Surgical Technology, AAS

Develop skills through classroom and clinical experience to become a Surgical Technologist. Pima Community College’s Surgical Technologist program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and in conjunction with Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARCST/SA).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARCST/SA)
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 110
Littleton, CO 80120

Before enrolling in this program, you must complete certain requirements. This program requires a special Surgical Technology – AAS program application.  Once all prerequisites are complete students can access the program application on the MyPima Academics tab in the Degrees and Programs section.

To participate in the clinical portion of the program, the students must:

1. Provide and maintain an Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card.
2. Pass a urine toxicology screening exam.
3. Be able to perform a number of physical activities in the clinical portion of the program. At a minimum, students will be required to lift patients without the use of a mechanical device, stand and walk for several hours at a time, perform bending activities, move medical equipment, and perform chest compressions. The clinical program also places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting patients’ lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the program prior to making application.
4. Present proof of immunization or immunity for MMR/Varicella/Hep-B/TDaP.
5. Show proof of two-step negative TB skin test or negative chest x-ray for TB.
6. Current year Influenza Immunization (between December and March)
7. Maintain health insurance and a CPR card at the Health Care Provider Level throughout enrollment in the program.

What can I do with this degree?

Career Options: Apply to take the National Certifying Surgical Technology (CST) exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become a certified Surgical Technologist. Most states only require graduation from an accredited CAAHEP program and passing the CST exam to be eligible for hiring; however, some states have additional requirements that may include continuing education and/or state registration.  Check with the state where you plan to seek employment to ensure requirements are met. Work in hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities to prepare the operating room by setting up a sterile field with surgical equipment, supplies, and solutions. Surgical Technologists are present during surgeries and are trained to anticipate the needs of the surgeon.  Work includes passing instruments, fluids, and supplies to the surgeon; as well as managing an inventory of sponges and supplies (to prevent foreign items from being retained or misplaced during surgeries) to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure. Surgical Technologists have job responsibilities before, during, and after surgeries.

Academic Options: While this program was not designed to transfer to a 4-year university, it may apply toward Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) or other programs. See Pima’s Transfer Partnerships (https://www.pima.edu/student-resources/transferring-from-pima/index.html) page to determine which universities offer BAS programs, and research how the universities may accept this program in transfer.

Department/Contact Information:

Dean: 520-206-6661
Program Director: 520-206-5225

Surgical Technology Interest Program/Major Codes: AOA9ALA/9SGT

Surgical Technology Program/Major Codes: AASSGT/SGT

Limited Admissions Program: Students must meet the preparatory coursework and any other prerequisites and apply to the program. Depending on available spots, students may be placed on a waiting list before starting the program. See the website or an advisor for details.