Surgical Technology
Associate in Applied Science
The Surgical Technology Program’s goal is to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologist in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), an affective (behavior) learning domain. The program is designed to prepare graduates with the basic knowledge, practical competency, and professional skills that are needed for employment as an entry level surgical technologist. This is achieved through combining relevant academic studies in the classroom, hands-on learning, and clinical training in various surgical settings.
Our AAS program prepares students to sit for the Surgical Technology Certification exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting which is recognized by the State of New Jersey. Healthcare partners in the community provide the clinical practice experience required in the program.
Certified Surgical Technologists assist surgical teams in hospitals and outpatient surgical centers. Graduates can pursue employment immediately after graduation and will be eligible for job titles such as surgical technologists/technicians, operating technicians, organ and tissue procurement technician, sterile processing, and surgical technology educator.
60
Total Credits
Competitive Salary
Rapidly Growing Career
Clinical Practice Experience
What Jobs Can I Get?
You can get some entry-level jobs right after graduation. Others will require additional training.
About the Curriculum
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Identify the role of the entry level surgical technologist as a member of the surgical team.
- Integrate the knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, and instrumentation in the preparation and participation in scheduled surgical procedures.
- Apply the concepts of sterile and aseptic techniques in the perioperative setting.
- Perform within the of scope of practice and legal responsibilities of the entry level surgical technologist.
- Demonstrate the skills required of the entry level surgical technologist to perform effectively in a variety of surgical procedures.
General Education
In addition to the program-specific outcomes listed above, students completing the Associate degree programs are required to demonstrate proficiency in the General Education learning outcomes. Specific outcomes may vary by program; please refer to the program requirements below.
Program Requirements
A. Depending upon a student’s placement or for transfer purposes, this program may have pre-requisite(s). See a pathway coordinator or student development specialist for advisement.
B. It is recommended that students enroll in their first WI course upon completion of EN 101.
C. In order to be eligible for their certification exam, the students must complete and pass all didactic courses, along with 120 (scrubbed) surgical cases, between general surgery and multiple specialty surgery, during their clinical practicum within a hospital or surgical center setting.
D. The student must achieve a grade of “C” in all courses required for the program.
Practicum Requirements
- Submit a complete health form, including evidence of immunity to communicable diseases, signed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
- Provide evidence of current Professional Liability Insurance coverage for healthcare
- Submit verification of current certification in American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR.
- Submit evidence of health insurance coverage.
- Complete a criminal background check. Only student with a CLEAR background report are eligible to participate in clinical. If the background check is NOT CLEAR, the student must withdraw from the program. Background checks are required annually while the student is in the program, and if the report is NOT CLEAR at any time during the student’s enrollment in the program, the student will not be permitted to continue in the program.
- Complete drug test at designated laboratory facility. All drug testing reports must be NEGATIVE. Drug testing is required annually or more frequently as required by clinical agencies. A POSITIVE drug test report at any point during the program will result in dismissal from the program.
Questions? Contact Us:
Amanda Carrasco MS, CST
Coordinator of the Surgical Technology Program
(973) 341-1615
[email protected]

Recommended Course Sequence
General Education (20 Credits)
Communication (6 Credits)
Course Code : EN 101
Course Group(s) : Communication Elective
Course Description :
This course focuses on the stages of the writing process and includes a formal research paper. A variety of writing and reading assignments are designed to develop analytical and critical-thinking skills.
– General Education Course
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Pre/Co-Requisites :
College Level or with applicable co-requisite
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring, Summer
Course Code : ENS 106
Course Description :
This course prepares students for effective public speaking presentations. Students research, organize, write, and deliver a variety of speeches designed to inform, persuade, motivate, and entertain in diverse public settings.
Supportive lab services are available to support students for the mastery of the art of public speaking. The lab will provide opportunity for engagement, one-on-one coaching, mentoring and tutoring that will foster innovations in speaking publically, professionally and personally. Materials used inthe lab will be comprised of the OER textbook and supplemental materials found on the Libguides.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Pre/Co-Requisites :
College Level or with applicable co-requisite
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Mathematics (3 Credits)
Choose one (1) from the following courses:
Course Code : MA 101
Course Group(s) : Category 2 – Mathematics, College Level Math Elective, Math Elective, Math Elective for Surgical Tech
Course Description :
This course covers the study and application of the concepts of symbolic logic, sets, and finite and infinite mathematical systems.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
MA 022 – Mathematics Fundamentals for Liberal Arts
OR
MA 025 – Accelerated Algebra
OR
MA 025A – Algebra A
OR
MA 025B – Algebra B
OR
Test Placement
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring, Summer
Course Code : MA 102
Course Group(s) : Category 2 – Mathematics, College Level Math Elective, Math Elective for Surgical Tech
Course Description :
This course provides an introduction to a variety of mathematical concepts found in the real world, including counting methods, probability, statistics, personal finance, and voting methods.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
MA 022 – Mathematics Fundamentals for Liberal Arts
OR
MA 025 – Accelerated Algebra
OR
MA 025A – Algebra A
OR
MA 025B – Algebra B
OR
Test Placement
Semesters Offered :
Offered periodically
Course Code : MA 103
Course Group(s) : Category 2 – Mathematics, College Level Math Elective, Math Elective for Surgical Tech
Course Description :
This course covers the development and application of statistical concepts including descriptive statistics, probability, normal distribution, tests of hypothesis testing differences, sampling theory, and correlation.
– General Education Course
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
MA 022 Mathematics Fundamentals for Liberal Arts
or
MA 025 Accelerated Algebra
or
MA 025A Algebra A
or
MA 025B Algebra B
or
Test Placement
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring, Summer
Course Code : MA 108
Course Group(s) : Category 2 – Mathematics, College Level Math Elective, Math Elective, Math Elective for General Studies, Math Elective for Surgical Tech
Course Description :
This course covers the study and application of the concept of sets, relations, functions, and the real number system. Topics include polynomials, rational expressions, and radicals. Emphasis is placed on solving polynomial and rational equations as well as linear systems, and graphing linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions.
– General Education Course
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
MA 025 – Accelerated Algebra
OR
MA 025B – Algebra
OR
Test Placement
Co requisites :
MA 080 – College Algebra Support
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring, Summer
Science (8 Credits)
Course Code : BS 103
Course Group(s) : Category 3 – Science, Laboratory Science Elective
Course Description :
This course is an introduction to the basic structural and functional relationships of the human body at the cellular, organ, and system levels, including the major histological and gross anatomical structures of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Anatomy is emphasized in the laboratory. Knowledge of chemistry required.
– General Education Course
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab / Studio: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
College level math
College level English
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring, Summer
Course Code : BS 104
Course Group(s) : Category 3 – Science, Laboratory Science Elective
Course Description :
This course studies the major anatomical and functional aspects of the endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as nutrition, metabolism, and acid-base balance, and homeostatic mechanisms. Laboratory exercises include anatomical dissections, microscopic study, and physiology activities.
-General Education Course
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab / Studio: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
BS 103 Anatomy and Physiology I
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring, Summer
Humanities or Social Science (3 Credits)
Course Code : PS 101
Course Group(s) : Category 5 – Social Science
Course Description :
This course explores the general principles and theories of psychology, history and methodology, sensation, perception, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, intelligence, personality, and the physiological basis of behavior.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
College Requirement (2 Credits)
Course Code : COL 103
Course Description :
The College Success Course (COL103) is a required college-level course that all students should take during the first semester they enroll at the college. The course prepares students for college life by offering crucial information and skills necessary for success in college, including time management, note taking, critical thinking, financial literacy and information literacy. Students also explore academic and career goals. Finally, students become familiar with the full range of academic programs offered at the College as well as the institution’s regulations, policies and procedures.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 2 Hours
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring
Major Requirements (38 Credits)
Course Code : BS 203
Course Group(s) : Category 3 – Science, Laboratory Science Elective
Course Description :
This course studies the characteristics of microorganisms including morphology, metabolism, genetics, cultivation, effects on human life, and the environment. Clinical aspects as well as emerging topics such as food poisoning outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, genetic engineering, and bioterrorism are included. Laboratory sessions cover basic procedures culminating in the identification of unknown bacterial samples.
– General Education Course
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab / Studio: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
CH 103 Introduction to Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
or
CH 111 General Chemistry I
and
BS 101 Biology I
BS 102 Biology II
or
BS 103 Anatomy and Physiology I
BS 104 103 Anatomy and Physiology II
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring, Summer
Course Code : BS 205
Course Group(s) : Health Science Electives
Course Description :
This course introduces the study of disease pathology. Included in this course are the description, etiology, sign and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and current medical treatment, including pharmacology, progress, and prevention of diseases, of the major body system, with emphasis on basic concepts and the terminology of pathology.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
BS 104 Anatomy and Physiology II
Semesters Offered :
Spring
Course Code : HIM 104
Course Group(s) : Health Information Management Course (3 Credits)
Course Description :
In this course, students will study the basic structure of medical vocabulary, including prefixes, suffixes, roots, combining forms, pronunciation, spelling, and definitions of medical terms. Emphasis is placed on building a professional lexicon required for working in the medical field using vocabulary related to body systems, anatomical structure, medical processes and procedures, and a variety of diseases.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Semesters Offered :
Offered periodically
Course Code : SC 201
Course Description :
This course covers the basic categories of drugs and their effects on human physiological systems. Pharmacological actions, effects, and typical uses, and the associated terminology are also emphasized.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 1 Hours
Prerequisites :
BS 100 – Human Biology
OR
BS 103 – Anatomy and Physiology I
Semesters Offered :
Spring
Course Code : SU 101
Course Description :
This course is designed to be an introduction into the Surgical Technology field. Students will learn the origin of Surgical Technology and its advancement over time. Students will gain knowledge in perioperative care techniques and best practices in the operating room. The various roles in the operating room and the scope of practice for each team member will be discussed. Legal issues and responsibilities will be discussed as it relates to patient care and the responsibilities of the team. The course will include a lab practicum in which students will learn, perform, and master the practical skills necessary for entry-level work in the operating room. This will include but is not limited to sterilization techniques, OR preparation, and safety principles in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative techniques. Students will gain the fundamental knowledge through didactic and laboratory learning to enter the clinical setting.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab / Studio: 6 Hours
Co requisites :
BS 104 – Anatomy and Physiology II
ENS 106 – Public Speaking
SC 201 – Basic Pharmacology
SU 105 – Surgical Procedures Lab
Semesters Offered :
Spring
Course Code : SU 105
Course Description :
This lab course is designed to give the student an in depth, hands-on experience in specific surgical procedural preparation. It serves as a precursor to students entering the clinical setting with tasks that will prepare them to efficiently serve as a part of the surgical team. The course will include more commonly performed surgeries in many specialties. Students will simulate preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative tasks to include but not limited to the back table and mayo stand set up, patient positioning, draping, and simulation of the procedure from incision to wound closure.
Instruction methods : Lab / Studio: 4 Hours
Prerequisites :
BS 103 – Anatomy and Physiology I
COL 103 – College Success
EN 101 – Composition I
HIM 104 – Medical Terminology
Co requisites :
BS 104 – Anatomy and Physiology II
ENS 106 – Public Speaking
SC 201 – Basic Pharmacology
SU 101 – Introduction to Surgical Technology w/ lab
Semesters Offered :
Spring
Course Code : SU 112
Course Description :
This course is designed to facilitate a deeper study of surgical specialties to adequately prepare students for mastering of skills in the surgical setting. During instruction, students will gain a greater knowledge in human anatomy, instrumentation, and the numerous supplies available to ensure adequate patient care. Students will learn to anticipate the needs of the surgeon. Topics include introduction to General Surgery, Diagnostics, Genitourinary, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Orthopedics, Otorhinolaryngology, Oral, Maxillofacial.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
SU 105 – Surgical Procedures Lab
Co requisites :
BS 203 – Microbiology
BS 205 – Physiology of Disease
SU 118 – Clinical Practicum I
Semesters Offered :
Fall
Course Code : SU 118
Course Description :
This course is the initial semester of a two-semester clinical practicum. Students will report to an assigned facility to participate in various surgical procedures. The student will demonstrate skills and techniques learned in the classroom and laboratory setting aligned with entry level skills. Procedures of participation will count toward the 120 cases required to sit for the NBSTSA certification exam. This practicum requires a minimum completion of 300 clinical hours at the end of the 15-week academic semester.
Instruction methods : Clinical / Fieldwork: 20 Hours
Prerequisites :
SU 105 – Surgical Procedures Lab
Co requisites :
BS 203 – Microbiology
BS 205 – Physiology of Disease
SU 112 – Surgical Procedures I
Semesters Offered :
Fall
Course Code : SU 206
Course Description :
This course is a continuation of discussion on specialties and preparation in the surgical setting. Students will continue acquiring knowledge and technical skills to apply in the operating room that will best assist the surgical team providing exceptional patient care. Course instruction includes Genitourinary, Plastics & Reconstructive, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, Peripheral Vascular, Cardiothoracic.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
SU 112 – Surgical Procedures I
SU 118 – Clinical Practicum I
Co requisites :
PS 101 – Introduction to Psychology
SU 207 – Clinical Practicum II
SU 220 – Surgical Technology Seminar
Semesters Offered :
Spring
Course Code : SU 207
Course Description :
This course is the second semester of the clinical practicum. Students will continue to report to the assigned clinical site and participate in surgical procedures under the direction of a staffed Surgical Technologist acting as the preceptor. The students must show advancement in surgical skills during this semester. The student must obtain a minimum of 300 clinical hours at the end of the 15-week semester. In addition, students must scrub in a minimum of 120 cases divided over various specialties as designated by ARC/STSA. This fulfills eligibility to sit for the NBSTSA certification exam.
Instruction methods : Clinical / Fieldwork: 20 Hours
Prerequisites :
SU 112 – Surgical Procedures I
SU 118 – Clinical Practicum I
Co requisites :
PS 101 – Introduction to Psychology
SU 206 – Surgical Procedures II
SU 220 – Surgical Technology Seminar
Semesters Offered :
Spring
Course Code : SU 220
Course Description :
This course is a culmination of the program and all content learned and demonstrated throughout the program Issues related to legal and ethical issues faced in the role of surgical technologist will be researched. Students will demonstrate competency in the material for entry level work through various practice tests and projects including a mock certification.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 2 Hours
Prerequisites :
SU 112 – Surgical Procedures I
SU 118 – Clinical Practicum I
Co requisites :
PS 101 – Introduction to Psychology
SU 206 – Surgical Procedures II
SU 207 – Clinical Practicum II
Semesters Offered :
Spring
Clinical Requirements
Clinical Requirements
During the clinical portion of the program, students must complete a minimum of 120 cases. The required clinical case requirements are defined by the Association of Surgical Technologists in the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology, 6th edition. The breakdown of cases and specialties is as follows:
| Surgical Specialty | Total # of Cases Required | Minimum # of First Scrub Cases Required | Additional First or Second Scrub Role Cases That Can Be Applied Toward 120 Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Surgery | 30 | 20 | 10 |
| Surgical Specialties: Cardiothoracic ENT Eye GU Neuro ObGyn Oral/Maxillofacial Orthopedics Peripheral Vascular Plastics | 90 | 60 minimum of 10 cases in four (4) different specialties must be performed in FS role.Additional 20 cases in the FS may be distributed amongst any one specialty or multiple specialites | 30 Remaining cases may be performed in any surgical specialty in either FS or SS role. |
| Diagnostic Endoscopy: Bronchoscopy Colonoscopy Cystoscopy EGD ERCP Esophagoscopy Laryngoscopy Panendoscopy Ureteroscopy | 10 diagnostic endoscopy cases may be applied only toward the Second Scrub Role cases. | ||
| Optional Labor and Delivery | 5 vaginal delivery cases may be applied only toward the SS role. | ||
| Totals: | 120 | 80 | 40 |
Definition of Scrub Roles
First Scrub Role (FS)
The student surgical technologist shall perform the following duties during any given surgical procedure with proficiency. The following list is provided to identify the items that must be completed in order to document a case in the first scrub role. A student not meeting the five criteria below cannot count the case in the first scrub role and the case must be documented in the second scrub role or observation role.
- Verify supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
- Set up the sterile field with instruments, supplies, equipment, medication(s), and solutions needed for the procedure.
- Perform counts with the circulator prior to the procedure and before the incision is closed.
- Pass instruments and supplies to the sterile surgical team members during the procedure.
- Maintain sterile technique as measured by recognized breaks in technique and demonstrate knowledge of how to correct with appropriate technique.
Second Scrub Role (SS)
The second scrub role is defined as the student who is at the sterile field who has not met all criteria for the first scrub role, but actively participates in the surgical procedure in its entirety by completing any of the following:
- Sponging
- Suctioning
- Cutting suture
- Holding retractors
- Manipulating endoscopic camera
Observation Role (O)
The observation role is defined as the student who is in the operating room performing roles that do not meet the criteria for the first scrub or second scrub role. These observation cases are not to be included in the required case count but must be documented by the program.
Technical Standards
Technical Standards
1. Able bend and stoop; able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time in one location with minimum/no breaks
2. Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds to assist moving patients
3. Able to refrain from nourishment or restroom breaks for periods up to 6 hours or more
4. Demonstrate sufficient visual ability enough to load a fine (10-0) suture onto needle holders with/without corrective lenses and while wearing safety glasses
5. Demonstrate sufficient peripheral vision to anticipate and function while in the sterile surgical environment
6. Hear and understand muffled communications without visualization of the communicator’s mouth/lips within 20 feet
7. Hear activation/warning signals on equipment
8. Able to detect odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs
9. Manipulate instruments, supplies and equipment with speed, dexterity and good eye-hand coordination
10. Ambulate/move around without assistive devices
11. Able to assist with and/or lift, move, position and manipulate the patient who is unconscious with or without assistive devices
Communication / Comprehension Standards
- Communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing, including health care information in order to communicate effectively with surgeons and staff to assure patient safety
- Exhibit social skills necessary to interact effectively with surgeons, patients, families, Co-workers and supervisors of the same or different cultures such as respect, politeness, tact, collaboration, teamwork and discretion
Mental / Attitudinal Standards
- Possess short and long term memory sufficient to perform tasks such as, but not limited to, mentally tracking surgical supplies and performing anticipation skills intraoperatively
- Able to make appropriate judgment decisions
- Demonstrate the use of positive coping skills under stress
- Demonstrate calm, appropriate and effective responses, especially in emergency situations
- Exhibit positive interaction skills during patient, staff and faculty interactions (note that STCC requires this in all interactions related to the program
Occupational Risks
The CDC recommends that universal precautions apply to blood and to body fluids containing visible blood, as well as semen and vaginal secretions, to tissues and to the following fluids: cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial and amniotic. Unversial Precautions do not apply to nasal secretions, sputum, saliva, sweat, tears, urine, feces, and vomit unless they contain visible blood. However, current infection control practices already in existence include the use of gloves for digital examinations of mucous membranes and endotracheal suctioning, and hand washing after exposure to saliva.
Students may be exposed to a variety of other siutations and substances which could potentially affect students with medical conditions that include, but not limited to, asthma, allergies, and pregnancy. Students will be exposed to healthcare situations where there is an increased risk of exposure to strenous activity, communicable diseases, radiation, and toxic substances. If a student becomes pregnant during the practicum, these exposures can harm the student’s unborn baby. If you are concerned, you should consult with your healthcare provider.
Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures Continue in Operating Room Settings | Blogs | CDC

Program Requirements
Health Policy
After admission to the Surgical Technology Program students are required to meet medical requirements of the clinical agencies used for the externship segment of the program. A complete physical examination as well as laboratory/screening tests are required, and additional updates may be required annually. Students must be able to participate fully in the clinical practice experience without limitations from medical or other reasons. Students who become ill or injured during their enrollment in the program, or those undergoing long-term or specialized treatment including medications must have their physician complete the program’s Medical Release form documenting that the student may participate in clinical practice without limitations. The following items are required of all students after admission to the Surgical Technology Program:
- Physical examination by a physician or nurse practitioner
- Urinalysis
- Complete Blood Count
- Initial Tuberculin Mantoux (PPD) Two-Step TB Test
- TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis) within 10 years
- Rubella (German Measles), Rubeola (Measles), Parotitis (Mumps) and Varicella (Chicken Pox) blood titers to determine immunity status
- Documentation of Hepatitis B immunization series or a Hepatitis B titer showing immune status. If found
to be non-immune, the student must have the immunization series. - Drug testing annually or more often as required by the clinical agency
Once admitted to the Surgical Technology program, students will participate in an orientation and receive detailed instructions for completing the medical requirements
Criminal History Background Check
Only students with a completely clear background check and no “hits” of any type may register for the Surgical Technology program. Students who do not have clear background checks will not be admitted to the program. Clear background check need to be maintained throughout the program or student will be required to withdraw from the program.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO), the primary accrediting body for our clinical agencies, has mandated criminal history background checks for all individuals involved in patient care. All Surgical Technology students must undergo criminal history background checks upon admission and annually there- after, or more frequently if required by the clinical agency. Clinical agencies require that the results of the background check are clear in order for a student to attend clinical practice.
These checks are conducted by an external vendor. The cost of this background check is the student’s responsibility. The information is sent to the college. Clinical agencies may require that a copy of the student’s background check report be sent to the agency
Basic Life Support Certification
All students are required to complete an American Heart Association Basic Life Support Health Care Provider Course prior to beginning the clinical courses. Certification must be kept current throughout the program.
Health Insurance
All students must show evidence of health insurance to participate in the Surgical Technology Internship. The college does NOT offer health insurance.
Malpractice Insurance
There are a number of insurance companies that provide malpractice insurance for a nominal yearly fee. This information can be provided to you or you can choose your own provider. Proof of insurance needs to be provided prior to the clinical internship
Document Management/Tracking
Documentation of completion of each of these requirements is submitted to a confidential database managed by Castlebranch. Students receive e-mail communication as items are completed/rejected/overdue based on program guidelines. Students are responsible for the $30.00 cost of this document tracking which covers all semesters of the program.
Internship Sites
The Surgical Technology Program has partnered with a variety of sites for the students to complete their internship requirement. These clinical opportunities will prepare the student to meet their clinical and administrative responsibilities upon graduation. Clinical experiences may take place outside of the county where the student is attending classes.


