Program information

Surgical technologists are key members of the team that assists surgeries. They work closely with surgeons, registered nurses, anesthesiologists, and other hospital personnel. They work with surgical equipment, operating room setup, and patient preparation and transport.

Employment for a surgical technologist is forecasted to grow faster than other jobs. With MVCC’s Surgical Technology Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)-accredited degree program, you can be ready to compete for these jobs in two years. The program is designed for people interested in performing the duties of a surgical technologist, offering experienced faculty, hands-on experience, and the best allied health education in the Mohawk Valley. Graduates are prepared as entry-level practitioners in surgical technology to work in operating room suites assisting in the preparation of supplies and the delivery of care to the surgical patient.

See semester-by-semester degree plan.

Surgical Technician Certification Pass Rate

Year	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
Graduation Pass Rate	82%	N/A	82%	56%	71%	100%

 

How to apply for Surgical Technology 

Admission to the Surgical Technology degree program at MVCC is a competitive and time-sensitive process. If you wish to apply, please refer to this guide on how to apply. For more information, call the School of Health Sciences at 315-792-5375.

Important: Health requirements for some Health Sciences programs differ from MVCC health requirements. Click here for more information.

Prerequisites

In order to be considered for admission to this program, prospective students must meet all of the following requirements prior to beginning their studies.

Important Notes

• Applicants may have no more than one repeat ("F," "D," or "W") in any of the above prerequisite college courses within five years of applying to the Surgical Technology degree program.
• Applicants who have received more than one "D," "F," or "W" for any of the Program courses at MVCC or at any other college will be ineligible to apply to the Surgical Technology degree program.
• Any student who has been unsuccessful in one Surgical Technology course or Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and/or 2 will be dropped from the program. Any student who has been unsuccessful at another college/Surgical Technology program will not be eligible for admission to the Surgical Technology degree program.
• Proof of current American Heart Association CPR certification must be on file.
• The Health Physical Assessment form must be completed and on file by Nov. 1 for Clinical placement.
• Schedule an appointment with the School of Health Sciences. Call 315-792-5499 for an appointment. 
• Professional liability and accident insurance, available through the College, is required and payable at registration.
• Students must provide their own transportation to and from the assigned healthcare agency for externships.
• American Heart Association CPR certification must be kept current while attending the program.
• A dress code exists and identified items (protective eyewear, picture ID, lab coat, "sturdy" shoes, and support hose) are required before entering ST131 Fundamentals of Surgical Technology. Students are required to purchase "scrubs."
• A minimum grade of C (70) is required in all Surgical Technology Program courses.
• Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be eligible to graduate from this program.
• Graduation from the Surgical Technology program does not guarantee national certification at this time.
• Students with legal charges pending or who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor may have their credentialing delayed or denied.
• Credit by examination or credit for lifetime experience is not an option for any Surgical Technology or Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2 courses.
• Students may be subject to criminal background checks and/or blood screening tests at their own cost.
• Students unable to complete Surgical Technology degree coursework at MVCC may face barriers to completion, credentialing, or employment, therefore, it is highly recommended for these students to meet with the Dean of the School of Health Sciences to discuss implications.
• If a student relocates to a state in which the institution does not have approval to operate prior to program completion it may adversely impact the student’s ability to complete the program or gain in-field employment.

Accreditation

The Surgical Technology degree program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Information about the program is available at:

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730,
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Phone: 301-291-7550
Email: info@abhes.org
Website: www.abhes.org

Contact Us

Angie Christian, Program Coordinator
Email: achristian1@mvcc.edu
Phone: 315-334-7759
Office: Plumley Complex room 225, Rome Campus

Alisia Pooley, Clinical Coordinator
Email: apooley@mvcc.edu
Phone: 315-334-7743
Office: Plumley Complex room 224, Rome Campus

Testimonials

"I love the program; it’s a good foundation to multiple branches in the health field. You get to see what’s happening behind the scenes of surgeries. The teachers are great and are excellent at preparing students for the field. When we talk to students in similar programs at different colleges and compare our surgical technology skills, MVCC’s program always comes out on top. The program is known for the variety of good-paying employment opportunities that open for graduates. A background in surgical technology has such a good foundation that sets you up to climb the ladder and pursue whatever career you want in the health field. I love how easy the teachers are to get along with; they make the program. They are very down to earth and create a welcoming atmosphere."Jessica Flint ’20

"I had always wondered what being a cardio surgeon would be like, so in my senior year of high school, I requested a video be shown about said job at the beginning of the class. However, Surgical Technology was the closet the teacher could find. When that video played and described the job, my eyes lit up and I knew what I wanted to do. I’m thankful to MVCC for giving me the opportunity to work with instructors Alisha and Angie. I realize better things about myself than I did before now, and am slowly blossoming into a person I want to become, the person I was meant to be."Kaylee Richmond ’20

"I went to MVCC in 2017 and entered the Surgical Tech program. At first, I was a bit nervous but Angie Christiansen and Alisha Pooley, the program instructors, helped me understand what the program was all about and what it involved. They explained that it is a great profession to get into but it can be difficult at times. I went through the program with some ups and downs, and became a surgical technician. I currently work at Carthage Area Hospital where I apply all that I have from the Surgical Tech program."Morgan Roberts ’18