Surgical Services - Surgical Technologist Option

Surgical Technologist, AS

Do you like Anatomy? Do You Like to Watch Surgery on TV?

Would you like to work in a unique environment?

• As a member of the operating room team.
• In a challenging fast paced environment that can change human lives. An emergency can occur anytime and no two human beings are alike so… it is never boring.
• Every day is spent exploring the human body, becoming familiar with surgical techniques, procedures and treatments.
• There is always something new every day. Technology and innovative changes are ongoing.

The Surgical Technologist works directly with the surgeon during surgery to complete the surgical procedure. Before an operation, you would set up the instruments and equipment. Ensure that both sterile and nonsterile equipment is assembled and adjusted to make sure it works properly.  During the surgical procedure, you must know the surgical procedure, observe the conditions of the anatomy,  pass instruments to the surgeon, anticipate the needs of the surgeon, and react quickly to emergencies by providing the appropriate supplies or equipment.

Surgical technologists can perform the scrub role;  assistant circulator (identify, position, and prepare the patient for surgery), or second scrub role (maintain retraction, cut suture,  manipulate the camera for minimal invasive surgery, or hold clamps applied by the surgeon). With further training the surgical technologist can become  a first assistant.

 The professional association is the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). Just prior to graduation, you will take the nationally recognized and accredited National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants (NBSTSA) surgical technology exam to become a board Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

As you mature by gaining experience, you can opt to specialize in a particular field such as General Surgery, Trauma, Open Heart, Orthopedics, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Transplant, Robotic and/or Neuro Surgery.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median 2015 income was $44,330 and job growth in the field is expected to be much faster than average.

All programs are required to publish the approved Outcomes Assessment Exam (OAE) pass-rate from the program’s most recently submitted Annual Report. Upon graduation, students take the National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants certification examination to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

Surgical Technology  School Year	CAAHEP Annual Report Year	Certification Pass Rate	NBSTSA National Average
8/1/2023 - 7/31/2024	2024	70%	69.1%
8/1/2022 - 7/31/2023	2023	100%	*not published as of 2/15/2023
8/1/2021- 7/31/2022	2022	92%	71.6%
8/1/2020- 7/31/2021	2022	100%	70.6%
8/1/2019- 7/31/2020	2021	82%	73.7%
8/1/2018- 7/31/2019	2020	90%	64.4%

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP website) upon the recommendation of Accreditation Review Council of Education of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

CAAHEP is located at 9353  - 113th Street North, #7709, Clearwater, Florida 33775.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 – 113^th ST. N, #7709
Seminole, FL  33775
 Phone: 727.210.2350
Fax: 727.210.2354
Contact via email: mail@caahep.org
Website: CAAHEP website

A complete list of courses with descriptions can be found in the Catalog