Surgical Technology
The Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science program provides students with the technical knowledge and skills required for employment as a member of an operating room healthcare team in a hospital or surgical center.
Surgical technologists are highly skilled and highly sought-after healthcare paraprofessionals. This short-term program is for individuals looking to change careers, or high school graduates who wish to work in healthcare and are looking to quickly enter the workforce. Hands-on learning through simulation and live clinical experiences will prepare students for certification.
JOIN THIS EXCITING FIELD AND HAVE THE FULL TUITION COST OF THE PROGRAM REIMBURSED!
UPMC, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, and Central Penn College are working together to bring more skilled surgical technologists to the region. In addition to making a meaningful impact in the community, students who successfully complete the program and are hired by UPMC will receive financial assistance up to full reimbursement of all tuition costs.
In just 18 months you can be part of an exciting, fast-growing field in health care. And you can have your tuition completely reimbursed!
What You Will Learn
The Surgical Technology program will provide you with training in essential healthcare skills, surgical instrumentation, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, patient care, surgical pharmacology and microbiology. You will complete observation experiences as well as a 120-case internship at the conclusion of the program.
How Do I Get the Program Paid?
Central Penn College will work with students on financial aid packages or payment plan options at the time of their enrollment. Those students hired by UPMC (contingent upon their performance during the course work and externship, and successfully passing their certification exam), will receive a payment each month of employment toward their program costs. By the third year of employment at UPMC, the tuition costs will be completely reimbursed.*
OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE FULL TUITION
Through an innovative combination of funding from UPMC, Central Penn College, and UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, students who work at UPMC for three years following graduation will have the full tuition cost of the program reimbursed. Students must complete at least two years of the work requirement at UPMC’s facilities in the Central Pa. region.
Students also have the opportunity to work with UPMC during their education. A variety of full- and part-time positions are available that can accommodate their studies.
Central Penn College also is making the CPC Housing Scholarship available to all qualifying Surgical Technology AAS Program enrollees who choose to live on campus, valued at $5,800 a year.
Admission Requirements
- Be a high school graduate with GPA of at least a 2.5, or GED recipient with a score of 500 (score of 50 prior to 2002).
- Successfully completed two sciences (C or higher) and one algebra course (C or higher) in high school or college. If students don’t meet these criteria, they are able to file an appeal for acceptance to the Dean of Health Sciences.
After Acceptance
- Complete a background check.
- Provide documentation of current required immunizations and current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
- Possess American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification––valid prior to the start of Internship (SUR290) with current certification maintained through the completion of clinical rotations.
Disclaimer: Central Penn College cannot guarantee clinical placements for students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Program Offered
On-ground, hybrid
National Certification Examination for the Surgical Technologist
The Surgical Technology program at Central Penn College has a site visit for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs ( www.caaheap.org). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
As the Program is in the initial stages of applying for accreditation through the ARC/STSA, students in the Associate Program will be eligible to sit for the NBSTSA Secure Practice Examination offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting successful completion of all programmatic requirements, including clinical internship. If the Program is granted accreditation through the ARC/STSA, students will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam (NBSTSA) upon successful completion of all programmatic requirements, including clinical internship. After successfully passing this exam, the individual will be able to use the designation of CST-Certified Surgical Technologist. Information regarding how to apply to take the exam will be provided in the SUR290 course. Exams are offered online at local testing centers. If a candidate fails to pass the certification exam on the first attempt, there is a 30-day waiting period before the candidate may re-test. You may attempt to retest three times with a minimum of 30 days between tests. After the third attempt, you must wait one year (with remediation) before your fourth and final attempt.
In the news
10 Reasons to Pursue a Career as a Surgical Technologist
UPMC and Central Penn Partner on New Surgical Technician Diploma Program
New Surgical Technician Diploma program launched to meet high-demand
Courses
Anatomy and Physiology, I
Medical Terminology and Pharmacology
Fundamentals of Surgical Technology
Anatomy and Physiology, II
Preoperative Techniques and Procedures
Intraoperative Techniques and Procedures
Surgical Pharmacology
Microbiology
Postoperative Techniques and Procedures
Medical Law and Ethics
Surgical Specialties and Pathophysiology
Internship (120 cases)
Certification Exam Review With Internship
Request More Information
Careers you can pursue
- Surgical Technologist
You will succeed if you are...
- Detail-oriented
- Caring
- Collaborative
- Focused
- Thorough
- Handle pressure well
- Compassionate
- Ability to remain composed
90.5% of our graduates were employed in their chosen field or continuing their education within one year of graduation.
* Based on graduates whom we have information during a one-year period from 2021-22. It should be noted that 97.1% of graduates were employed in some capcity or continuing their education.
