Chris Kapp, CSFA/CST

My teaching philosophy in surgical technology is grounded in the belief that education should be transformative, student-centered, and closely connected to real-world practice. I strive to mentor students into becoming competent, confident, and compassionate professionals. Students learn best through active engagement. I foster a collaborative environment that emphasizes critical thinking, hands-on practice, and reflection. By connecting theory to real surgical scenarios, students develop both technical skills and sound professional judgment. I model and expect respect, accountability, and professionalism. Through clear expectations, structured support, and encouragement of self-discipline, I help students build resilience and integrity for success in high-stakes clinical settings. I view teaching as a partnership that values each student’s unique background and strengths. By promoting open communication, constructive feedback, and equitable learning opportunities, I support and motivate students throughout their journey. Committed to lifelong learning, I continuously refine my teaching to stay current with evolving healthcare practices. My goal is to prepare students not only for certification exams but to excel as skilled professionals dedicated to patient care, teamwork, and surgical excellence.

Professor Kapp serves as Director of the Surgical Technology program at Central Penn College. He earned his diploma in Surgical Assisting from the Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting in 2021 and is a military-trained Certified Surgical Technologist with 38 years of experience. He teaches across the program and is actively involved in the Pennsylvania Association of Surgical Technologists (PA AST), where he has served on the Board of Directors, as Vice President, and currently as President. He was also named Preceptor of the Year at UPMC West Shore. Outside the classroom, he enjoys golfing and spending weekends camping in Snyder County.