering patient care before, during, and after surgery. Scrub, circulating, and second assisting surgical technologists have primary responsibility for maintaining the sterile field, being constantly vigilant that all members of the team adhere to aseptic technique. It is recognized that not all surgical technology practitioners fill the roles of circulator and second assistant. It is imperative, however, that the surgical technology student be educated in all aspects of surgical technology, identified by the following duties and the curriculum content section.

Eligibility for graduation is dependent upon the completion of the Minimum case load of 120 cases within the time frame of ST 102-105.  Case load requirements are followed according the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technologist sixth edition.

Upon completion of the Surgical Technology Program, graduates will have met the academic and clinical requirements to take the National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Fact Sheet for Surgical Technology