Surgical Technology | ACTC

Surgical Technology

Support doctors and medical professionals as a surgical technologist. Prepare for and assist surgeries as part of a healthcare team.

Program Contact
Heather Cantrell
Surgical Technology Program Coordinator
606.326.2006
GET STARTED TODAY 855.2GO.ACTC

WHAT IS SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY?

The Surgical Technologist is an allied health professional and an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. The Surgical Technologist performs under direct supervision of a surgeon to provide the highest standard of care to surgical patients from then operating room to various medical settings.

Surgical Technologists working in the operating room are responsible for ensuring patient’s safety. The Surgical Technologist possesses and applies their expertise in aseptic technique, knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, surgical instrumentation, tools and technologies to facilitate the physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

What are my career options?

Graduates are employed in the Tri-State area in hospitals and clinics. Advancement depends on personal goals of the individual. The next advancement would be Certified First Assistant.

About

The mission of the Surgical Technology Program is to provide students with didactic and clinical instruction and to prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

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.

“Aeger Primo” - Patient First

  1. Tuition:  $12,214-$13,002
    • $189 per credit hour + $8 mandatory fee
    • AAS: 62-66 Credit Hours 
  2. Professional/Medical Compliance:
    • Castle Branch Med Tracking: $100 
    • Bridges - $20 
    • My Clinical Exchange - $22 
    • BLS: $45
    • Liability Insurance: $22
    • Immunizations: Varies
  3. Student Subscriptions:
    • Surgical Counts Subscription: $45
    • AST Student Membership: $45
  4. Textbooks/Uniform Fees: 
    • Textbooks: $550
    • Uniforms: $150-200
  5. Examinations: 
    • HESI Exam: $75
    • CST Certification Exam: $190

Approximate Total: $13,528-$14,316

  • Provide current curriculum, instructional materials, and equipment that 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 that foster learning and provide a safe, healthy environment available and accessible to all students who can benefit from the program.
  • Provide academic instruction that supports effective learning within the program and enhances professional performance on the job.
  • Provide workplace readiness skills that 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 continuing education as a lifelong endeavor.
  • Provide an educational atmosphere that promotes a positive self-image and a sense of personal well-being.
  • Provide education that fosters the 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 pass the National Surgical Technologist certifying examination.
  1. Visual Acuity— such as is needed in the surgical environment and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and care.
  2. Auditory Perception— to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess the health needs of patients via monitoring devices.  (e.g., cardiac monitors, biomedical equipment, fire alarms, etc.).
  3. Gross and Fine Motor Coordination— to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, positioning, and lifting patients required in meeting health needs related to surgical technology.
  4. Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Skills— (Speech, Reading, and Writing).  Such are needed in classroom and clinical settings to interact with patients and professional personnel.
  5. Intellectual and Emotional Functions—to plan and implement the care of individuals.
Outcome Assessment Exam
Year # of Students Pass Rate
2019 7 100%
2020 8 100%
2021 7 71.4%
2022 3 66.7%
2023 4 75%

The range of wages for Surgical Technologists is as follows:

  • Annual National Wage Range: $27,910 - $54,300
  • Hourly Regional Wage Range: $15.23 - $23.00

Getting Started

What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?

The AAS degree is a pathway for graduates to further their education in a multitude of medical professions.

Graduates are also eligible to take the national exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), 3 West Dry Creek Circle Littleton, CO 80120, Phone: 800-707-0057.

Program Application

The Surgical Technology program runs from January to December. The application deadline is October 1.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

How long is the program?

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

You can complete the Surgical Technology program in two semesters following completion of prerequisites.

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.

Program Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

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