Surgical Technology (AAS)
If you want to be at the heart of the operating room, surgical technology offers a fast-paced and deeply rewarding career. As a surgical technologist, you serve as a vital member of the surgical team, ensuring the sterile field is maintained and the surgeon has the exact instruments needed for every procedure. You aren't just an observer; you anticipate the next move in life-saving operations, playing a critical role in patient safety and successful outcomes.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Length: 2 years
This is a selective-admission program that combines rigorous classroom study with intensive clinical training. You will spend your first year mastering anatomy, microbiology and surgical procedures at our campus labs before transitioning into real-world rotations at local hospitals. This program prepares you to take the national certification exam and enter the workforce as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
We've gone to the hospital to observe what surgical technologists do. We weren't just reading it in books, but we were actually seeing it and then doing it back at the FVCC lab.
Kaylee Koeing
Surgical Technology Student
need faculty quote
Robyn Hoggatt
Surgical Technology Program Director
Kate Scholer
Academic Advisor
Applications for formal acceptance into the Surgical Technology Program are accepted once a year. Applications are available at the top of this page, or in the Surgical Technology Program Director’s office, BC 123-A. Applications must be submitted no later than November 1. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.
In order to be considered for acceptance into the Surgical Technology program, the student must have
- Completed or be currently enrolled in the required prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” (74%) or higher. A grade lower than 74% is not acceptable in the prerequisite courses;
- Completed BIOH 201, BIOH 211 and BIOM 250 within five years of acceptance into the program. Individuals may request evaluation by the Surgical Technology Program Director for a possible exception to this policy.
- Been admitted to FVCC with all required records on file; and
- Submitted a complete application on or before November 1.
Students will be informed of their conditional admission status by December 15. Final acceptance will be contingent upon completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” (74%) or better and passing a criminal background check.
The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) (arcstsa.org).
CAAHEP (caahep.org)
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, Florida, 33775
P: (727) 210‐2350
F: 727-210-2354
E: mail@caahep.org
ARC/STSA (arcstsa.org)
19751 East Mainstreet, Suite #339, Parker, Colorado, 80138
(303) 694-9262
info@arcstsa.org
Program Outcomes
ARC/STSA establishes minimum thresholds for various program outcomes to ensure quality and compliance with their standards. These thresholds are crucial for maintaining accreditation and are used to assess program performance and ensure that graduates are well-prepared for their roles in the surgical field. The FVCC Surgical Technology Program 5-year trend is 93% Retention Rate, and 92% CST Exam Pass Rate.
Students who complete the Surgical Technology Program are eligible to take the Certified Surgical Technologist exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Program administrators at FVCC assist students in the application process and arrange for prospective graduates to take the exam on campus during the final week of the program. Upon passing the exam, the graduate is qualified to seek employment as a CST working in hospitals, day surgery facilities, or with surgeons in their practices.
TRENDS DATA FOR RETENTION RATE AND CST EXAM PASS RATE
| Graduation Year | Students Initially Enrolled | Students Graduated | Retention Rate | # of Students Attempting CST Exam | # of Students Passing CST Exam | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 4 | 100% | 4 | 4 | 100% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3 | 100% | 3 | 2 | 67% |
| 2023 | 4 | 3 | 75% | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| 2022 | 12 | 11 | 92% | 11 | 100 | 91% |
| 2021 | 5 | 5 | 100% | 5 | 5 | 100% |