Surgical Technology
Surgical Technology employment opportunities include: Free Standing Surgery Centers, Surgeon’s Office, Labor and Delivery, Organ and Tissue Procurement Team, Auto Transfusion Team, Central Sterile Processing Units, Medical Sales Companies, and Educational Institutions.
2025 Surgical Technology Admissions Packet (PDF)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants to the 2025 Surgical Technology program MUST have BIO 275 (Microbiology) with a grade of “C” or better. CVCC will no longer accept BIO 175.
Surgical Technology is a specialty within the Health Sciences Division. The curriculum prepares an individual to assist in the care of the surgical patient in the operating room and to function as a member of the surgical team.
Students will apply theoretical knowledge to the care of patients undergoing surgery and develop skills necessary to participate in surgical procedures, prepare supplies, equipment, and instruments; maintain aseptic technique; assist with patient preparation for surgery; and assist surgeons during operations.
Students of Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited programs are required to take the national certification exam administered by the National Board on Certification in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) within a four-week period prior to or after graduation; however, Surgical Technology students at CVCC will take the certification exam prior to graduation.
Students are expected to participate in classroom, lab, and clinical (hospital) experience. The entire program consists of five continuous semesters (68 or 69 credits). Students start in the Fall semester (August) and graduate in the Spring semester (May).
It is highly recommended to complete as many of the required general education classes prior to admission into the program.
All students applying to the Surgical Technology Program are required to attend an information session.
Information Sessions
Please contact Sarah Hayes to obtain further details about attending information sessions.
Information sessions will not be held during Institutional holidays or semester breaks.
Admission Criteria
The program begins in the Fall Semester. Admission is based on the completion of all minimum requirements as listed on the MAR Checklist. The number of admissions is based on 20 seats in the program. The selection process is competitive.
For more information regarding completing a complete admission file, please refer to the MAR Surgical Technology Admission Packet.
Clinical Sites
Clinical agencies and/or credentialing bodies require criminal background checks and drug screens prior to admission to clinical sites.
The program uses various clinical affiliates including hospitals and surgery centers for clinical rotations.
The operating room environment is a high risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens resulting in exposure to communicable diseases.
Program Information
Program Options
Program Options
- Surgical Technology, AAS
- Surgical Technology Bridge Program, AAS
Please see the catalog for more information about the degree option in this curriculum.
Related Programs
Related Programs
Information
Information
2025 Surgical Technology Admissions Packet
Documents and Forms
Student Medical Forms (Please do not submit these to CVCC.)
How to Request Official Transcripts for CVCC
| Year | National Certification Exam Pass Rate | Positive Job Placement |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-2018 | 92% | 92% |
| 2018-2019 | 83% | 94% |
| 2019-2020 | 100% | 100% |
| 2020-2021 | No Graduating Class | |
| 2021-2022 | 100% | 100% |
| 2022-2023 | 75% | 100% |
Accreditation Resources
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
CAAHEP
9335 113th St. N., #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354
Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)
ARC/STSA
19751 East Mainstreet, Suite #339
Parker, CO 80138
Phone: 303-694-9262
Fax: 303-741-3655
What employment opportunities are available?
Employment opportunities include labor/delivery/emergency departments, inpatient/outpatient surgery centers, dialysis units/ facilities, physicians' offices, and central supply processing units.
Surgical technologists can work in hospitals, surgical units, day surgery units, labor and delivery, or physicians’ offices. Salaries range from $29,000 to $39,000.
What is the class schedule/length for the Surgical Technology program?
Surgical Technology classes are held during the day. Applicants who wish to do so may take the general education/related coursework for the program prior to acceptance. Please note that taking these courses does not shorten the length of the program as the actual Surgical Technology courses takes five (5) semesters to complete; however, many applicants find this process beneficial. While general core coursework may be completed in the evening or online (when available), courses for the Surgical Technology program are only offered during the day. Students will begin their studies in the classroom and the laboratory. Students will complete their studies in the operating room and the classroom.
ValleySim Hospital
CVCC uses state-of the are facility and equipment. Many of our training services are located and facilitated by the CVCC ValleySim Hospital.
Technical Standards
Technical Standards
The following activities are examples of the kind of activities which a student in the Surgical Technology program will be required to perform in order to successfully complete the program. If an accepted applicant believes that he or she cannot meet one of more of the standards without accommodations or modifications, the applicant should consult the director of the program for student with disabilities.
| Issue | Standard | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | A Surgical Technology student should possess critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment. | Students must be able to bring together and relate the similarities of surgical procedures and situations in order to function on unfamiliar procedures. |
| Interpersonal Skills | A Surgical Technology student shall possess interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with surgeons, OR personnel, hospital departmental staff, and patients. These individuals are all experiencing different levels of anxiety within the OR environment in relationship to the position they are holding within the surgical suite. This also includes the ability of the student to handle constructive criticism. Constructive criticism is an ongoing process. | Constructive criticism is expressed in the lab as a teaching tool, in the classroom and in the clinical sites as well. Students shall establish a working rapport with surgeons, anesthesia personnel, other surgical technologists, nurses, and a variety of other departmental specialists as well as patients. |
| Communication Skills | A Surgical Technology student shall possess communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal form. | Discuss and ask questions regarding the surgical procedures both pre-operatively and intra-operatively. |
| Mobility | A Surgical Technology student shall possess physical abilities sufficient to move and maneuver in a small operating room. Students will experience periods of standing in one spot for an extensive amount of time as well as during shorter surgical procedures. Some surgical procedures require sitting for long periods of times as well. A Surgical Technology student will experience lifting surgical instrument trays as well as participating in patient lifting and positioning. | Holding a patient’s extremity for 5 to 15 minutes or standing for a surgical procedure that may last several hours. Instrument trays may weigh as much as 27 pounds. |
| Motor Skills | A Surgical Technology student shall possess gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective care in the operating room. | Manipulating very fine and delicate instruments and suture as well as the larger more complex orthopedic and neuro equipment. |
| Hearing | A Surgical Technology student shall possess auditory ability to monitor and assess needs by the surgeon and other sterile operating room team members. | Surgeons and/or staff wear surgical masks during surgical procedures. This limits the ability to hear requests and directions at the surgical field. |
| Visual | A Surgical Technology student shall possess visual ability and acuity for observation and assessment necessary during a surgical procedure. | Handling fine surgical suture needles safely and efficiently in response to the needs of the surgeon and surgical procedure, being able to visualize and follow the surgical procedure, and working with small supplies and instruments that require calibration. |
| Tactile | A Surgical Technology student shall possess tactile ability to sufficiently handle all the microscopic supplies, instruments, and equipment. | Implantable items for patients may be very delicate, in combination with sterile surgical gloves, some supplies and instruments require very delicate manipulation. |
| Stress | Stress in the operating room is very common. Tension runs high many days and it can affect a student’s ability to cope with the environment and others in the environment. Stress arises from the difficult development of interpersonal skills within the operating room. Stress is also environmental related (this is a totally different environment than any you have been in; ex: room temperatures, noises, odors, patient conditions, sites, and standing for a long period of time either in an ergonomic or non-ergonomic position). | Students often feel stress in the SUR 111 Lab as well as in the clinicals when they are being watched very closely by the operating room staff or the surgical technology faculty. |
| Cognitive Abilities | A Surgical Technology student shall possess the ability to be oriented to time, place, and person, organize responsibilities, and make quick appropriate decisions. | Students will need to quickly assess needs for surgical procedures, anticipate surgeon’s needs, and act appropriately at all times. Organizational skills when setting up the instrument table and mayo table allows the student to function in a more efficient manner. |
| Occupational Exposures | A Surgical Technology student is at high risk for exposure to blood and body fluids resulting in exposure to communicable disease, toxic substances, medical preparations, and chemical sterilization practices at all times. Standard precautions are to be practiced at all times. | A student may be assigned to a surgical procedure with a patient that has a known or unknown communicable disease. Ethylene oxide is a means of a lethal chemical sterilization process. |
Please note: Examples are not all inclusive.
If you have a disability and need accommodations, please contact the Counselor/Students with Disabilities Program at least 72 hours in advance at (828) 327-7000, ext. 4222 or accommodations@cvcc.edu
Career Outlook
Surgical Technology: Career Outlook
Program Cost
Financial Aid
All applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid. To determine eligibility, an applicant must first complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This application is available online or in Student Services. For information on Financial Aid and scholarships, contact the CVCC Financial Aid Office.
Estimated Cost
College tuition is set by the North Carolina State Legislature and is subject to change. The approximate cost for the program is $8,200. This figure is based upon current in-state tuition rates and reflects an approximate cost only.
Estimated Additional Cost
These are in addition to CVCC’s tuition, activity fee, accident insurance, books, and class supplies. (Changes in costs may occur without prior notice.)
| General Fees | Amount of Fee |
|---|---|
| Malpractice Insurance | $28.00 |
| Lab Fee (one-time fee - due Spring) | $89.30 |
| Set of Scrubs (two recommended) | $200.00 (2 sets and lab jacket) |
| Vinyl or Leather Shoes | $75.00 - $100.00 |
| Clinical Goggles (optional-free from hospital) | $5.00 - $50.00 |
| Hepatitis Vaccine (series of three) | $175.00 |
| Immunization Updates or Titers | $100.00 - $200.00 |
| Physical Exam | $165.00 |
| Eye Exam (with retina check) | $60.00 - $100.00 |
| CPR Certification | $37.00 - $65.00 |
| TB Test (two step process is required) | $56.00 |
| TDap Immunization | $55.00 |
| Varicella Immunization (times two) | $230.00 |
| MMR (times two) | $162.00 |
| Influenza Immunization | $0.00 - $35.00 |
| Castle Branch compliance tracker/Criminal Background Check/Drug Screening (approximate fee) | $ 133.75 |
| My Clinical Exchange document tracker (12 Months) | $39.50 |
| AST Membership Package included: Membership, certification exam, and exam study guide. (Certification exam required prior to graduation from CVCC) | $247.00 |
| Travel Expenses for clinical | Cost Varies |
| Travel Expenses for classes | Cost Varies |
Note: AST Membership package includes Membership, certification exam, and exam study guide (Certification exam is now required prior to graduation from CVCC)
Please Note: These cost estimates are in addition to the costs that any student attending CVCC will incur each semester, such as tuition, activity fees, accident insurance, books, and class supplies such as pens, paper, etc. Students applying for graduation will also pay diploma fees. Estimates for these costs may be found in the CVCC Catalog.
Admissions
healthcare@cvcc.edu
(828) 327-7000, ext. 4216