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!

2+2 Healthcare Management Pathway

Central Penn College’s healthcare associate degrees provide a strong foundation for a career in medicine, with the flexibility to bridge seamlessly into our Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management (HCM) degree. This innovative 2+2 pathway allows you to earn your associate degree in as little as 18 months + an internship, followed by a HCM in an additional year and a half, propelling you towards leadership roles in the dynamic healthcare industry.

Surgical Technology A.S.: Provide critical support during surgery, ensuring sterile environments and assisting surgeons. This associate degree prepares you for a Healthcare Management, allowing you to contribute to surgical service excellence at a leadership level.

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

Observation and Internship Considerations

Students enrolled in the Surgical Technology program are required to participate in clinical observation and internship experiences. These experiences involve travel to locations off campus and are in addition to the regular class schedule. Students are required to provide their own transportation to these sites. Efforts will be made to place students at the site of their choosing when possible.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION FOR THE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

The Central Penn College Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs www.caahep.org
9355 113th St N,
#7709 Seminole,
FL 33775
727-210-2350

Students are 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 SUR299 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

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