The Surgical Technologist is a professional surgical scrub who assists in surgical operations under the direct supervision of the surgeon. The Surgical Technologist is responsible for setting up the instruments and equipment needed for that particular operation. They assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment as well as adjusting it to make sure it works properly. During the surgical procedure, they 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 not only perform in the surgical scrub role but may perform as a second circulator (identify, position, and prepare the patient for surgery), or even as a second assistant (maintain retraction, cut suture, or hold clamps applied by the surgeon). With further training they can become Certified First Assistants.
Experience varies from classroom lecture, directed self-study utilizing internet resources, interactive group projects, discussion, oral presentations, homework assignments, computerized testing, mock surgery, skills lab performance, oral testing, and hands-on clinical experience. Emphasis is also placed on core work ethics, timeliness, proficiency, honesty and integrity related to professionalism in the healthcare setting. Students will scrub a minimum of 120 surgical cases.
Graduates of this program will sit for the certification examination offered by The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Students passing this examination become a board Certified Surgical Technologist with the ability to use their credentials in any state.
This program is limited access. Please see the application information packet for admissions and acceptance criteria.
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Accreditation
The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP); 9355 – 113th Street N. #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, Phone: 727-210-2350; Fax: 727-210-2354, www.caahep.org.
The professional organization, Association of Surgical Technologists, www.ast.org, can be searched for more information regarding the continuing education or testing requirements to maintain the credentials as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
Surgical Technology Program Graduate Outcome Statistics
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate for the total number of students admitted to the Surgical Technology program.
| Graduation Class | Graduation Rate | Number of Graduating Student out of Class Size |
| Class of 2021-2022 | 75% graduation rate | 6 out of 8 |
| Class of 2020-2021 | 69% graduation rate | 9 out of 13 |
| Class of 2019-2020 | 59% graduation rate | 10 out of 17 |
| Class of 2018-2019 | 67% graduation rate | 12 out of 18 |
Certified Surgical Technologist National Exam Pass Rate
The pass rate for graduates taking the certification exam on first attempt.
| Graduation Class | Pass Rate | Number of Students Passing |
| Class of 2021-2022 | 100% pass rate | 6 out of 6 |
| Class of 2020-2021 | 88% pass rate | 8 out of 9 |
| Class of 2019-2020 | 100% pass rate | 10 out of 10 |
| Class of 2018-2019 | 100% pass rate | 12 out of 12 |
Employment Rate
Graduates employed either full time or part time as a Surgical Technologist one year after graduation.
| Graduation Class | Pass Rate | Number of Employed Graduates |
| Class of 2021-2022 | 100% job placement | 6 out of 6 students |
| Class of 2020-2021 | 88% job placement | 8 out of 9 students |
| Class of 2019-2020 | 100% job placement | 10 out of 10 students |
| Class of 2018-2019 | 100% job placement | 12 out of 12 students |
Learn More
Receive an email with details about the Surgical Technology program.