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Surgical Technology A.A.S.
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) are highly-trained professionals who deliver patient care as integral members of the operating team. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, registered nurses and other surgical personnel to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure.

The CST is responsible for three phases of surgical patient care, or surgical case management, with minimal direction or supervision from other surgical team members​. Preoperatively, they prepare the operating room by setting up sterile surgical instruments, equipment and supplies. Intraoperatively, CSTs pass instruments, provide needed supplies and anticipate the needs of the surgeon by having the necessary knowledge of the procedure being performed. They also monitor the sterile field for breaks in sterile technique in order to prevent the patient from acquiring a surgical site infection. Postoperatively, CSTs disassemble the instruments, equipment and supplies, clean the operating room and prepare for the next patient.

Certification Exam

Surgical technologists are certified following successful completion of an accredited surgical technology program and the national surgical technology certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. FVCC had a 100 percent pass rate on the national exam in 2020.

Attributes of Successful Surgical Technologists

  • Work quickly and accurately with great commitment to detail
  • Ability to prioritize when in stressful and emergent situations
  • Stable temperament
  • Good manual dexterity, good vision and hearing

Instruction is provided in a classroom and lab setting, as well as clinical rotations at area hospitals and surgery centers.  Due to the requirements of the clinical component of the program and our clinical affiliations, enrollment is limited to 8 students each year. A new class of Surgical Technology students begins each year in January.

  • Interested? We would love to be in touch with you!

Program Accreditation

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) (arcstsa.org).


CAAHEP (caahep.org)

25400 U.S. Hwy 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, Florida, 33763

(727) 210‐2350


ARC/STSA (arcstsa.org)

6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite #110, Littleton, Colorado, 80120

(303) 694-9262


Graduate Outcomes

The following is our five-year trend on certification exams from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for graduates taking the exam the first time:


2019: 100% pass rate

2018: 100% pass rate

2017: 100% pass rate

2016: 100% pass rate

2015: 100% pass rate

2014: 100% pass rate

2013: 100% pass rate


Advisor

Student Support Center Advisor

Karrie Bolivar

LRC 129

(406) 756-3880

kbolivar@fvcc.edu
Faculty Advisor

Robyn Hoggatt

BC 123-A

406-756-4414

rhoggatt@fvcc.edu


For general information, contact the Admissions office: (406) 756-3847.


The Surgical Technology Profession

Surgical Technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Surgical Technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical Technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.


Successful surgical techs enjoy a fast-paced environment, work quickly under pressure, and have excellent communication skills. They are good at anticipating the needs of the medical team and the patient. Potential areas of specialization include:



  • Orthopedics

  • General Surgery

  • Gynecology

  • Urology

  • ENT

  • daVinci Robot

  • Neurosurgery

  • Cardiothoracic Surgery

  • Endovascular

  • Ophthalmic

  • Podiatric

  • Plastic and Reconstructive


Surgical technologists help prepare operating rooms for surgery by setting up surgical instruments, surgical equipment, sterile drapes, as well as preparing and passing medications. During surgery, they provide direct patient care by working as members of the sterile team.  Surgical Technologists are responsible for maintaining the sterile field during the surgical procedures, passing instruments and assisting the surgeon with the procedure.


Job Outlook


Surgical technologists are in demand. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average employment growth (employment increase of 15% or more) over the period 2014-2024.


http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm


More information can be found by visiting The Association of Surgical Technologists website. The AST is the only national organization that represents more than 80,000 surgical technologists.


http://www.ast.org/


Program Goals and Objectives

Program Goals


The associate’s degree program in surgical technology is to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Additional course work in general education assists the graduates in growing professionally and in developing the ability to assume leadership roles.


Learning Objectives


Upon program completion, the graduate will be able to:



  • Consistently demonstrate the necessary training to assume responsibilities in the operating room, including aseptic technique, instrument setup, assisting the surgeon, anticipating the surgeon’s needs, and assisting with post-operative care.

  • Correlate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and microbiology to their role as a Surgical Technologist.

  • Implement safe practice techniques in regards to perioperative routines, patient transportation, positioning, and emergency procedures.

  • Integrate principles of surgical asepsis as part of the perioperative experience.

  • Apply knowledge, skills, and demonstrate ability to perform as a surgical technologist in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.

  • Provide to the community professional, competent, and knowledgeable individuals who can provide surgeons and the surgical team quality assistance as a Surgical Technologist utilizing ethical standards and integrity.

  • Display professionalism, be prepared to be a lifelong learner, and value the professional attributes of the Surgical Technologist.

  • Possess the necessary didactic and clinical skills needed to pass the certification exam and enter into the job arena as a competent entry-level Surgical Technologist