Area of Study

Surgical Technology

Surgical techs are expected to think and react to situations quickly and effectively. They often work with the latest surgical equipment such as fiber optics, laser technology and robotics!

Surgical technologists assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries.

Before an operation, surgical technologists prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. They also prepare patients for surgery by washing and disinfecting incision sites, positioning the patients on the operating table, covering them with sterile drapes, and taking them to and from the operating room. Surgical technologists prepare sterile solutions and medications used in surgery and check that all surgical equipment is working properly. They help the surgical team put on sterile gowns and gloves.

During an operation, surgical technologists pass instruments and supplies to surgeons and first assistants. They also hold retractors, hold internal organs in place during the procedure, or set up robotic surgical equipment. Technologists also may handle specimens taken for laboratory analysis.

Once the operation is complete, surgical technologists may apply bandages and other dressings to the incision site. They may also help transfer patients to recovery rooms and restock operating rooms after a procedure.

There is a high demand for certified surgical technologists. NPC, in partnership with regional medical centers, has established an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in Surgical Technology to meet this demand at the lowest tuition rate in Arizona. Opportunities are available to specialize in a variety of services such as robotics, orthopedics, plastics, trauma, cardiac, vascular, urology, gynecology, and be an integral part of a skilled surgical team!

Read our story about the Surgical Technology program in NPC's Career Focus magazine.

Complete a NPC Student Application Form

Labs and Classrooms

In addition to classroom instruction, students will complete a clinical practicum, of 760 hours shadowing a surgical tech professional in the final two semesters of the program. Students may need to travel to Flagstaff or Winslow.

Program Locations

Currently, this program is only being offered at the Show Low Campus.

Many of the prerequisite courses are available at other NPC campus locations.

Entry Requirements

Prerequisites Required Before Admission

Before a student is considered eligible to enter the Surgical Technology Program, completion of the following prerequisites is required. Successful completion with a “C” grade or better for each class is required and a cumulative Grade-Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 is strongly recommended.

BIO 181 General Biology I • 4 credits
BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I • 4 credits
BIO 205 Microbiology • 4 credits
CHM 130 Fundamental Chemistry • 4 credits
ENL 101 College Composition I • 3 credits
HES 170 Medical Terminology • 3 credits

Admission to the Surgical Technology Program

Students must be admitted to the Surgical Technology Program in order to enroll in surgical technology courses.
This program has required prerequisite courses that MUST all be completed prior to July 1st - before starting the program.
Students must successfully complete the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Admission Assessment.
Admission information is available through any NPC academic advisor.
A completed Surgical Technology application (PDF) should be submitted on or before the designated deadline that is noted in the application packet. Late applicants may be accepted on a space-available basis if they meet the admission criteria, but not before applicants who submit their application on time.
View NPC's Surgical Technology Admissions Packet
HESI Admission TEST Information & Dates

SGT admission criteria will include: Admission Assessment test (HESI) composite and cumulative scores, prerequisite GPA, applicant statement and completion of program prerequisites. These factors will be weighted by the admission committee.

Students should note that:

General Education and core requirements must be completed as listed on the curriculum outline in the program admission information packet.
College credits over eight years old may be accepted with appropriate documentation and approval.
Transfer students applying for second, third or fourth-semester admission are considered on an individual basis. Criteria include course comparables, GPA, specified examination results and recommendation from previous program director. Transfer students should call the the Allied Health Coordinator at (928) 532-6159.

Work Environment

Surgical technologists wear scrubs (special sterile clothing) while they are in the operating room. Their work may be physically demanding, requiring them to be on their feet for long periods. Surgical technologists also may need to help move patients or lift heavy trays of medical supplies. At times, they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials.

Surgical technologists held about 107,700 jobs in 2016, with 71% in hospitals; 11% in outpatient surgical centers; another 11% in doctor's offices and 4% in dental offices.

Job Outlook

The aging U.S. population, greater availability of health insurance and increases in the number of people with private health insurance create favorable economic conditions for inpatient and ambulatory surgery centers (IBISWorld, 2018). According to the Arizona Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 12% percent through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.

Potential Job Titles

Surgical Technologist
Operating Room Technician

Accreditation/Affiliations

Three years ago, ARC/STSA instituted a mandate effective August 1, 2021 for a minimum preparation with an Associate Degree to acquire the designation of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

Employment