Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science

Degrees Offered: AAS Limited Enrollment: Yes Program Begins: Spring Delivery Method: On Campus Phone: 701-224-2429 Email: bsc.cet@bismarckstate.edu The Surgical Technology program is a job readiness program for students interested in the exciting environment of the operating room. Surgical technologists work as integral members of the operating team, along with the surgeon, nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist, surgical first assistant, and circulating nurse. They possess an expertise in the theory and application of aseptic technique. Their combined knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and surgical instrumentation allows them to aid the surgeon in their performance of a sterile, safe, and successful surgical procedure. Students receive both theoretical and laboratory instruction, as well as participate in a clinical internship. The Bismarck State College 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). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 9355 113th St. N Suite 7709, Seminole, FL 33775 727-210-2350, www.caahep.org (https://www.caahep.org/) Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting 19571 East Mainstreet, Suite #339, Parker CO 80138 303-694-9262, www.arcstsa.org (https://www.info@arcstsa.org) A strong science background is recommended with high school preparation in the biological sciences, especially anatomy and physiology. Successful students are those able to perform under pressure in stressful and emergent situations. A strong sense of responsibility, patience, concern for order, manual dexterity, mental stability, and physical stamina are vital. The Surgical Technology program is highly selective with limited enrollment. See Program Admission tab for more information. Students who successfully complete the curriculum requirements earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology and are eligible to sit for the National Surgical Technologist Certifying Examination offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) at the end of sophomore year. The minimum expectations of graduates of the Bismarck State College Surgical Technology Program are to prepare entry-level surgical technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. Credits from the Surgical Technologist associate of applied science degree may be stacked into the following bachelor of applied science degree: Surgical technologists are in demand across the nation in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clinics, labor and delivery suites, medical insurance companies, medical sales companies, and sterile supply services. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Advances in medical technology have made surgery safer, and more operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical Technologists (visited August 12, 2022). Career Possibilities: A surgical technologist may function in the role of a surgical technologist or continue their education to function in the role of a surgical first assistant. The most recent cohort from the BSC Surgical Technology program (class of 2025) had a 100% pass rate on the NBSTSA National Certified Surgical Technologist exam. The previous two cohorts (class of 2023 and 2024) had an 100% pass rate on the NBSTSA National Certified Surgical Technologist exam. This program receives funding from the U.S. Department of Labor; therefore, veterans and eligible sp