Surgical Technology (A.A.S.)

Surgical Technology (A.A.S.) - The Surgical Technology student is prepared to assume the role of surgical technologist in any surgical setting. In this program, the student is prepared to function in the areas of scrub, circulating assistant, and second assistant during surgical and obstetrical procedures. The graduate surgical technologist may elect to specialize in a particular area of surgery such as open heart, neuro, eye, orthopedics, and many others. Graduates are also employed in interventional suites, delivery rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, central supply units, organ retrieval/transplant teams, and surgical equipment sales. This two-year program leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree and is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation from the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

CAAHEP contact information:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, Florida 33763
Phone: 727.210.2350
Fax: 727.210.2354
www.caahep.org

ARC/STSA contact information:
Accrediting Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
19751 Mainstreet, Suite 339
Parker, CO 80138 
Phone: 303.694.9262 
Fax: 303.741.3655
info@arcstsa.org

• The Surgical Technology courses are offered during the day only and students are admitted only in the Fall semester.
• A minimum grade of "C" is required in all AHS courses to qualify for programmatic advancement.
• Graduates are required to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) National Certifying Examination for Certified Surgical Technologists (CST).
• All candidates must be legally eligible for employment and certification in the United States at the time of application.
• You must be of good moral character as defined in the New York State Education Law as applicable to the profession of Surgical Technology.
• Background checks and random drug testing are required upon acceptance.
• Acceptance into the Surgical Technology program is conditional, based upon the outcome of your background check and random drug testing.
• Meeting all these requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.
• Accepted students must be able to complete the minimum 120 clinical case requirement in the “first scrub” and “second scrub” roles.
• Accepted students are expected to follow the policies as set forth in the college catalog and in the Surgical Technology Student Handbook.

The Surgical Technology Program Student Handbook is available for review for current and potential students. Call 516.572.9640 ext. 26568 for details. The CST is widely recognized in the health care community as the foremost credential for surgical technologists in the nation and required for employment in NYS. Beginning in 2013, the program has annually received the National Merit Award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for achieving a 90% or higher graduate pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination.

Surgical Technology Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Program will prepare competent entry-level professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
2. Students will perform at an acceptable level meeting stated academic, clinical and professional criteria.
3. Students will have the ability to provide a safe patient environment by being proficient in:
   • OR Environment
   • Aseptic Technique
   • Chemical Agents
   • Sterilization
   • Operation of Equipment
   • Instrumentation
   • Transport of Patient
   • Positioning
   • Skin Preparation
   • Drainage Tubes and Devices
   • Surgical Procedures
   • Drugs and Calculations
4. All students will register for, take and pass the NBSTSA National Certification Exam.
5. Graduates will be qualified competent entry level CST personnel.

Program Effectiveness Trends Data:

1. Five-Year Average Program Completion Rate: 85%
2. Five-Year Average Job Placement Rate: 97%
3. Five-Year Average Employer Satisfaction Rate: 100%
4. Five-Year Average Graduate Satisfaction Rate: 99%
5. The Current Pass Rate for the Class of 2023, CST Exam: 98% 
   
   

Course Descriptions: Online or PDF

Surgical Technology
A.A.S. Program
Hegis Code: 5211

Total Credits: 64

1. SUNY GER Mathematics
2. Depending on placement
3. SUNY GER Humanities