Why Surgical Technology?
The Surgical Technologist degree program is ideal for individuals who are meticulous and who desire to be part of a highly skilled team in a growing field. Students are prepared for entry-level positions assisting surgeons in the operating room while practicing the principles of asepsis, the state of being free of living pathogenic microorganisms. Responsibilities include preparation of equipment and supplies before, during and after surgery. This program includes clinical experiences in a variety of hospitals and surgical centers, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in clinical settings. For information regarding application to the Surgical Technology Program, please see Application Requirements.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Surgical Technologist Certifying examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, which, upon passing, makes them eligible to work in any state. CCAC's Surgical Technologist program boasts a consistent 100% placement rate, with graduates entering careers with strong earning potential.
Application to Apply to the Surgical Technology Program is Now Open!
Accreditation
The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, 9355 113th Street, N #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; 727.210.2350; www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).
Middle States Accreditation
In addition to the accreditation by CAAHEP, CCAC's Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Status: Accreditation Reaffirmed
Last Reaffirmation: 2018
Next Self-Study Evaluation: 2025–2026
For more information, visit CCAC's institutional page.
Middle States Action Letter, June 2017
Surgical Technologist, A.S. (530.2)
This program's goal is to prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. Graduates will be prepared to work under supervision in the operating room. The surgical technologist practices principles of asepsis while assisting the surgeon with surgical procedures. Responsibilities include preparation of equipment and supplies before, during and after surgery.
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The Surgical Technologist Program at CCAC has been a crucial part of my growing career, and it is where my professional relationships began. This program prepares you from the start in the importance of professionalism and the role you play as a member of the surgical team. The structure of the lessons/labs and the way they are taught aligns perfectly with where we are at in clinical rotations. I would recommend this program above others to anyone who is interested in this growing field!
Admission to Surgical Technology
Students interested in admission to the limited-enrollment Surgical Technology degree program (SUR) must meet the following criteria:
- Application to CCAC
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
- Completed developmental coursework as indicated by placement test results. Students
must be eligible for ENG101 and MAT108.
- Students who have enrolled in the same developmental course more than three times will not be considered for acceptance into the Surgical Technology program.
- Completed Allied Health application
- An unofficial copy of college transcripts is acceptable for the Allied Health application and should be sent with the application. Official college transcripts from other than CCAC should be sent to transcripts@ccac.edu to be evaluated for course transfer credits, if applicable.
- View the career video "Making a Difference: A Career in Surgical Technology." This video can be found at https://libguides.ccac.edu/alliedhealth. A video observation form must also be completed and submitted with the application. This form is included as part of the application process.
- Ability to meet the essential function requirements of the Allied Health programs included as part of the application process.
It is highly recommended that applicants shadow a surgical technologist in the operating room of a local hospital. Job shadowing can be arranged by contacting either the Education or Volunteer Department of the hospital of your choice.
Outcomes Assessment Exam for Certified Surgical Technologist (CST Exam) Pass Rate
ARC/STSA CST Pass Rate Threshold: 70%
CCAC SUR Pass Rate for 8/1/2022–7/31/2023: 88%
CCAC SUR Pass Rate for 8/1/2023–7/31/2024: 100%
The CCAC Allied Health (ALH) Department uses CastleBranch, a screening and document management agency that assists students in obtaining necessary admission materials. CastleBranch will also maintain student records. Instructions and fees associated with CastleBranch registration and deadlines for each requirement will be included in the Surgical Technology program acceptance packet for accepted students. All fees associated with these requirements and CastleBranch are the responsibility of the student.
Listed below are the requirements for health records, clearances and trainings for the CCAC Surgical Technology program:
- Completed and signed Essential Functions Form
- Student Contact Information Form
- Acceptance Contract Form
- Signed Clinical Disclosure Statement
- Pennsylvania Background Check (automatically completed by CastleBranch upon student registration)
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance (must be completed after date of acceptance into the program)
- FBI Fingerprints (must be completed after date of acceptance into the program)
- Act 31 Clearance Certificate
- Physical Examination
- Proof of Immunity for Hepatitis B, Varicella, and Measles, Mumps & Rubella
- Tetanus Immunization
- Two-step PPD (Mantoux Skin Test) or QuantiFERON TB-Gold Test
- COVID–19 Vaccination or Medical/Religious Exemption
- Drug Test
- Current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (BLS) Card
- Completed E-Learning Courses on CastleBranch for HIPAA and Bloodborne Pathogens
Contact Information
Kristen McKeag
-
Program Director - 724.325.6780
- kmckeag@ccac.edu
Email us to request more information!
If you would like more information about our Allied Health programs, please email us!