Surgical Technology Program

The Surgical Technology program prepares students to work as

valuable members of a surgical team, which most commonly

includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses.

Surgical technologists assist in surgical procedures under the

supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgical

personnel.

What Tasks Does a Surgical Technologist Perform?

Surgical technologists perform a variety of critical, hands-on tasks, including:

• Preparing operating rooms by setting up surgical instruments and equipment

• Preparing patients for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites

• Passing instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons during surgical procedures

• Maintaining a proper sterile field throughout the surgical procedure

• Monitoring and assessing operating room conditions

Who Employs Surgical Technologists?

• Ambulatory Surgical Centers

• Dermatologist Offices

• Organ Procurement Facilities

• Dental Offices

• Hospitals

Employment of surgical technologists is expected to increase 15 percent through

2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.*

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Surgical Technologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm (visited May 19, 2017).

Surgical Technology Program

Partial List of Classes Offered in the Surgical Technology Program:

• Anatomy and Physiology I and II

• Fundamentals of Surgical Technology

• Medical Terminology

• Microbiology

• Operating Room Clinical Practicum I and II

• Pharmacology and Anesthesiology

• Surgical Specialty Intervention Procedures

• Surgical Techniques

Surgical Technology Program

Certification Opportunities:

The Surgical Technology program at Berkeley College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). Students who complete a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology program are eligible to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, a national credentialing exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Both New York and New Jersey require Surgical Technologists to have the CST credential.

Seventy-eight percent of Berkeley College’s Surgical Technology students who graduated between August 1, 2015, and July 31, 2016, passed the CST exam on their first attempt. This pass rate is higher than the national average of 69.8 percent, according to statistics from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Benefits of the Surgical Technology Program:

• You will be prepared to meet the challenges of today’s complex healthcare environment through a strong foundation in both the theory and practice of clinical care.

• As a graduate of the Surgical Technology program, you will be eligible to sit for the CST examination.

• You will gain valuable, practical experience through the completion of clinical practicums at an off-campus healthcare facility, under the supervision of instructors and professional practitioners.

• You will learn from a supportive faculty selected on the basis of academic excellence and relevant professional experience in the surgical technology field.

Degree: Associate in Applied Science, Surgical Technology 60 semester credits required for graduation

For more information about Berkeley College graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed programs, and other important disclosures, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu/disclosures/aas_surgical_technology_statistics_sem.htm.

Surgical Technology Program