Career Options
Surgical technologists may specialize and assist in complex procedures such as liver transplants. With additional education, they may become surgical nurses or surgical technology instructors. Some surgical technologists assume management positions in hospital central supply departments or in business firms such as sterile supply services and operating room equipment distributors.
Job Description
A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a member of the surgical team who works with surgeons, anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during and after surgery. Duties include passing instruments to the surgeon and assisting during surgery.
Qualifications and Skills Needed
Individuals who want to enter the field of surgical technology need manual dexterity because they must handle instruments quickly. They must also be alert, conscientious, orderly, and emotionally stable to handle the demands of surgeons. Surgical technologists need to have stamina and be able to work on their feet through out operations that may last several hours.
Program Description
The Surgical Technology program combines academic and clinical instruction that includes learning to prepare surgical instruments, passing them to the surgeon and handling specialized equipment. Skyline College offers a 12-month program. Classes start only in summer session. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions prior to applying.
Skyline starts one class of students each year during the summer session. The program is by special application only. Surgical Technology applications are accepted from January 15th to April 1st.
The program follows the Core Curriculum for the Surgical Technologist, developed by the Association of Surgical Technologists, Inc. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the exam given by the National Board for Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants.
Degrees and Certificates
Graduates of the program will be awarded either a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate of Science degree. Core classes for both are the same. Which is awarded is dependent on the general education background of the student. All courses must be taken in sequence. Credit may be given for previous coursework. A minimum grade of "C" is required in all Surgical Technology classes.
Salary Expectations
Beginning wages for surgical technologists in the Bay Area range from $24.00 - $26.00 per hour.
Professional Affiliation
Students are highly encouraged to join their professional association, The Association of Surgical Technologists, during their student year in order to receive the many benefits of membership including discounts on fees for membership, the national Certification Exam and continuing education opportunities. Student membership fee is $45.00. For more information: 1-800-637-7433.
Program Accreditation
The Surgical Technology Program of the Skyline College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Challenging Courses
Students who want to transfer from another surgical technology program or graduates of non-accredited programs may apply to challenge the coursework for SURG 440. Students who successfully challenge SURG 440 may enroll in SURG 441 on a space available basis.
Applicants must meet the requirements for admission into the program and possess a current Basic Life Support-C recognition card
To challenge SURG 440, students must pass (receive a score of 78% or better) an exam covering Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology, and O.R. Pharmacology. To challenge SURG 441, students must pass (receive a score of 78% or better) on an exam covering Aseptic Technique, Instrumentation, Patient Safety, Surgical Equipment and Supplies, Wound Closures. They must also demonstrate clinical skills competencies at the level of a beginner or better for the following skills:
Practicing Surgical Technologists
Practicing Surgical Technologists who are not certified may become eligible to sit for the certification exam by challenging SURG 440 and 441 and, if successful, enrolling in SURG 442 and SURG 443. This is accomplished by obtaining a written agreement between the Coordinator of the program and the candidate's O.R. manager outlining the duties, rights and responsibilities of both parties with regard to the candidate's credentialing process; submitting documentation of having performed the role of the scrub assistant for a minimum of 516 hours during the scheduled semester; submitting weekly clinical evaluations completed by a representative of the Surgical Technology Program for the above documented hours; taking and passing the Final Exam with a grade of 78% or better.
Students who challenge are not required, but are strongly advised, to attend the weekly classroom sessions. The written final exam will cover the following topics:
For Further Information Contact:
ST Program Director
(650) 738-4470
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