Work in the Operating Room as Part of the Surgical Team

Does the idea of working in an operating room, assisting with life-saving surgeries excite you? Are you ready for a fast-paced career where every day brings something new? As a surgical technologist, you will be a vital part of the surgical team-preparing the operating room, passing instruments to surgeons during procedures, and ensuring everything stays sterile and safe.

Before surgery, you would perform tasks like checking instruments for sterilization and making sure supplies are available. You may also assist patients by positioning them on the table and maintaining the sterile field for their safety. During surgery you may pass the surgical instruments to the surgeon and help them have a clear visual of the procedures, or prepare specimens for lab work. After surgery, you may apply dressing to the patient and prepare the operating room for the next procedure.

Surgical technologists are an expert part of the surgical team. They work with doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and other members of the medical team for the good of the patient.

Faculty Contact

Karen Jones, CST, A.S.
Program Director
Health Professions & Athletic Center
Room 203G
410-822-5400 ext. 2712
302-542-3179
[email protected]

2
Years to Complete
(full-time student)
10:1
Student-Faculty
Ratio
$15,000
Tuition
(in-county)

This program will prepare you for a career as a surgical technologist. You will be prepared to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants (NBSTSA) certifying exam to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), and learn how to function safely, effectively and efficiently in the Surgical Technologist role.

This career combines adrenaline, precision, teamwork, and compassion—all in one. If you thrive under pressure and want to make a difference in the operating room, Surgical Technology might be your perfect fit.

Important: Specific admission requirements apply for this program. Please see the College Catalog, speak to an advisor, or review the Application Process below for details. Selection is competitive and meeting the requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

When you complete this program, you will know how to:

  • Put the safety and well-being of the surgical patient first
  • Apply understanding of human physiology, surgical anatomy and medical terminology in all aspects of patient care
  • Combine knowledge from general education and surgical science with critical thinking and communication skills to problem-solve while functioning as a Certified Surgical Technologist
  • Demonstrate progressive responsibility, self-discipline and teamwork in the surgical environment while providing the highest quality of patient care

Students are educated through classroom instruction and clinical field work specifically to assist in surgical procedures. Students will learn surgical techniques and essential skills needed in the surgical environment. Students will also learn the preparation and use of the operating room equipment and surgical instrumentation. The surgical technologist, with the development of a surgical conscience, will provide the surgical patient with the highest standards of care during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of surgery.

The application period for this program is from December 1 through June 1 for  admission into the Fall cohort.

Admission to this program is limited, therefore, selection is competitive.

Application Process

Apply to Chesapeake College

Completing our online application is always the first step. Chesapeake is an open admissions institution, with start dates in spring, summer, fall and winter. Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation with additional details for submitting your supplemental items, including information about Placement Testing (as needed), Official Transcripts, and other important documentation. (Check in your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.)

Complete the Program Application
Once you’ve applied to the College (step 1 above), you must also apply to the program. Admission into this program is competitive. Please complete the program-specific application at the link below. Note that this application requires information from high school and college transcripts. 

Application is currently closed.

Complete Additional Requirements
  • Letters of Recommendation: Send the program director TWO letters of recommendation (ex. Employer, Teacher, Doctor, etc.)
  • Letter of Intent: Submit a letter of intent to the program director. The letter should include a statement of career goals and explain why you have chosen to pursue a career in surgical technology.
  • Pre-admission Coursework: Complete any additional, or prerequisite coursework, as required for admission into the program. More information can be found in the Curriculum tab below.
Attend an Orientation Session
Participate in a surgical technology orientation session to learn more about admission requirements, clinical placements, and answer any questions you may have about the Surgical Technology program at Chesapeake College.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It’s never too early to explore the many financial aid and scholarship options available to you. Regardless of your financial situation, it is so important to first complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA allows us to offer you the greatest possible amount of financial aid. Once your FAFSA is complete, be sure to apply for scholarships from the Chesapeake College Foundation. One application opens up the door to hundreds of potential scholarships.

Program Admission Decision
Program admission decisions are different from the general college admissions process. All students are admitted to the college—the Surgical Technology program, however, is competitive. Not all applicants will be accepted. Once program applications have been submitted, the director will evaluate all candidates.

After being accepted into the Surgical Technology Program, all students will be required to have background checks and drug testing at the student’s expense.

Pay & Prep

Pay either at the time of registration, or by the due date on your bill. Deferred tuition payment plans are available to students whose bills exceed $100. Before the semester begins, buy your textbooks and other needed supplies. Students will be required to purchase scrubs and other PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). Then, check out the location of your courses, and get ready for your first day of class by attending a New Student Orientation session.

Surgical Tech FAQs

During the preoperative phase of surgical care, surgical technologists prepare the operating room for the patient, assuring that all instrumentation and supplies are properly sterilized and that all equipment is available and functioning properly. They set up the sterile field, prepare for, and assist with draping as required. During the intraoperative phase, surgical technologists pass instrumentation and equipment to the surgeon and assist with other tasks as required, while maintaining sterility throughout the case. They are also responsible for keeping track of all supplies and instrumentation throughout the procedure. During the postoperative phase, surgical technologists ensure that all instrumentation, equipment and supplies are properly cared for, and they assist with preparing the room for the next procedure. Surgical technologists are usually the first team members to enter the operating room and the last to leave-they are involved in every aspect of surgical care.

Students must be able to lift 50 pounds. Instrument trays can be very heavy, and assisting with moving patients will be required. Students must be able to stand for long periods of time in awkward positions, and may go for long periods of time without nourishment or breaks. Students must have 20/30 or better vision, with or without corrective lenses. Students may be required to thread a needle using a thread that is smaller than a human hair, and may be required to assemble delicate equipment. Students must have hearing that falls within normal range, with or without corrective aids. ***These are examples only and do not encompass every possible situation that may be encountered.

A stable temperament and a strong sense of personal responsibility, as well as considerable patience are required. The ability to perform under pressure and in stressful and emergency situations as part of a team is also essential. Working quickly and accurately while being detail oriented is a basic part of day-to-day tasks as a surgical technologist. Of course, manual dexterity and physical stamina are also needed.

Surgeons expect surgical technologists to know and carry out proper aseptic technique and have a broad based knowledge of instrumentation and suture. They also expect trained surgical technologists to be able to identify anatomical structures properly pass instruments and supplies, and be an asset to the surgical team during stressful situations.

Yes, students will participate in well over 120 procedures during the course of the program.

YES! There are also projects and presentations. Lots of studying as well!

The job market has tremendous possibilities throughout the USA. You can find more information about this at: www.ast.org

Additional Surg-Tech-specific questions? Contact Karen Jones at [email protected].

Curriculum, Outcomes, and Accreditation

Please note: Pre-admission semester coursework may vary due to prior completed coursework, student course load ability and other factors. However, once coursework in the program begins, courses must be completed in the order listed and without interruption. The program is designed for students to progress in a continuous fashion as a cohort to completion.

(Pre-Admission) Fall Semester I
ENG 101 Composition 3 credits*
MAT 107 Foundations of Mathematics 3 credits*
BIO 103 Preparatory Biology for Healthcare Students 1 credit*
BIO 211 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits*
MED 106 Medical Terminology 1 credit
PSC 150 General Psychology 3 credits
(Pre-Admission) Spring Semester I
BIO 212 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits*
SOC 161 Sociology 3 credits
BIO 202 Microbiology 4 credits*
ART/HUM Arts/Humanities (GenEd) 3 credits
Summer Semester I (Post-admission)
SGT 125 Intro to Healthcare and Surgical Services 3 credits*
SGT 126 Surgical Techniques I 3 credits*
SGT 128 Surgical Specialties I 4 credits*
Fall Semester II (Post-admission)
SGT 127 Surgical Pharmacology 2 credits*
SGT 228 Surgical Specialties II 4 credits*
SGT 129 Surgical Practicum I 5 credits*
Winterim (Post-admission)
SGT 225 Surgical Practicum II 1 credit*
Spring Semester II (Post-admission)
SGT 229 Surgical Practicum III 5 credits*
SGT 230 Strategies for Professional Advancement 2 credits*
SGT 226 Surgical Techniques II 3 credits

Minimum Required Credits: 60

*Indicates that placement testing, prerequisite or co-requisite requirement must be met.

 

Academic Years: 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Number of Students graduated from Chesapeake’s Program 5 8 8
Number of Students that took the CST Exam 5 8 8
Number of Students that passed the CST Exam on the first try 4 6 7
Number of students working in the field in six months 4 7 5
NBSTSA National Average on Web Based Testing Pass Rate 69.1% 71.8% unknown
Chesapeake College Pass Rates for CST Exam 80% 75% 87.5%

CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of
Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting ARC/STSA

NBSTSA Logo

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL  33763  
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

equipped for the FUTURE

Start Here. Go Anywhere.

Chesapeake’s degrees transfer where you want to go.

If specific transfer agreements for this program are in place, they will be listed below.
Not seeing your dream university listed here? No worries! Chances are, we can create a transfer agreement specific to your needs. Our advisors will help you plan every credit on your way to your bachelor’s degree.

Apply for Scholarships

This program qualifies for many of our institutional scholarships. Complete one application, and be considered for hundreds of potential scholarships. Make sure to complete your FAFSA as well to receive as much funding as possible.

A surgical technology associates degree can help open the door to your next career. Scroll through the options here to explore careers in surgical technology, including projected growth in our five-county service area, and average salary information.

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