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Surgical Technology

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Surgical Technology

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Offered through Health Professions

@ Forest Park

This Surgical Technology program prepares students for entry-level positions as surgical technologists. Students learn aseptic technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures and patient care through classroom, laboratory practice and at a clinical affiliate. Students learn to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and have the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure, while monitoring the sterile field. Students interested in this program should be able to work well with others in a team environment, have good manual dexterity, be able to stand for long periods of time, and be able to function effectively under intense, stressful conditions. St. Louis Community College is one of the premier surgical technologist programs in the St. Louis area.

Required Courses

The recommended academic plan blends general education requirements with options for areas of concentration to ensure students get the most out of their degree. Preview information for the associate in applied science degree for the suggested semester-by-semester course schedule that will keep you on track for a timely graduation.

Certification

Upon graduation students will receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology and will be eligible to complete the national board examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Job Outlook

Employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, 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, Occupational Outlook Handbook) Individual salaries vary by geographic location, amount of education and experience, and the type and size of the employer. On average, a surgical technologist will start with an annual salary of $47,000-$52,000 ($23.00-$25.00 hourly). For more information about a career in surgical technology please refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

The gainful employment regulation requires nondegree programs at community colleges to meet minimum thresholds with respect to the debt-to-income rates of their graduates. You can view the information for this program here as reported to the Department of Education.

Cost of Attendance

For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES.

Program Career and Salary Information

Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at https://scorecard.mo.gov/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest.

The following limitations to the data apply - Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.

 

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon recommendation of the ARC-STSA Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (arcstsa.org). The program has been fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) since 1978.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350

ARC/STSA

19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite 339
Parker, CO 80138
303-741-3655

The student can expect to incur some fees/expenses while enrolled in the Surgical Technology program. These fees are approximate and subject to change.

Approximate tuition currently based on 63 credit hours:

Cost Per Credit Hour:
In District $122.00 ($7,686.00 - based on 63 credit hours)
Out of District $171.00 ($10,773.00 - based on 63 credit hours)
Out of State $233.00 ($14,679.00 - based on 63 credit hours)
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Miscellaneous Fees:

Textbooks $300
Current Healthcare Provider CPR or BLS $80 and up
Background Check and Drug Screen $85-$100
Medical Expenses Cost Varies (physical form, vaccines, TB testing, health insurance)
Scrub Uniform $40
AST Student Membership $45
Travel Expenses to Clinical Sites Cost Varies (gas/transportation costs)
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Approximate Total Cost: Tuition and Miscellaneous fees

In District approximately $8,250.00
Out of District approximately $11,325.00
Out of State approximately $15,230.00
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St. Louis Community College provides a comprehensive financial aid program. For more information including a cost calculator, information on STLCC scholarships and FAFSA please visit the financial aid webpage.

Prior to application, we recommend that you meet with an STLCC academic advisor. The advisor can help you plan your courses, clarify program requirements, and review your academic history as it relates to this program. Visit the STLCC academic advising page.

  • All applicants for the Surgical Technology program must first be admitted to St. Louis Community College.
  • Applications for this program are accepted on a continuing basis throughout the year.
  • Due to the popularity of this program, the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of openings. Students will then be put on a wait list on a first come/first serve basis.
  • Students need to meet with their academic advisor to fill out a Surgical Technology program application.
  • Applicants admitted to the program must attend a mandatory orientation session prior to the fall semester. The specific date, time and location of the orientation are included in the admissions letter sent each spring.

Requirements and prerequisites for the surgical technology program must be satisfied prior to applying to the program. The program prerequisites are:

  • completion of MTH 108 or two semesters of high school algebra with a "C" or better within the last five years
  • completion of BIO 111 with a "C" or better within the last five years
  • an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

Students enrolled in the associate program will have the entire second year to gain experience at a clinical site passing instruments and assisting the surgeon.

Prior to attending clinical education, students will be required to:

  • Submit proof of current BLS or CPR for Healthcare Providers
  • Submit a completed health history, including all immunizations, and physical examination
  • Submit a negative TB test
  • Undergo a background check and drug screen through a college-approved background screening company prior to the beginning of the fall semester of admission. Students not passing the criminal background check and/or drug screen may be prohibited from participating in clinical education. This will prevent the student from being able to complete all program requirements
  • Meet technical standards related to observation, communication, motor skills, behavioral and social attributes

* The above requirements will be discussed at length during the orientation session. It is not required to complete these items prior to entry in the program.

Students will have the opportunity to attend a clinical site under the supervision of an instructor and staff preceptors, students will perform as members of the operating room team. Below is a list of affiliated clinical sites.


Alton Memorial Hospital
Anderson Hospital
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Barnes-Jewish Hospital St. Peters
Barnes-Jewish Hospital West County
Belleville Memorial Hospital
Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital
Christian Northeast Hospital
John Cochran VA Hospital
Memorial Hospital Belleville
Mercy Jefferson
Mercy South (St. Anthony’s)
Mercy St. Louis

Mercy Washington
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
Progress West Hospital
SSM Health St. Clare Hospital
SSM Health DePaul Hospital
SSM Health St. Joseph’s Hospital
SSM Health St. Joseph’s Lake St. Louis
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital
St. Elizabeth Hospital
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
St. Louis University Hospital
St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital
St. Luke’s Hospital
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Surgical Technologists are in demand in St. Louis and St. Louis Community College graduates are actively recruited by local employers. The statistics below indicate the percentage of graduates who accepted positions as Certified Surgical Technologists or in a related field within one year of graduation.

Class of 2023 – 94% employed
Class of 2022 – 80% employed
Class of 2021 – 82% employed
Class of 2020 – 92% employed

Below are the pass rates for St. Louis Community College graduates completing the National Examination for the Certified Surgical Technologist offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Class of 2023 – 72% pass rate
Class of 2022 – 80% pass rate
Class of 2021 – 82% pass rate
Class of 2020 – 100% pass rate

Emily Albers CST, BA
Program Director
314-644-9645
ealbers12@stlcc.edu

Jennifer Besancenez CST, BS
Clinical Coordinator
314-644-9629
jbesancenez@stlcc.edu

Stan Romeo CST
Adjunct Faculty

Debbie Schmitt CST, AAS
Adjunct Faculty

Daniel Braymer CST
Adjunct Faculty

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