See list of Department Chairs on the Personnel page.
Program Description
The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).
The Surgical Technology program teaches students classroom and hands-on learning in surgical techniques, patient prep, and Operating Room (O.R.) prep. Students will learn how to create and maintain a sterile field. They will also learn how to scrub, gown, glove, drape, and use case management. Students will be taught hemostasis, how to use sutures, needles, stapling devices, and how to handle specimens. In addition, students will learn pharmacology and anesthesia, wound care, and use the principles of infection control. How to handle sharps, pass instruments and supplies during procedures will also be taught. Training will include how to perform surgical counts, room turnover and terminal cleaning processes. You will also learn to properly process and sterilize instruments. Finally, students will engage in extensive clinical work to gain experience working with surgeons and staff in a real O.R.
The Surgical Technology (STE) program has a selective admissions process. The program application and requirements are available in the Nursing Division office or at Pueblo Community College STE from January 1 to May 25. All Nursing Division programs have essential functions to help you be successful in the program and career.
Note: You must undergo a background check and drug screen before we can officially admit you into the program. A felony, loss of license, administrative disciplinary proceeding for negligence, malpractice, recklessness, or willful or intentional misconduct may prohibit entrance into the program and/or eligibility to sit for certification exams.
Career Information
At the completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam governed by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Upon passing, a surgical technologist can practice under the credentials of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). A state license through The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is required to practice as a surgical technologist in the State of Colorado (requirements vary from state to state).
Total Program Credits – 64.5
Apply to program by May 15
NOTE:
Any students who have successfully completed both BIO 2101 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO 2102 Anatomy and Physiology II will not need to take BIO 1006 Basic Anatomy and Physiology. Students in the program need to have full body anatomy and physiology knowledge.
Any students who have successfully completed BIO2104 Microbiology will not need to take BIO1016 Introduction to Human Disease.