Surgical Technology A.A.S. (511)

Program Mission:

The Surgical Technology Program at Chesapeake College will prepare entry-level surgical technologists who are competent in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. Students will function safely, effectively and efficiently in the Surgical Technologist role. Students will sit for the certifying examination offered by the National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants (NBSTSA) to become Certified Surgical Technologists (CST).

 

Program Description:

Surgical Technology Program students are educated through classroom instruction, extensive laboratory and simulation activities and clinical field work specifically to assist in surgical procedures. Students will learn surgical techniques and essential skills needed in the surgical environment. Students will also learn the preparation, case and use of operating room equipment, technology and surgical instrumentation. Through the development of a surgical conscience, students will learn to provide the surgical patient with the highest level of care.

 

Program Goals: The Surgical Technology program will:

1. Prepare graduates to sit for the required CST examination.
2. Prepare graduates for employment as an entry level CST, inspiring participation in professional associations and continuing education. 
3. Provide a connection between clinical communities and the College to promote excellence in surgical technology.
4. Clarify and promote the role of the Certified Surgical Technologist as a valuable member of the health care community. 

 

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Develop a strong surgical consience that puts the safety and well-being of the surgical patient first.
2. Apply understanding of human physiology, surgical anatomy and medical terminology in all aspects of patient care.
3. Combine knowledge from general education and surgical science with critical thinking and communication skills to problem-solve while functioning as a Certified Surgical Technologist.
4. Demonstrate progressive responsibility, self-discipline and teamwork in the surgical environment while providing the highest quality of patient care.

 

Admissions Requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age prior to scheduled clinical rotations
2. High school graduate or equivalent
3. Apply for admission to Chesapeake College
4. Submit original transcripts from all institutions previously attended
5. Complete pre-admission courses as listed below- BIO courses that are more than 10 years old will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
6. Grade point average of 2.0 for each BIO course is required

 

Admission Procedures:

Submitted applications that are incomplete will not be considered. 

1. Request Surgical Technology Program application and information packet.
2. Submit the following to the program director by April 15th of the year you wish to enter the pogram:

• Completed application
• A letter of intent
• Two letters of recommendation (employer, instructor, etc.) addressed to the program director. Letters from family members will not be accepted. 
• Transcripts, both internal and external

3. Admission is competitive. Meeting program requirements does not guarantee admission. Students are selected based on the following:

• GPA
• County of residence

4. After admission, students will be required to have a criminal background check, drug screening, and health screening inculding vaccine titers completed by a physician.
5. Students will be required to have proof of American Heart Association BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers prior to entrance into clinical facilities.
6. It is strongly encouraged, but not required, for students to carry medical insurance. Students who are not insured will be required to sign a liability waiver. 

 

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology, students must:

1. Successfully complete all clinical practicum experiences, including Surgical Practicum I, II, and III. Students must continue attending clinical beyond completion of the required 120 surgical procedures to fulfill the program’s clinical education requirements.
2. Earn a grade of “C” or better in all required BIO (Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology) courses and SGT (Surgical Technology) courses.
3. Successfully complete all clinical practicum experiences, including Surgical Practicum I, II, and III, covering well over 120 procedures.
4. Achieve program competencies and demonstrate the entry-level skills of a Certified Surgical Technologist, as defined by student learning outcomes—safe preparation of the operating room, maintenance of sterility, instrument handling, and effective teamwork.
5. Satisfy Chesapeake College’s graduation standards: maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, file a graduation application by the deadline, and meet any additional college-wide requirements (e.g., residency credits, financial obligations).
6. Complete all admissions prerequisites and co-requisites, including background check, drug screening, health requirements (e.g., immunizations, CPR), and orientation sessions.
7. Sit for the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) national certification exam prior to the official graduation date.
8. Meet all Chesapeake College graduation requirements and any applicable Maryland State requirements to be awarded the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology.

 

Accreditation information: The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

 

Contact Person:  

Ms. Karen Jones, CST, Program Director
Health Professions & Athletics Center, Room 203G
410-822-5400, ext. 2712
kjones@chesapeake.edu