Academics » Majors » Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology (AAS)

Students in the mock surgical suite practicing on a patient simulator.

The hybrid surgical technology program at the University of Saint Francis combines asynchronous online learning with on-the-ground labs and clinical rotations.

Why Become a Certified Surgical Technologist?

The OR can’t operate without you: Surgical technologists prep patients, surgeons, rooms and equipment for procedures, assist during a range of operations, and help ensure facilities, instrumentation, and equipment are safe and sterile for all.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that advanced technology, safer procedures and shorter recovery times have increased interest in surgeries that improve the quality of life, such as knee replacements or cataract removal. This growing demand means job prospects are good for surgical techs.

Many healthcare employers prefer or require national certification. To become a certified surgical technologist, you’ll need to complete an accredited degree program, and you’ll find one at the University of Saint Francis.

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Career Outlook & Success

100%

employment rate for USF surgical tech graduates (2019)

$49,710

median national annual salary for surgical technologists in 2020 (BLS.gov)

11%

expected growth in demand for surgical technologists and technicians through 2030 (BLS.gov)

Program Details: At-a-Glance

  • Format: Hybrid (online courses; on-site labs and clinicals)
  • Length: 4 semesters (17 months)
  • Clinical cohorts begin in spring 2023 and each spring thereafter
  • Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam.

Dual-Enrollment Associate & Bachelor’s Degree Option:

As a surgical tech student, you can expand your career opportunities by earning a bachelor’s degree in Health Services in only one additional year. Choose a concentration in medical sales, health services management or community health.

Why USF for Surgical Technology?

Inspired by the Franciscan tradition and renowned for its values-based healthcare education, USF prepares you to serve others with respect, care and compassion. Our expert faculty members bring real-world medical experience to the classroom; they’ll give you a solid foundation in science and equip you with the technical and decision-making skills you’ll need to succeed in the OR.

In about two years time, you can begin your surgical technology career and serve as a critical member of a healthcare team.

Hands-On Learning from Day One

You don’t have to wait until your final months in the program to put learning into practice; at USF, you’ll go into the field during all four semesters and leave with more than 120 procedures completed in a variety of specialties with 750 hours of clinical experience.

Prepare for your surgical technologist career at sites such as:

  • Dupont Hospital
  • Lutheran Hospital
  • The Orthopedic Hospital
  • Parkview Ortho Hospital
  • Parkview Regional Medical Center
  • Southwest Surgical Suites
  • The Surgery Center and ENT Associates

I feel the surgical technology program is superior to other programs because of the state-of-the-art, hands-on lab.  It gives me exposure to instruments, supplies and equipment that we utilize in the clinical setting.

Caitlyn Carnahan ’17

Surgical Technology students cleaning their hands and preparing to enter the mock surgical suite.

What You Can Do With a Degree in Surgical Technology?

A certified surgical technologist can find work in a variety of healthcare organizations, from outpatient centers to hospitals. Our graduates start their surgical technologist career at healthcare organizations like:

  • Adams Health Network
  • Detroit Medical Center
  • Ear, Nose & Throat Associates
  • ENT Surgery Center
  • Fort Wayne Ortho
  • Lutheran Health Network
  • OhioHealth
  • OrthoIndy
  • Parkview Health
  • ProMedica
  • St. Vincent Hospital
  • Terre Haute Regional Hospital
  • UnityPoint Health

Your associate degree will give you a broad education, and as you gain experience and get additional training, you may develop specialities in certain practice areas, such as cardiology, orthopedics or ear, nose and throat.

The Orthopedic Hospital regularly hires USF graduates because they’re knowledgeable, hardworking and well-rounded. We meet them when they come in to do their orthopedic clinicals and will often hire them as surgical technologists.

Phyllis Kenline
RN-OR manager, The Orthopedic Hospital

Accreditation

USF’s associate of science in surgical technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the Accreditation Review Counsel on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARCSTSA).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 113th St. N  #7709
Seminole, Florida 33775
Phone: 727-210-2350
Email: [email protected]

Program Outcomes

Outcomes Assessment Exam

Certification is required to enter practice in the State of Indiana.  Below are the pass rates for University of Saint Francis graduates on the National Examination for the Certified Surgical Technologist offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

  • Class of 2022 – 100% pass rate
  • Class of 2021 – 100% pass rate
  • Class of 2020 – 88% pass rate
  • Class of 2019 – 100% pass rate
  • Class of 2018 – 100% pass rate

Graduate Placement

Surgical Technologists are in great demand in northeastern Indiana and University of Saint Francis graduates are actively recruited by local employers. The statistics below indicate the percentage of graduates who accepted positions as Certified Surgical Technologists or in a related field within one year of graduation.

  • Class of 2022 – 100% employed
  • Class of 2021 – 100% employed
  • Class of 2020 – 100% employed or continued education
  • Class of 2019 – 88% employed
  • Class of 2018 – 100% employed

Program Goals

The Surgical Technology program is designed to:

  • Prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains.
  • Provide employers with skilled surgical technologists who effectively apply theory to practice.
  • Promote development of clinical competencies adhering to best practices.
  • Enhance the surgical technology student personally and professionally through general education.
  • Provide a learning environment that recognizes individual differences and promotes Franciscan values.
  • Assist students in developing effective learning patterns on which to build further professional growth.

Student Learning Outcomes

Reflecting Franciscan values, the Surgical Technology graduate will:

  • Respect and protect each patient’s right to privacy, dignity, safety and comfort.
  • Demonstrate strong surgical conscience and ethical decision making during perioperative patient care and professional relations.
  • Skillfully apply scientific and surgical theory to aseptic technique, instrument handling skills, use of technology, tissue manipulation and patient care.
  • Use critical thinking skills to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other members of the surgical team.
  • Integrate concepts of the social and behavioral sciences, and humanities with surgical technology knowledge and practice.
  • Assume responsibility for self-direction by participating in activities that contribute to personal and professional growth.

Student Work Policy

All student activities associated with the curriculum, especially while students are completing clinical rotations will be educational in nature. Students will not be substituted for hired staff personnel during the scheduled clinical course component of the program.

Equal Access Statement

The University of Saint Francis is committed to providing equal access to all students, including those students with disabilities. Once students are admitted to a health sciences program, they should contact Student Success and Academic Advising Center at 260-399-7700, ext. 6008 if they believe that they may require reasonable accommodation to fulfill the Health Sciences Technical Standards.

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