Surgical Technology

  1. Overview
  2. A.A.S., Surgical Technology
Surgical Technology

Specialized training for a specialized career.

The Surgical Technology program prepares students to work as valuable members of a surgical team, which most commonly includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. Surgical Technologists assist in surgical procedures under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel. They perform a variety of critical hands-on tasks, including:

  • Preparing operating rooms by setting up surgical instruments and equipment
  • Preparing patients for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites
  • Passing instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons during surgical procedures
  • Maintaining a proper sterile field throughout the surgical process
  • Monitoring and assessing operating room conditions

Benefit from:

  • 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 an off-campus healthcare facility, 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
  • Eligibility to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination*

*Pending accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Certification

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Only students who complete a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology program are eligible to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, a national credentialing exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Surgical Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

Beginning Fall 2013: This program is expected to begin with the Fall 2013 quarter, subject to regulatory approvals and other circumstances, and will be offered at the Clifton and Dover locations*.

*The opening of locations in Clifton and Dover is planned for 2013, subject to regulatory approval.

The following are A.A.S., Surgical Technology program statistics for New Jersey. This program is expected to begin in 2013, subject to regulatory approvals and other circumstances. Berkeley reserves the right to modify programs and plans as it deems appropriate.

Click on the links for more information on jobs related to this program:

Surgical Technology/Technologist:  29-2055 Surgical Technologists, 31-9093 Medical Equipment Preparers

 

Q: How much will this program cost me to complete?
A: If you begin this program in 2013, your estimated total costs for the entire program are:

Tuition and fees:

$46,800


Books and supplies:

$1,910


On-campus room & board:

Not required


Q: What's included?
A:
The cost is based on completion of the program within two years for an Associate's degree (Note: Additional costs may be incurred due to individual circumstances such as specific course selections and remediation requirements). Berkeley College does offer a Tuition Freeze Program which may reduce overall tuition cost (click here for terms and conditions). Program costs include tuition and fees plus the estimated cost of textbooks and supplies. Living expenses, such as room, board, and transportation, can vary considerably and are not included in the figures above. Berkeley College does not require students to live on campus. There is optional housing available to students at either the University Center in Newark, NJ (which has an additional estimated cost of $15,300 for six quarters) or housing at the White Plains location (which has an additional estimated cost of $18,300 for six quarters).

Q: What are my financing options to pay for the program?
A:
In addition to any grant and scholarship aid for which they are eligible, students may be eligible to borrow federal loans and private educational loans, and participate in institutional financing plans.

Because this is a new program, there are no relevant statistics concerning student loan debt.

Q: How long will it take me to complete this program?
A:

This 90-credit program is designed to be completed in six academic quarters over two calendar years.

Because this is a new program, there are no relevant statistics concerning program completion.


 

Governing regulations may disqualify individuals from obtaining professional certification in this field based upon health or criminal records. Therefore, in addition to meeting the immunization requirements of Berkeley College and the State of New Jersey, students applying to the Surgical Technology program must submit a physical assessment by a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant and provide authorization for a criminal background check prior to registration.

To qualify for graduation, students must pass all Surgical Technology (SUR) courses and the following Science courses with a minimum grade of C+: SCI223, SCI224, SCI225, SCI226, SCI228, and SCI234 as well as participate in the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification examination. Students must purchase their own malpractice insurance.