Surgical Technologist

The Surgical Technologist is an essential surgical team member. We prepare and organize the operating room equipment, surgical instruments and sterile supplies. ST's become a "third hand" to surgeons by assisting at the surgical field. The best surgical technologists are detail-oriented and have excellent dexterity.  The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates employment will grow 15% from 2014 to 2024, much faster than average.

Check out these videos:

• What exactly is a Surgical Technologist?

• Welcome to the world of Surgical Technology!
• Start at HACC to Achieve YOUR Career in Surgical Technology
   

The HACC Surgical Technology program is accredited and meets Pennsylvania's Education Requirement (pdf) for Surgical Technologists. Our students meet National Standards making them eligible to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.  Although many schools offer similar degree options, not all schools are accredited.

Why Does Accreditation Matter? (pdf)

Contact Information

Program Director: Emily Simms 717-221-1321 emsimms@hacc.edu
Admissions Counselor: 800-222-4222 - start@hacc.edu
Financial Aid: 800-222-4222
General Advising Appointments: 717-780-2498 advising@hacc.edu
Program Specific Advising Appointments: Schedule via Navigate here

• How to Schedule an Appt in Navigate (pdf)
• Helpful Advising Information: ST Advising Video

About The Program

Applied Science Degree, Surgical Technology

• 63 credit A.A.S that combines clinical and didactic coursework
• Download Required Courses
• Prerequisite courses offered at other campuses and on-line
• Surgical Technology courses only offered at Harrisburg
• Clinical externships completed throughout our service area
• CST Certification/ National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
  • complete exam before graduation
  • graduation is not dependent upon passing the NBSTSA exam.
  • provides evidence to employers, colleagues and the general public you meet national standards.
  • often a condition of employment, a route to higher pay and a source of nationwide recognition
• Program Estimated Expenses

How to Apply (to the college)

Use the online application to apply for admission to HACC. This is the first step to enrolling in credit courses to get a degree. After you apply, you will receive a letter in the mail which contains your student H number and email.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your qualifications for student loans.

HACC operates with open admissions by offering admittance to all students who apply to the college. This does not guarantee admission to the clinical component of the ST program. Your advisor will assist you with your first semester course selection.

After completing your first semester at HACC, sign up via Navigate here  to schedule a 1 hour advising appointment with Program Director (PD), Emily Simms.  How to Schedule an Appt in Navigate (pdf)

Apply for Clinicals Every Fall Semester- application window opens Must attend ST Information session held in the Fall Held on Harrisburg Campus and Zoom Preregistration (RSVP) required email rsvpsurg@hacc.edu = include your name, HACCID, phone number and email address. Zoom link will be emailed to your HACC Hawkmail email ONE day before the zoom session from Megan Tracy, mltracey@hacc.edu, Health Careers Administrative Specialist. Check back for future dates. The Spring 2025 application closed Nov. 4, 2024.  Must have met with Ms. Simms and attended Information Session for program eligibility. Admission Criteria and Essential Requirements  - Criteria for successful completion of curriculum and graduation.

 

Accreditation

The HACC Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (https://arcstsa.org); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 – 113^th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775  727-210-2350 .

Program Goals for Students

• Apply critical thinking skills pertinent to the practice of surgical technology (cognitive domain).
• Perform during complex surgical procedures, appropriate for their educational sequence (psychomotor domain).
• Exhibit professionalism consistent with HACC and employer standards (affective domain).
• Become certified surgical technologists (CST)

Outcomes

NBSTSA Certification Exam (CST) 5- Year First Attempt

Year	HACC First Attempt	National First Attempt
2019	100%	64.4%
2020	83%	73.5%
2021	70%	Results Pending
2022	50% Two student cohort (COVID impact on cohort size)	Results Pending
2023	100%	Results Pending

Source:  (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting)

Can I advance my education in this field?

• This program leads directly to an occupation
• Pursuing a leadership degree will prepare graduates for management, education or administrative careers.
• HACC partners with University of Phoenix. You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Management in as little as 13 months.
• Franklin, Shippensburg,  St. Francis University and Sienna Heights offer advancement options in healthcare management.

Where can I get more information?

• Download Frequently Asked Questions
• National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
• CareerOneStop
   

Surgical Tech Program Office

HACC Harrisburg Campus Blocker Hall, Room 101
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110 717-221-1392