Surgical Technology

Surgical Technologists work under medical supervision to facilitate safe and effective performance of invasive surgical procedures aimed at optimizing patient safety. Graduates may sit for the Surgical Technologist national certification exam administrered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). 

Program Expectations

  • This program begins only in the Fall Semester and takes one year to complete.
  • Classes and clinical labs will be 40 hours a week during the daytime. Clinicals will be held at hospital sites within a 45 mile radius.
  • Clinicals will be held in hospital operating rooms with students working with a preceptor. Students must have their own transportation.
  • Upon completion of the program, students will take the certification examination administered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). 

Program Outcomes

2023

  • CST Exam Pass Rate, 43% 
  • Retention Rate, 58%
  • Employment Outcomes, 85%

2022

  • CST Exam Pass Rate, 66%
  • Retention Rate, 100%
  • Employment Outcomes, 66%

2021

  • CST Exam Pass Rate, 100%
  • Retention Rate, 80%
  • Employment Outcomes, 80%

2020

  • CST Exam Pass Rate, 80%
  • Retention Rate, 100%
  • Employment Outcomes, 100%

2019

  • CST Exam Pass Rate, 60%
  • Retention Rate, 83%
  • Employment Outcomes, 40%

 

Program Accreditation

This program meets nationally established standards for Surgical Technology. It has been approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). 

ILL State Law 225 ILCS 46/25 regarding mandatory drug screen and background check. We must include statement that not passing one or both would prevent student from attending clinical portion of the program, thus, preventing them from graduating.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
(727) 210-2350

caahep.org

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
(ARCSTSA
Phone: (303) 694-9262
arcstsa.org

 

The surgical technology curriculum has been designed in accordance with the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology and functions within the current Standards and Guidelines set forth by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA), Sponsored by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), https://www.caahep.org/.

Upon meeting all graduation requirements, students will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science. Students are eligible to apply to the NBSTSA (National Board on Certification for Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants) for the National Certifying Exam provided all the eligibility requirements have been met. Students may be eligible to take exams pre-graduation if they have met all program requirements for graduation. Richland’s program was initially accredited in May 1999 by CAAHEP and is in the “continuing” accreditation cycle, gaining reaccreditation in 2013 and 2024

 Program Goal

To prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. The surgical technology program is an intensive 12-month course of study composed of didactic, hands-on clinical experience and self –study, preparing the student for a profession as a surgical technologist. The surgical technologist is able to function in the operating room, labor and delivery, ambulatory care settings, cardiac catheterization, physician’s office, central supply and sterile processing departments.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the professional attributes of a beginning surgical technologist
  2. Utilize medical terminology correctly when communicating with other members of the surgical team
  3. Identify breaks in sterile techniques throughout all phases of the surgical procedure.
  4. Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and microbiology throughout all phases of the surgical procedure
  5. Communicate effectively with team members, patients, and families
  6. Achieve eligibility to site for the National Certification Examination
  7. Perform the duties of a Surgical Technologist on routine minor and major surgical procedures with the skills and abilities of a safe beginning practitioner
  8. Maintain a “Surgical Conscience” and accountability for personal actions
  9. Apply their knowledge of anatomy , pharmacology, instrumentation and equipment to their role in the operating room

 

Program Contact

Heather Pevion

Associate Professor / Coordinator 

708-709-3780

hpevion@prairiestate.edu

Monique Campbell

Associate Professor  / Clinical Coordinator

708-709-3713

mcampbell11@prairiestate.edu

Admissions Information

This program has special admissions requirements. Contact Enrollment Services to obtain a copy of the Surgical Technology Information and Application Procedures booklet.

Sistina Taele

Selective Admissions Specialist

708-709-3517

 

Selective Admissions

 

Admissions Booklet

 

View Curriculum Requirements

 

Bureau of Labor Statistics Information