AS - Surgical Technology

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Surgical Technology, AS Perks

21-month, accredited Associate of Science degree program in Surgical Technology
Industry-experienced instructors work one-on-one with you in small classes to develop your professional skills in patient care, surgical technology and communication
Students are prepared to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) national examination in their final semester, and are prepared for employment as soon as they graduate
Surg techs are in high demand in the United States and may start their careers working in a hospital, outpatient facility, physician's clinic or dental office.

Surgical technology specialists are at the center of the action in surgery and never queasy at the sight of blood. Surg techs are trained professionals who work under the direction of a surgeon and the medical team to deliver the highest level of patient care before, during and after the surgery.

Individuals certified in surgical technology take on many critical roles in the operating room. Surg techs often help prepare patients for surgery, inspect and ensure surgical instruments are sterile, and make certain the operating room is organized for the medical team. During surgery, surg techs help to position patients on the operating table and drape them with sterile cloths. They troubleshoot equipment and may be called upon to clean and cauterize blood vessels or close wounds.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for surgical technologists in the U.S. for May 2019 was $48,300 per year ($23.22 per hour), with a much faster than average projected job growth of 7% between 2019 and 2029.

Accreditation & Licensure

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology (ARC ST/SA). 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775. (727) 210-2350. Email: mail@caahep.org; Website: www.caahep.org

Graduates must pass Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) national examination

Costs & Financial Aid

NMC is committed to helping you find every avenue to finance your education. View the Tuition by Program & Degree page for a comprehensive list of all fees.

NMC encourages students to apply for all types of assistance for which they are qualified. Potential resources for this program include:

Student Grants or Loans

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about what's available and how to apply.

Employee Education Benefits

Contact your organization's human resources office to find out what's available.

Employees of Methodist Health System can find details on the MHS Intranet. Under Human Resources select either MHS Benefits or MJE Benefits then scroll down to Pursuing Your Dreams.

External Scholarships

Visit our External Scholarships page to learn more.

Cost Per Credit Hour $230

Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
High school record and/or college academic record.
Demonstration of success in previous math and science courses.
Fulfillment of program technical standards.
Non-Nebraska residents or students planning to practice outside the state of Nebraska meet State Authorization requirements.

Deadlines

Prospective students may apply anytime and are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and students will be notified of their acceptance by letter or phone.

Requirements

To be considered for admission, the following items must be submitted to the Admissions Office:

NMC undergraduate application
Written personal statement
Program/Career Awareness Questionnaire
Official high school transcript
Official GED test scores, if applicable
Official transcripts from all colleges attended

Starting Term

Priority Deadline

Fall 2021

3/1/21

Curriculum

The program requires a minimum of 66 credit hours. All students are required to complete specific coursework. This list should only be used as a curriculum guide. Course listings and required curriculum are subject to change.

Included within this list is the Educated Citizen Core Curriculum. All students seeking to complete an undergraduate degree at Nebraska Methodist College must complete this set of Arts and Sciences requirements.

SUR 100

INTRODUCTION TO SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

4 credit hours

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This course introduces the student to the broad field of surgical technology. General information including the historical development of surgery, professional organizations, as well as standards and guidelines for accredited programs set by accrediting agencies will be discussed. The preoperative and intraoperative roles of the surgical technologist in the circulator and first scrub role will be thoroughly examined. Principles of aseptic technique related to the sterile and unsterile areas will be applied. Students will become familiar with the healthcare facility exploring the physical environment of the operating room. Students will get to know the ancillary departments of the healthcare facility as well as becoming familiar with the healthcare facility organization and chain of command. Preoperative patient diagnostic procedures, patient identification procedures, patient chart review and the importance of signed consent as they pertain to surgery will be discussed. Students will learn resection concepts, abdominal incisions, wound healing, classifications and complications of the surgical wound as well as sutures and needles required for surgical procedures. This course will also focus on end of procedure care to include handling of surgical specimens, placement of catheters, drains and surgical dressings.

Prerequisites: Enrollment in Surgical Technology Program Corequisites: SUR 152, SUR 163

SUR 152

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY SKILLS PRACTICUM I

1 credit hour

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This course will expand on the role of the surgical technologist in the scrub role. In this course students will begin to build a foundation of preoperative and intraoperative surgical case preparation. Students will become familiar with basic principles of aseptic technique and surgical conscience as it relates to patient outcomes. The preoperative roles of the surgical technologist in the circulator and first scrub role will be thoroughly examined. Laboratory competencies will be administered at the end of the course to evaluate the student's progress. The student must successfully complete the performance competency to advance in the program.

Prerequisites: SUR 100 Corequisites: SUR 100, SUR 163

SUR 163

SURGICAL INSTRUMENTATION & EQUIPMENT I

2 credit hours

See Details

Prerequisites: Entrance into the Surgical Technology program Corequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152

SUR 173

SURGICAL INSTRUMENTATION & EQUIPMENT II

1 credit hour

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In this course students will continue to reinforce their knowledge pertaining to surgical instrumentation and equipment in the operating room. The students will continue to explore the physical principles of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light as they apply to the operation of laser and electrical surgical equipment as well as an introduction to the principles of robotic use during surgery.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163 Corequisites: SUR 236, SUR 182, SUR 200

SUR 182

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY SKILLS PRACTICUM II

1 credit hour

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In this course students will reinforce the skills that were introduced in Surgical Technology Skills Practicum I including the surgical scrub, back table set-up and organization, surgical counts, patient positioning, prepping and draping, and intraoperative case management. Main course focus is aseptic technique and critical thinking skills practiced to prepare the student for clinical rotation. Laboratory competencies are designed to prepare the student for their first clinical rotation. The student must successfully complete performance competency to advance to the clinical portion of the program.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163 Corequisites: SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 200

SUR 200

PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

2 credit hours

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A study of medications used in the operating room with an emphasis on the common drugs used in the surgical area is completed in this course. Examination of the administration, actions, interactions, side effects, and terminology of perioperative medications is included. Legal responsibilities of the surgical technologist, common calculations, and safety measures performed in a sterile field to assure patient safety are practiced. Students will actively participate in group presentations enhancing didactic teaching and complete medication cards and two written reports during this course.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163 Corequisites: SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182

SUR 236

SURGICAL PROCEDURES I

2 credit hours

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This course will expand on the role of the surgical technologist in the scrub role. The introduction of surgical procedures to include; concepts, techniques, anatomy, procedural sequence, definitions, purpose, etiology, supplies and equipment relating to basic general surgery, gastrointestinal, biliary, rectal, and gynecological and obstetrical surgery. Case and room preparation, aseptic technique, counts, suture and procedural steps for a wide variety of cases are introduced in this course. This course will include intraoperative considerations for surgical interventions on specialty patient populations and advanced surgical procedures.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163 Corequisites: SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200

SUR 257

SURGICAL PROCEDURES II

3 credit hours

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This course will expand on the role of the surgical technologist in the scrub role. The introduction of surgical procedures to include; concepts, techniques, anatomy, procedural sequence, definitions, purpose, etiology, supplies and equipment relating to genitourinary, plastics and oral maxillofacial surgery. Case and room preparation, aseptic technique, counts, suture and procedural steps for a wide variety of cases are introduced in this course. This course will include intraoperative considerations for surgical interventions on specialty patient populations and advanced surgical procedures.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200 Corequisites: SUR 250, SUR 264

SUR 250

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY CLINICAL I

6 credit hours

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This course is designed to apply basic surgical anatomy, instrumentation and procedural steps combined with a consistent method of reinforcement in the clinical site. The students are assigned to a clinical site where they will apply theoretical knowledge while gaining aptitude, skills and proficiency necessary to function in non-complex situations as a surgical technologist.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200, SUR 236 Corequisites: SUR 257, SUR 264

SUR 264

SURGICAL CASE STUDIES

2 credit hours

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This course will include the study of current trends, professional and interpersonal skills in the healthcare setting, and case review. Concurrent review of clinical rotation and participation in the surgical team will occur during this course. The student will complete detailed daily case study reviews. All assigned clinical paperwork will be reviewed during this course.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200 Corequisites: SUR 257, SUR 250

SUR 270

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY CLINICAL II

6 credit hours

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The surgical technology student will continue to build on the concepts gained in SUR 250 during this course. Surgical anatomy, instrumentation, and procedural steps for each case are reinforced. The student will function as a part of the surgical team in an operating room setting applying theoretical knowledge while gaining the aptitude, skills and proficiency necessary to function in complex situations and cases

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200, SUR 257, SUR 250, SUR 264 Corequisites: SUR 280, SUR 287, SUR 277

SUR 277

SURGICAL PROCEDURES III

1 credit hour

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This course will expand on the role of the surgical technologist in the scrub role. The introduction of surgical procedures to include: concepts, techniques, anatomy, procedural sequence, definitions, purpose, etiology, supplies and equipment relating to neurosurgery, cardio, thoracic, and peripheral surgery. Case and room preparation, aseptic technique, counts, suture and procedural steps for a wide variety of cases are introduced in this course. This course will include intraoperative considerations for surgical interventions on specialty patient populations and advanced surgical procedures.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200, SUR 257, SUR 250, SUR 264 Corequisites: SUR 270, SUR 280, SUR 287

SUR 280

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR

2 credit hours

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This course is designed to give specialized instruction in various areas of surgical technology. Employability skills will be reviewed and applied. The course will also emphasize the elements of professional development including professional organizations, leadership, teamwork, certification and continuing education.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200, SUR 257, SUR 250, SUR 264 Corequisites: SUR 270, SUR 287, SUR 277

SUR 287

CST EXAM PREP

2 credit hours

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This course is designed to prepare students for the national Surgical Technology certification examination. Content for this course will include test taking tips, study techniques, and strategies for success. Students will breakdown key areas to include Preoperative Case Management, Intraoperative Case Management, Postoperative Case Management, Surgical Specialties and Procedures, Ancillary Functions and Technological Sciences.

Prerequisites: SUR 100, SUR 152, SUR 163, SUR 236, SUR 173, SUR 182, SUR 200, SUR 257, SUR 250, SUR 264 Corequisites: SUR 270, SUR 280, SUR 277

BIO 205

INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY: A HUMAN PERSPECTIVE

3 credit hours

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This course is the study of microorganisms and their role in the disease processes. The course will also cover the principles and applications of microorganisms with an emphasis on aseptic and sterile practices and procedures. The course incorporates required laboratory experiences.

SCI 200

HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY: PRINCIPLES & PRACTICE

5 credit hours

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Structure and function of the cell, and the nervous, skeletal, muscle systems, special senses; circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, reproductive systems, as well as necessary aspects of chemistry, physics, embryology, and histology are stressed in this course. Laboratory experience will include cadaver study.

COM 101

ENGLISH COMPOSITION

3 credit hours

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This course provides instruction and practice in writing, with emphasis on the recursive processes of generating, drafting, revising and editing. Students develop skills in producing and evaluating written communications in private and public contexts.

HUM 150

THE WORLD OF IDEAS: CRITICAL REASONING AND RHETORIC

3 credit hours

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There is a strong relationship between thinking clearly and expressing thoughts in formal writing and public speaking. Using the skills of logic and critical thinking, students will examine ideas, analyze and evaluate the arguments of others, and advocate for their own ideas. Students will be introduced to the NMC Portfolio process. HUM 150 is to be taken in the first semester, unless designated in the second semester by the program of study.

SCI 116

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

1 credit hour

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This course will introduce students to terminology used in the healthcare professions. The origins of medical terms will be studied with an emphasis placed on understanding the suffixes, prefixes, combining forms and root words used in healthcare terminology. At the end of the course the student will be able to comfortably understand, translate and discuss issues related to their profession using appropriate terminology.

COM 255/267

LANGUAGE & CULTURE IN HEALTHCARE

3 credit hours

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Access to healthcare is greatly affected by one's command of language. Students in this course engage in the exploration of language and culture then apply these concepts to the healthcare environment through service-learning and community engagement. Students develop practical communication skills that enable effective cross-cultural work with health professionals and clients with backgrounds different from their own. This course lasts over the entire semester.

PSY 101/215

PSYCHOLOGY COURSE

3 credit hours

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PSY 101 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY This course offers students an engaging introduction to the essential topics in the field of psychology. Throughout this scientific study of human behavior and the mind, students will survey and gain insight into the history of the field of psychology, as well as explore current theories and issues in areas such as wellness, emotion, cognition, motivation, perception, consciousness, social and personality, and memory. PSY 215 LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT The Lifespan perspective involves several basic contentions: development is life-long, multidimensional, multi-directional, plastic, historically embedded, multi-disciplinary and contextual. Three imperative developmental issues are explored: maturation and experience, continuity and discontinuity and stability and change. Students study how humans develop and how they become who they are.

SSC 235

THE SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE

3 credit hours

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This course explores the ways in which human beings make and remake the meaning of their social world through the production of culture. It employs sociological methods to explore the construction of the dominant, white subculture in the United States. The same methodologies are employed to examine the construction of subcultures in the United States, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation.

HUM ---

WORLD OF IDEAS: HUMANITIES ELECTIVE

3 credit hours

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Students may choose a World of Ideas elective course. The course must be categorized within one of the following three sections: The World of Ideas: Human Connection The World of Ideas: Historical Perspectives The World of Ideas: The Arts See All Humanities Course Descriptions for specific course information.

HUM 219

MEDICAL LAW AND ETHICS

3 credit hours

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This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of medical laws, ethical principles and bioethics for the healthcare practitioner. The application of these fundamental principles will be applied using current medical-legal issues and bioethical dilemmas of today. The course is designed to improve the student’s ability to critically think and make sound decisions that are in alignment with professional ethics and values, integrity and judgment. The course will include such areas as confidentiality, privacy, consents, responsible practice, professionalism, bioethical dilemmas, and key legal aspects that influence the healthcare practitioner.

Meet the Faculty

Our surg tech faculty are highly experienced and credentialed in their own fields, giving you constant real-world insight you can use.

While any instructor can recite from a textbook, ours go a step further and draw from vast personal experience. Instructors here care as deeply about their students as they do the subject matter and it shows.

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Surgical Technology Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Surgical Technology Program will:

Demonstrate behavior commensurate with an ethical healthcare professional, capable of honesty and moral integrity necessary to uphold ideal patient care standards.
Communicate clearly and effectively utilizing spoken, written and technical skills with patients, physicians and coworkers.
Demonstrate the application of the principles of asepsis and surgical conscience in a knowledgeable manner that provides optimal patient care in the OR.
Demonstrate the ability to perform as a cooperative team member in a variety of surgical procedures.
Incorporate learned competencies to assemble and operate instrument, equipment and supplies for the delivery of patient care as an entry-level practitioner during basic surgical procedures.
Recognize the importance of professional engagement through membership in professional organizations, complete the national certification exam, thereby earning the title of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), and understand the necessity of life-long learning as a contribution to society.

Surgical Technology Technical Standards

Able to stand, bend, stoop, and/or sit for long periods of time in one location with minimum/no breaks.
Able to lift a minimum of 20 pounds. (this is 50 pounds at most health systems for hiring)
Able to refrain from nourishment or restroom breaks for periods up to 6 hours.
Demonstrate sufficient visual ability enough to load a fine (10-0) suture onto needles and needle holders with/without corrective lenses and while wearing safety glasses.
Demonstrate sufficient peripheral vision to anticipate and function while in the sterile surgical environment.
Hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator's mouth/lips and within 20 feet.
Hear activation/warning signals on equipment.
Able to detect odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs.
Manipulate instruments, supplies and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good eye-hand coordination.
Ambulate/move around without assistive devices.
Able to assist with and/or lift, move, position, and manipulate the patient who is unconscious with or without assistive devices.
Communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing.
To be free of reportable communicable diseases and chemical abuse.
Able to demonstrate immunity (natural or artificial) to Rubella, Rubeola, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B, or be vaccinated against these diseases, or willing to sign a waiver of release of liability regarding these diseases.
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 and effective responses, especially in emergency situations.
Exhibit positive interpersonal skills during patient, staff, and faculty interactions.

Background check: Clinical facilities require that Nebraska Methodist College perform drug testing and background checks on all students before they are allowed to participate in clinical experiences. Therefore, students will be required to have a background check performed and submit to drug screening before being allowed into clinical practice.

It is your responsibility to understand the duties, responsibilities, skills and abilities required for your chose program/profession. In addition to the technical standards as described above, please review the information regarding Surgical Technology at the O*NET website here.

Written Statement

Please develop a thoughtful and organized response to the questions below. Your response should be approximately two paragraphs for each question. The admissions committee is looking for responses that are not only well supported but that also use appropriate style and grammar. Be sure to include your name and program on the document itself. You may attach the responses to an email sent to the Admissions office at admissions@methodistcollege.edu.

When drafting your written statement, please cite any sources using APA format if applicable. Also know that instances of plagiarism within an applicant's written statement will disqualify them for acceptance to Nebraska Methodist College due to the College's commitment to academic integrity and stringent plagiarism policies.

If you send your responses through the mail, please type your responses and send them to:
NMC Admissions
Nebraska Methodist College - The Josie Harper Campus
720 N. 87th Street
Omaha, NE 68114

An NMC graduate is an educated citizen who exhibits breadth of learning through the liberal arts and sciences traditions in concert with professional education. Our goal as an institution is that graduates of NMC will be able to articulate and demonstrate growth in the following areas: as reflective individuals, as effective communicators, and as change agents.
Please first address what or who has influenced your decision to pursue a career in healthcare?
Reflective Individual: A reflective individual consistently uses logic and critical thinking in all aspects of life. Select one of the following classes that you have taken: English Composition, Literature, History, Government, Psychology, or Sociology.
Share what was most interesting to you in this class. How might you apply what you learned to the healthcare field? If you do not have recent classes to reflect upon, you may reflect on a personal experience that you had and how what you learned from the experience can be applied to healthcare.
Effective Communicator: Effective communicators express their ideas through talking, non-verbal communication, writing, and sometimes speaking languages other than English.
Describe the type of communication listed above you feel most comfortable using. Give a specific example of a time when you exhibited strong communication skills and what the result was of this communication. For example, did you resolve a problem, put someone at ease, or help someone understand a complicated situation?
Change Agent: One of the goals of our undergraduate education is to assist students in becoming agents of change. We create positive change when we work effectively in groups and bring individuals together for a common purpose. These skills are challenging and require patience and practice.
Describe an experience you have had as a member of a group. Select a particular situation when a problem arose in that group and write about how you responded to it. You may select an experience that went well or one that you wish you could "do over."
Please address any grades of D's or F's listed on your transcripts. Also, please address withdrawals or other discrepancies on your transcripts. If you do not have any D's, F's or W's please respond: Not Applicable.

Professional Organizations

Blog Posts

About the Program

The 22-month program for an Associate of Science degree in Surgical Technology is a combination of classroom studies, hands-on learning in a surgical suite laboratory, and clinical-based practice in Greater Omaha Area hospitals. Learning includes:

Coursework in human anatomy, microbiology, critical thinking and communications
Care and handling of surgical instruments and equipment before, during and after surgery
Maintaining a sterile field for the surgical team including applying surgical dressings, holding retractors, cutting sutures, preparing sterile solutions, and caring for and/or transporting human specimens for laboratory analysis or disposal
Draping and positioning of patients during surgery
Operating room preparation including cleaning, restocking, and equipment preparation and positioning
National standards required to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

For those who learn additional skills or earn a Bachelor of Science degree, other career opportunities may include:

First or Second Assisting Technologist
Private 'Scrub' (specializing in transplants or other complex surgeries)
Surgical Services Administrator
Surgical Supplies Administrator
Surgical Equipment/Instrument Sales
Insurance
Trainer or Instructor

SURG TECH OUTCOMES DATA

Assessment/ Measurement

Program Enrollment
Enrollment (At Start of Program)

Graduation Rate
By Cohort (Within 22 Months of Program Start)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

TBD

GRADUATE SATISFACTION (AT GRAD)

Assessment/ Measurement

Graduate Return Rate
Graduate Survey Data

Graduate Rating
Graduate Satisfaction

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

80%

71%

77%

62%

85%

TBD

100%

TBD

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE EXAM

Assessment/ Measurement

Percent Taking Exam (CST)

Overall Pass Rate

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

100%

70%

100%

89%

100%

OUTCOMES POST GRADUATION

Assessment/ Measurement

Employment
Employment 6 Months after graduation

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

100%

EMPLOYER SATISFACTION

Assessment/ Measurement

Employer Rating
Employer Survey Results

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

100%

TBD

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Surgical Technology, AS

Surgical Technology, AS Perks

Accreditation & Licensure

Costs & Financial Aid

Student Grants or Loans

Employee Education Benefits

External Scholarships

Admissions

Criteria

Deadlines

Requirements

Starting Term

Priority Deadline

Curriculum

Meet the Faculty

Surgical Technology Program Outcomes

Surgical Technology Technical Standards

Written Statement

Professional Organizations

Blog Posts

About the Program

Surgical Technology Degree Guide

Healthcare Degree Programs

Admissions

About NMC