Surgical technologists are an integral part of the surgical team, assisting surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses in providing care to patients in the operating room. The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual ensures that the operating room or environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

The Cisco College Surgical Technology Program is a 4 semester associate of applied science degree program beginning in the long summer semester each year. The program includes hours of clinical observation and experience in the operating room, as well as lecture and laboratory classes. After successful completion of the required curriculum, students earn a degree. Students interested in the program should be in good physical and mental condition, be able to perform under stress, and possess manual dexterity.

Please see pages 118-119 of the Cisco College Course Catalog for course information.

Application Procedure

The Surgical Technology Program is a limited access program with one start per year in August. To be considered for admission to the Surgical Technology program, interested persons should:

  1. Apply to Cisco College
  2. Complete Surgical Technology Application and Application Letter (DEADLINE May 1, 2024 for the August 2024 Start)
    1. As part of the Surgical Technology Application you are required to provide the Surgical Technology Program Director with a copy of your immunization record containing proof (titer, immunization or physician's documentation of illness) of the following immunizations and a negative Tuberculin skin test:
      1. Varicella
      2. Bacterial Meningitis
      3. Tetanus-Diphtheria (within 7 years)
      4. Hepatitis B (2 of the 3 doses must be administered prior to the program start. The 3rd dose must be administered prior to clinical start in the Fall semester)
      5. MMR - x2
      6. Tuberculin skin test
    2. Many clinical sites utilized throughout the various Health Sciences Programs at Cisco College require a background check and/or drug screen prior to participation in the clinical portion of the program.
    3. Applications are due by May 1, 2023.

RESOURCES & REQUIREMENTS

Selection Criteria

  • GPA no less than 2.0
  • Biographical essay discussing why you want to become a Surgical Technologist
  • Any additional academic, occupation/health sciences, or science related courses taken and passed with a "C" or better are viewed favorably
  • Formal interview with a panel, including but not limited to the Program Director, Division Chair, and other health science professionals.

The Surgical Technology Program is a strenuous program requiring your full time commitment and attention. It is a limited access program and accepts no more than 10 students; as a result, the selection process is taken very seriously.

Prerequisites

None

About this Program

Degrees & Certifications Program Length
Associate of Applied Science Degree Four Semesters

What Can This Program Do For You

  • Potential Career Paths
    • Surgical Technologist
    • Surgeon's Assistant
  • Salary Information

    Links to the following websites are provided for your convenience and information and do not constitute official endorsement by Cisco College.

  • Courses

    The Surgical Technology program is a 12 month Health Sciences program beginning in the Fall semester of each year. Below is the suggested pathway for full-time prospective students looking to receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology.

    *Developmental Courses: Some students may need preparatory courses in English, Reading, or Math. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a certificate or degree.


    Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science

    First Semester (Long Summer)Hours

    Second Semester (Fall)

    Hours
    VNSG1420 Anatomy & Physiology for Health Sciences or BIOL 2401 and BIOL 24024SRGT 1405 Introduction to Surgical Technology4
    MDCA 1313 Medical Terminology3SRGT 1409 Fundamentals of Preioperative Concepts & Techniques4

    ENGL 1301 Composition I

    3SRGT 1441 Surgical Procedures I

    4

    MATH 1314 College Algebra or MATH 11332 or 13423HPRS 2221 Medical Law and Ethics for Health Professionals2
    SPCH 1315 Public Speaking3
    Total Hours:16

    14

    Third Semester (Spring)Fourth Semester (Long Summer)
    SRGT 1442 Surgical Procedures II4SRT 2661 Clinical-Surgical Technology/Technologist6
    SRGT 1244 Technological Sciences for the Surgical Technologist2SRGT 2130 Professional Readiness1
    SGRT 2460 Clinical-Surgical Technology/Technologist4PSYC 2301 General Psychology or PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development3
    HPRS 2200 Pharmacology for Health Professions2Language, Philosophy, & Culture or Creative Arts Elective3
    HPRS 2201 Pathophysiology2
    SOCI 1301 Introduction to Sociology or GOVT 2306, GOVT 2305, HIST 1301, HIST 13023
    Total Hours1713

    TOTAL DEGREE HOURS

    60

  • Certification

    Students who successfully complete the Surgical Technology Program at Cisco College are eligible to sit for the certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

  • Additional Resources
  • Student Success Outcomes

    Outcomes Assessment Exam

    Annual Reporting YearAcademic Year# of Students Graduated
    # of Students Who Took CST Exam
    # of Students Who Passed CST Exam*
    % of Students who Passed CST Exam*
    2019
    8/1/2017 - 7/31/2018
    9
    9
    6
    67%
    2020
    8/1/2018 - 7/1/2019
    7
    7
    6
    86%
    2021
    8/1/2019 - 7/1/202020
    10
    10
    7
    70%
    2022
    8/1/2020 - 7/31/2021
    7
    7
    6
    86%
    20238/1/2021 - 7/31/202288225%
    20248/1/2022 - 7/31/20231010770%
    *CST Exam Pass Rate = 70%

Meet the Faculty

Jenn Mazey Headshot

Jennifer Mazey

Surgical Technology Professor
Abilene Campus
(325) 794-4436
jennifer.mazey@cisco.edu

Curriculum Vitae