What is Surgical Technology?
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings such as medical offices, out-patient clinics, and the operating room.
The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.
A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic techniques and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
This program provides clinical experience built upon classroom instruction in the basic sciences, patient care, aseptic techniques and surgical procedures. CPR (for Healthcare Professionals) requirements must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in clinicals mid-October and must be kept current throughout the program.
Graduates receiving their degrees meet the requirements to take the national certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). All students must take this exam to graduate.
What are my career choices?
Surgical technologists work in medical offices, outpatient clinics and operating rooms. Per the 2022 Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) Salary Map, the average KY salary is $23.85 per hour.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
How Do I apply?
Pre-Admission Conference
A pre-admissions conference is required prior to applicant’s consideration by the Surgical Technology Admissions Committee. You can now participate in the pre-admission conference online.
After viewing the online pre-admission conference, a student may then complete the online program application.
If a student applied to the program or attended a pre-admission conference in the past, the student must still view the online pre-admission conference each semester and submit a new application and other necessary information to be considered for acceptance.
Admission Documents
*Please read the pre-admission conference before applying.
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
Accreditation
The Surgical Technology program at Somerset Community College is accredited through:
- Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), www.arcstsa.org
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), www.caahep.org
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), www.sacscoc.org
- Professional Organization, Association of Surgical Technologists, www.ast.org
CST Exam Pass Rates
| Rate year | Passing students/number of examinees | Number passing on 1st attempt | Number passing on 2nd attempt | Percent Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6/8 | 75% | 75% | |
| 2023 | 9/13 | 62% | 69% | 69% |
| 2022 | 6/7 | 85% | 85% | |
| 2021 | 6/8 | 75% | 75% | |
| 2020 | 5/8 | 63% | 63% | |
| 2019 | 7/13 | 54% | 61% | 61% |
| 2018 | 10/12 | 83% | 83% | |
| 2017 | 7/7 | 100% | 100% |
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