Surgical Technology

A Surgical Technologist possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic techniques and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

This program provides clinical experience built upon classroom instruction in the basic sciences, patient care, aseptic techniques and surgical procedures. Students enrolled in the Surgical Technology Program are required to achieve a minimum grade of "C" in each course.

Graduates of programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) are eligible to take the certifying examination offered by the National Board on Certification for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

The application deadline is May 1st each year for Admission to the August start each academic year.

Before completing your application it is recommended you meet with Rebecca Lawson, Program Director of Surgical Technology and program advisor.

Selective Admissions Worksheet

The nature of the selection process for any Selective Admissions program at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College is a competitive process. All applicants meeting the appropriate academic requirements shall be considered equally for admission regardless of economic or social status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, beliefs, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability.

The Surgical Technology program is a selective admission health program. The purpose of the selective admissions process is to create a ranking system that allows us to identify students who are most likely to succeed in Surgical Technology Program. This system has been adopted to increase pass rates, meet accreditation standards, eliminate waiting list and to promote student success. This ranking will be used to create a priority admissions list, not an exclusion list. Therefore, all students are eligible to apply to the Surgical Technology program and be ranked by the selective admission criteria.

Surgical Technology Application

To be considered by the Selective Admissions Committee the following information is needed:

• This year's Surgical Technology Pre-Admission Conferences will be held remotely. The deadline to apply is May 1. Accommodations will be made to those with technology challenges. For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator at rlawson0001@kctcs.edu.
• Apply for admissions to Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC) if not currently enrolled in a KCTCS college.
• Submit all requested documents as outlined in the Pre-Admission Conference/Open House by May 1st.
• Consult SKCTC for general admission requirements.
• Consult KCTCS Senate Rules for system guidelines.
• Candidates must complete all courses for the Surgical Technology Program with a minimum grade of a "C". This includes all prerequisite courses.
• Additional requirements: ST Program Admission Guidelines.

Note: CPR for Healthcare Provider with AED training course must be obtained prior to enrolling in the first Surgical Technology practicum course and certification must be kept current throughout the Program.

The Surgical Technology program is a selective admissions program that is professionally accredited. The program prepares you to be part of a team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. The program provides clinical experience that builds on classroom instruction in science, patient care, aseptic techniques, and surgical procedures. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the certifying exam offered by the National Board Certification for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Use the contact info on this page to learn more.

SCHEDULE AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT

Rebecca L Lawson CST, BA
Program Director of Surgical Technology
10350 US Highway 25E
Pineville, KY 4097
rlawson0001@kctcs.edu  
(606) 248-2117
(606) 670-1156

All expenses are approximate cost.

Program Projected Expenses for 2022-2023

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

You can learn about the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) from their website.

AST collaborates with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) to set standards for education, such as the associate degree as the preferred level of entry into the profession.

AST partners with the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) on behalf of the CST and CSFA credentials.

AST provides lobbying support at the state and national levels to advocate for legislative recognition of graduation from an accredited program in surgical technology and holding/maintaining the Certified Surgical Technologist credential as a condition of employment, and for similar regulation of, and reimbursement for, non-physician surgical assistants.

AST provides continuing education opportunities to advance the knowledge and skills base of practicing surgical technologists and surgical assistants through a national Journal and an annual conference.

AST offers national recognition through National Surgical Technologist Week, a week that has been specifically designated to celebrate and honor the professions. It began by a resolution adopted by the AST Board of Directors in 1984.

AST provides a brochure entitled Certified Surgical Technologists Are Vital Members of the Operating Room Team. It describes the surgical technologist in sterile and non-sterile roles, as well as how they participate in case management. In addition, this brochure discusses the role of AST and the importance of accreditation and certification.

SCHEDULE AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT

Rebecca L Lawson CST, BA

Program Director of Surgical Technology
10350 US Highway 25E
Pineville, KY 4097
rlawson0001@kctcs.edu  
(606) 248-2117
(606) 670-1156

NOTE: Prior to scheduling an appointment below complete the following steps:

1. Complete the free SKCTC Admissions application process
2. Have all official transcripts from all colleges, universities and technical schools sent to SKCTC Admissions.

ARC/STSA OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT EXAM (OAE) PASS-RATE FOR SKCTC SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

As part of being an accredited program thru Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, all accredited programs must publish the ARC/STSA approved Outcomes Assessment Exam (OAE) pass-rate from the program's Annual Report.

General Education

• BIO 137 Human Anatomy & Physiology I - 4 credits
• BIO 139 Human Anatomy & Physiology II - 4 credits
• ENG 101 Writing I - 3 credits
• Quantitative Reasoning Course: MAT 110 or Higher - 3 credits
• Social/Behavioral Sciences - 3 credits
• Heritage/Humanities - 3 credits
• Subtotal: 20 credits

Technical Courses

• Digital Literacy (0-3 credits)
• CLA 131 Medical Terminology from Greek & Latin (3 credits), OR AHS 115 Medical Terminology (3 credits), OR MIT 103 Medical Office Terminology (3 credits)
• SUR 100 Surgical Technology Fundamentals/Theory (12 credits), OR SUR 109 Introduction to Surgical Technology (3 credits) AND SUR 110 Surgical Technology Fundamentals (9 credits)
• BIO 225 Medical Microbiology (4 credits), OR BIO 226 Principles of Microbiology (3 credits), OR BIO 118 Microbes and Society (3 credits)
• SUR 102 Surgical Technology Fundamentals Lab (3 credits)
• SUR 202 Surgical Technology Advanced Theory (11 credits)
• A total of 10 credit hours must be completed from the following practicum courses:
  • SUR 125 Surgical Technology Skills Practicum I (2-3 credits)
  • SUR 201 Surgical Technology Skills Practicum II (6-7 credits)
  • SUR 275 Surgical Technology Advanced Clinical Practicum (2 credits)
• Subtotal: 42-46 credits
• Total Credits: 62-66

Elective(s)

• SUR 270 Pathophysiology for Surgical Technology (2 credits), OR MAI 200 Pathophysiology for Medical Assistants (3 credits)
• BAS 120 Personal Finance (3 credits)
• MNA 100 Medicaid Nurse Aide (3 credits), OR NAA 100 Nursing Assistant Skills I (3 credits)

Note

• CPR certificate must be obtained prior to enrolling in the first Surgical Technology skills practicum course and must remain current throughout the Surgical Technology Program.
• Digital literacy must be demonstrated either by competency exam or by completing a digital literacy course.

General Education

• ENG 101 Writing I (3 credits)
• BIO 135 Basic Anatomy & Physiology with Lab (4 credits), OR BIO 137 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits) AND BIO 139 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits)
• Subtotal: 7-11 credits

Technical Courses

• Digital Literacy (0-3 credits)
• CLA 131 Medical Terminology from Greek & Latin (3 credits), OR AHS 115 Medical Terminology (3 credits), OR MIT 103 Medical Office Terminology (3 credits)
• SUR 100 Surgical Technology Fundamentals/Theory (12 credits), OR SUR 109 Introduction to Surgical Technology (3 credits) AND SUR 110 Surgical Technology Fundamentals (9 credits)
• BIO 225 Medical Microbiology (4 credits), OR BIO 226 Principles of Microbiology (3 credits), OR BIO 118 Microbes and Society (3 credits)
• SUR 102 Surgical Technology Fundamentals Lab (3 credits)
• SUR 202 Surgical Technology Advanced Theory (11 credits)
• A total of 10 credit hours must be completed from the following practicum courses:
  • SUR 125 Surgical Technology Skills Practicum I (2-3 credits)
  • SUR 201 Surgical Technology Skills Practicum II (6-7 credits)
  • SUR 275 Surgical Technology Advanced Clinical Practicum (2 credits)
• Subtotal: 42-46
• Total Credits: 49-57

Electives

• SUR 270 Pathophysiology for the Surgical Technologist (2 credits), OR MAI 200 Pathophysiology for the Medical Assistant (3 credits)
• BAS 120 Personal Finance (3 credits)
• MNA 100 Medicaid Nurse Aide (3 credits), OR NAA 100 Nursing Assistant Skills I (3 credits)

Note

• CPR certificate must be obtained prior to enrolling in the first Surgical Technology course and certification must be kept current throughout the Program.
• Digital literacy must be demonstrated either by competency exam or by completing a digital literacy course.
• Students successfully completing SUR 109 and SUR 110 are not required to take a microbiology course for the diploma option. 

You can complete the Surgical Technology program in two semesters and a four-week summer session following completion of prerequisites.

You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (www.arcstsa.org) in collaboration with the Association of Surgical Technologists (www.ast.org).

The Surgical Technology program at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The program has been placed on Probationary Accreditation as of November 15, 2024.

COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION OF ALLIED HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS

9355-113th Street N #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
www.caahep.org  

ACCREDITATION REVIEW COUNCIL ON EDUCATION IN SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY AND SURGICAL ASSISTING

19751 E Mainstreet Suite 339
Parker, CO 80138
http://www.arcstsa.org  

Students are required to take the national exam administered by the

NATIONAL BOARD OF SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY AND SURGICAL ASSISTING

6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 100
Littleton, CO 80120
Phone: (800) 707-0057
nbstsa.org 

You can learn about the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) from their website.

AST collaborates with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) to set standards for education, such as the associate degree as the preferred level of entry into the profession.

AST partners with the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) on behalf of the CST and CSFA credentials.

AST provides lobbying support at the state and national levels to advocate for legislative recognition of graduation from an accredited program in surgical technology and holding/maintaining the Certified Surgical Technologist credential as a condition of employment, and for similar regulation of, and reimbursement for, non-physician surgical assistants.

AST provides continuing education opportunities to advance the knowledge and skills base of practicing surgical technologists and surgical assistants through a national Journal and an annual conference.

AST offers national recognition through National Surgical Technologist Week, a week that has been specifically designated to celebrate and honor the professions. It began by a resolution adopted by the AST Board of Directors in 1984.

AST provides a brochure entitled Certified Surgical Technologists Are Vital Members of the Operating Room Team. It describes the surgical technologist in sterile and non-sterile roles, as well as how they participate in case management. In addition, this brochure discusses the role of AST and the importance of accreditation and certification.

Mission

The mission of the Surgical Technologist program is to train the student as an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in operating room procedures.

This mission statement is reviewed twice annually by the Surgical Technology advisory committee. Recommendations for change are recorded in the advisory committee minutes and changes are reflected in any printed material after revision.

Objectives

The objectives of the Surgical Technologist program are as follows:

• Provide current curriculum, instructional materials, and equipment which are used to teach knowledge (cognitive), skills (psychomotor) and attitudes (affective) appropriate to the needs of the industry for an entry level Surgical Technologist.
• Provide educational facilities which foster learning and provide safe, healthy environment available and accessible to all students who can benefit from the program.
• Provide academic instruction which supports effective learning within the program and which enhances professional performance on the job.
• Provide workplace readiness skills which foster appropriate working attitudes working habits and problem-solving skills that will enable graduates of the program to perform as good employees.
• Nurture the desire for learning so graduates will pursue their own continuing education as a lifelong endeavor.
• Provide an educational atmosphere which promotes a positive self-image and a sense of personal well-being.
• Provide education that fosters development and application of good safety habits.
• Provide admission, educational and placement services without regard to race, color, creed, ethnic or national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, academic disadvantage, or economic disadvantage.
• Provide information to the public regarding the program that will facilitate recruitment and enrollment of students
• Promote good public relations via contacts and regular communications with business, industry, and the public sector.
• Promote faculty and student rapport and communications to enhance student success in the program.
• Prepare students to successfully pass the National Surgical Technologist certifying examination.

 

Before a surgical procedure, the surgical technologist (ST) is responsible for ensuring all needed equipment and supplies for the specific procedure are available and ready for use by the surgeon. This includes testing and preparing equipment for use, ensuring the availability of all sterile supplies, and preparing the sterile environment so a surgical procedure can take place.

During a surgical procedure, and as a sterile surgical team member, one of the surgical technologist’s main responsibilities is to pass sterile instruments and supplies to the surgeon. This requires complete knowledge of the surgical procedure being performed and anticipation of the needs of the surgical team. The ST also assumes accountability, along with registered nurse, for all sponges, needles, and instruments used before, during, and after the procedure.

In addition, the ST may hold retractors, cut sutures, care for specimens, and assist in applying the sterile dressing. Surgical technologists must have good manual dexterity, be conscientious in a sterile environment, be emotionally stable, and have the ability to communicate effectively on many levels, including one-on-one and team interactions.

Because every little detail matters in the OR, not only do surgical technologists need to understand the surgical procedure being performed, they also need to anticipate both the patient’s and surgeon’s needs to ensure that each maneuver is performed as smoothly as possible. Knowledge of Surgical Anatomy and Physiology allows the ST to comprehend the surgical procedures. Infection Control practices such as Sterilization and Disinfection, and Aseptic Technique, are based on lessons in Microbiology. In order to ensure the safety of the patient, the student also studies surgical Pharmacology so as to assist the surgeon with medication administration. 

An ST can work in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, sterile processing departments, tissue banks, and private work with physician groups. 

A typical day for an ST starts at 7:00 a.m.* The ST and the nurse are assigned to a single operating room where a wide variety of surgical procedures may be scheduled. One day, for example, a patient may need their tonsils removed; another may arrive with a broken arm; later the Surgical Team may assist with the use of robots to remove a tumor from the lung.

*Shift start times vary

Surgery is a dynamic task in which the surgeon relies on well‐trained personnel to ensure everything is ready for the patient. Surgical technologists are an integral part of the operating room team and a have a tremendous impact on patient care and surgical procedures. Additionally, this is a satisfying, fun, interesting, and, at‐times stressful profession that offers job security and mobility. 

The Surgical Technology program courses are ten-months, beginning every fall semester. Fall semester is from mid‐August to mid-December. Spring semester is from mid-January to the second week of May. Summer semester is from mid-May through the first week of June.

All semesters of the program meet Monday through Friday. Hours vary, but are usually 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Fall and spring courses consist of lectures, labs, and clinical rotations. The summer course consists strictly of clinical rotations.

Students are taught skills in the lab to prepare for clinical rotations. Examples include:  

• Scrubbing hands & arms and putting on sterile gowns & gloves
• Passing instruments and equipment
• Handling supplies and medications
• And much more.

During all clinical rotations, students perform actual surgical procedures alongside  surgeons.

The SKCTC Surgical Technology program complies with the “Surgical Rotation Requirements” established by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) Core Curriculum, sixth edition.

Students can expect to study 2 to 3 hours every day outside of class time.

The SKCTC Surgical Technology program offers an associate degree in Applied Science (AAS-ST). The pre-requisites include:

• Human Anatomy I & II with a lab
• English
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Medical Terminology
• Microbiology
• Digital Literacy
• Heritage/Humanities
• Social/Behavioral Science

*A more specific listing can be found in the KCTCS Course Catalog or discussed with an advisor.

In the selective-admission pool, applicants who have met all the prerequisites and earned a minimum grade of a “C” and maintained a minimum 2.0 GPA will be considered. Only complete applications will be accepted. 

We take no more students than we have hospital sites for training, usually 16. The remaining applicants will be added to an alternate list. 

Fees are subject to change. Students can expect to pay approximately $7,000 in tuition, fees, books, supplies, and certification exam fees.

Of course, the SKCTC Surgical Technology program is eligible for financial aid, grants, and scholarships. If you are eligible, the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship will cover your tuition.

Applications are accepted up until May 1st of every year. Acceptance letters are sent at the beginning of June. 

Complete the online application today.

Based on the report published in 2020 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Eastern Kentucky region, the median annual surgical technologist’s salary was $38,770 with the top 10% earning an average of $52,240 per year.