Surgical Technology Program

The Surgical Technology degree program prepares students to work as valuable members of a surgical team, which most commonly includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses.

Students engage in:

• A strong foundation in both the theory and techniques of surgical technology
• Hands-on learning in on-site surgical laboratories that simulate the surgical environment
• Valuable, practical experience gained through the completion of clinical practicums at off-campus healthcare facilities, under the supervision of instructors and professional practitioners
• Liberal arts and sciences courses that provide students with a foundation of skills and knowledge necessary to reason clearly and communicate effectively

The College considers students for admission to degree and certificate programs on the basis of future potential, the motivation and interest to succeed in a chosen profession, and past academic achievement.

Graduation from high school or the equivalent is a basic requirement for admission to degree and certificate programs. In evaluating candidates, the Committee on Admissions takes into consideration your individual interests, your motivation to succeed in a chosen profession, and prior academic achievement. Basic requirements for admission include graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent and an entrance exam or SAT/ACT scores. Applicants to some programs offered within the School of Health Studies may have additional requirements, including successful completion of the HESI® Admission Assessment (A2) with Critical Thinking entrance examination. Documentation of successful completion of high school or the equivalent must be submitted to the College prior to starting classes.

A personal interview is strongly recommended. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Director of Admissions at the campus of their choice to arrange for an appointment with an Admissions Associate. For further information, students may also call the College at 866-317-6087 or email info@BerkeleyCollege.edu.

Berkeley maintains a rolling admissions policy, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applicants will be notified of a decision as soon as all credentials have been evaluated. Certain programs may have specific application deadline requirements. 

For further questions about the enrollment process, schedule an appointment with an associate.

The Surgical Technology program is only offered at the Woodland Park campus. Individuals who already possess the CST credential and who are interested in obtaining an Associate degree may take the program through Berkeley College Online®.

Surgical technologists assist in surgical procedures under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel. Most work in hospitals, but some work in outpatient care centers or in the offices of physicians who perform outpatient surgery.

• Employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 6 percent through 2031, as fast as average for all occupations.

About 9,600 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical Assistants and Technologists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm (visited August 23, 2023).