AAS degree | 1-yr. program | CAAHEP accredited | Palm Harbor, FL
Surgical Technologists, also known as surgical operating room technicians or scrub techs, are in a highly-trained position to assist with surgeries under the supervision of a surgeon. This individual works to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical Technologists are a member of the surgery team which is generally comprised of surgeons, circulating nurses, and anesthesiologists.
Program Description
Surgical Technologist students receive classroom lectures and lab training at our Palm Harbor, FL campus. Students also participate in an off-campus externship program in hospitals and other surgical centers.
The program is designed to provide students with the theory and clinical practice to prepare them as competent entry-level Surgical Technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The program also provides hands-on operating room experience that includes:
Surgical Technologist students are required to complete *62.5 credit hours (approximately - 45 Weeks-Day; 60 Weeks-Evening - 1500 Clock Hours). Graduates of the Surgical Technologist program receive an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) degree and CPR certification from the American Heart Association.. Full-time students can complete the program in 1 year (day students) or 14 months (evening students).
*The listing of credits is not meant to imply that credits can be transferred into college or other private career school programs. Transfer credits are at the sole discretion of the receiving school.
Certification & CAAHEP Accreditation
The Surgical Technology program program at Central Florida Institute in Palm Harbor is accredited by the Commission Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Education for Surgical Technologists.
- Surgical Technologist graduates may obtain the following national credential by passing the certification examination:
- (CST®) - Certified Surgical Technologist through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Employment & Earnings
The Department of Labor lists the mean annual wages of surgical technologists in 2010 were $42,690 in offices of physicians and $42,480 in Outpatient Care Centers. They also point out that healthcare employers are particularly interested in certified surgical technologists, so job prospects should be best for surgical technologists with formal training such as that offered at Central Florida Institute.
According to the United States Department of Labor, Florida has the third highest published employment level for surgical technologists in the country! The United States Department of Labor indicates that employment of surgical technologists is expected to increase 25 percent between 2008 and 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations, as the volume of surgeries increases.
There is a high demand for qualified Surgical Technologists in the Tampa Bay area to work in the following areas:
Prerequisites
To qualify for course specific classes students must complete the prerequisite courses listed in the school catalog. For more information, chat live with us, call us at 1-888-831-8303, or schedule a tour today.
You will need to have good study habits to develop the knowledge you need for a successful career in surgical technology. The education process is rigorous, but surgical technology can be very rewarding!
CFI Graduate Stories
"Well almost 2 years since I graduated from CFI, I am now one of the top CST's at [my employer], I am also the Lead Preceptor for training new tech's and I do quite a bit of surgical assisting. I have specialized in everything I can get myself into, from general surgery, cardiovascular, neuro, ortho, endovascular and soon open heart (CVOR). I have learned a lot and have developed great skills and knowledge. I still have a lot to learn, but I could have never gotten to the point that I am without the training I received at CFI. I love my career and plan on continuing my education in the near future to become a Surgical PA. Thanks to all my friends and family at CFI!" -John C. surgical technologist graduate.
"I will always recommend C.F.I. to anyone willing to work hard for a better future." - Patrick R. CFI graduate
Additional Program Information
Graduates of the Surgical Technologist Program at Central Florida Institute in the Tampa Bay area are highly trained professionals that are qualified to perform the following:
- Set up Sterile field in operating room
- Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to the surgeons during surgical procedures
- Select and set up sterile Surgical Trays of instruments for a specific surgery
- Prepare sterile draping for surgery
- Prepare the patient for surgery
- Prepare medications for dispensing
- Hold retraction, keep account of sponges, supplies, needles, and instruments
- Cut sutures
- Assist in applying dressings
- Prepare and dispose of specimens taken during surgery for laboratory analysis
