Program Overview

Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Surgical Technology

The Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Surgical Technology is effective September 2024. This program is not offered for completion at each campus or through Berkeley College Online; students should review the academic program pages for information on where each program is offered. Additionally, all students may be required to take some courses at another campus or online.

Program Requirements

To qualify for graduation, students must participate in the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination, a national credentialing exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). The program requires students to take and pass the Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers - BLS (AHA) exam.

Course Sequence

The following is a sample course sequence for the AAS in Surgical Technology program:

First Semester

• SUR1100: Fundamentals of Surgical Technology (6 credits)
• HEA2200: Medical Terminology (3 credits)
• SCI1100: Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credits)
• SCI1110: Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I (1 credit)
• ENG1105: Writing and Research (3 credits)

Second Semester

• SUR2112: Surgical Techniques (6 credits)
• SCI2228: Microbiology (3 credits)
• SCI2100: Anatomy and Physiology II (3 credits)
• SCI2110: Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II (1 credit)
• ENG2205: Writing Through Literature (3 credits)

Third Semester

• SUR2120: Surgical Specialty Intervention Procedures (3 credits)
• SUR2280: Operating Room Clinical Practicum I (5 credits)
• SUR2100: Surgical Technology Application and Practice (2 credits)
• HEA2203: Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health Services (3 credits)
• SOC2225: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)

Fourth Semester

• SUR2290: Operating Room Clinical Practicum II (5 credits)
• SUR2292: Surgical Technology Capstone (4 credits)
• Humanities Elective (3 credits)

Graduation Requirements

60 semester credits are required for graduation.

Certification Requirements

New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia require individuals to earn the CST-credential before becoming eligible for employment. The College has not made a determination with respect to certification requirements of other states.