Mohave Community College

What is Surgical Technology? Becoming a surgical technologist will be an exciting and interesting career. Techonologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants. You will set up operating instruments, supplies and equipment, prepare patients for surgery, assist the surgeon during surgery, and more.

How long is the program? MCC's Surgical Technology program takes one year to complete a certificate and two years for an Associate in Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology and will equip the student with the knowledge necessary to take the national certification examination for Surgical Technology.

Where would I find a job in Surgical Technology? The majority of jobs are in hospitals. Other entities that would employ an Surgical Technologist are clinics, surgical centers, physician's offices, and dentists who perform outpatient surgery. You may also find employment managing central supply departments in hospitals, work for an insurance company, a sterile supply service or surgical equipment firms.

Can I advance my career in Surgical Technology? Surgical Technologists can advance their career by moving up a career ladder from CST I through CST IV. A tech with experience can move into management such as, Manager of Heart Surgery. With more training, some technologists advance to first assistants, who help with retracting, sponging, suturing, cauterizing bleeders, and closing and treating wounds.

 

Picture of typical setting in surgery room.

What types of procedures will I be exposed to? The surgical technologist can expect to scrub on a wide variety of surgical cases, including General Surgery, OB/Gyn, Orthopedics, Cardio and Peripheral Vascular surgery, as well as all other specialties. You might operate sterilizers, lights or suction machines, and assist with diagnostic equipment. Surgical Technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room following surgery and also clean and restock the operating room.

How will I assist in the procedures? You may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies and instruments. You might also prepare, care for and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and also assist in applying dressings.

How great are the career opportunities for Surgical Technologists? The population has been growing by leaps and bounds and the number of surgeries is increasing just as fast. Technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technology, will also introduce new surgical procedures.

Is the program accredited? The Surgical Technology Program at MCC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in cooperation with the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology.  Students graduating from this program are eligible to sit for the National Certification Test to become certified through the The National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants (NBSTSA).

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