The surgical technologist is an integral part of the surgical team – working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during, and after surgery. The specialty of surgical technology is rapidly growing in hospital operating rooms and in outpatient surgery centers, as well as in a variety of settings that call for a sterile field, such as physicians’ private-practice offices. Surgical technology professionals facilitate the surgery process by anticipating the needs of the surgeons, passing instruments, and providing sterile items in an efficient manner. Along with the circulator, they share responsibility for accounting for sponges, needles, and instruments before, during, and after surgery. They may hold retractors or instruments, sponge or suction the operative site, or cut suture materials as directed by the surgeon.
The program
The program in surgical technology, leading to the Associate of Science degree, is cohort based, in-person, full-time 21-month program that begins each Fall Term. The program includes clinical experience at Loma Linda University Health facilities and affiliated hospitals. Accreditation for the Surgical Technology Associate of Science degree program is provided by the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) in collaboration with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Program mission
To prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
Program learning outcomes
Upon completion of the program, the graduate should:
- Demonstrate competence as a surgical technologist.
- Comprehend and apply the knowledge and skills related to the performance of the duties of a surgical technologist.
- Demonstrate behaviors consistent with health professionals in their duties as a surgical technologist.
- Relate in an ethical manner to other members of the surgical health care team.
- Maintain patient records and communicate relevant information to other members of the health team.
Admissions
Admission is based on a selective process. In addition to Loma Linda University requirements, the applicant may enter the program in two ways and meet the following requirements:
- Entry-level Option:
- High School Graduate or (GED)
- High School GPA of 2.5 or higher (3.0 or above to be competitive)
- Two years high school mathematics with grades of C (2.0) or above or intermediate algebra in college
- A personal interview
- Transfer Option:
- High School Graduate or equivalent (GED)
- Have completed a minimum of 24 quarter units (16 semester units) units at an accredited college or university
- Transfer of prerequisite courses from an accredited college or university. Note: grades below C (2.0) are not transferable for credit.
- Two years high school mathematics with grades of C (2.0) or above or intermediate algebra in college
- Humanities, history, art, or language course
- General psychology or sociology
- Cultural anthropology or cultural diversity
- English composition, complete sequence
- 1 Physical Education Activities
- Electives to meet requirements of 24 quarter units
- A personal interview
Program requirements
Completion of the Surgical Technology A.S. degree requires successful completion of 90 units:
General Education Requirements – 32 units*
| Course | Description | Units |
|---|---|---|
| RELT 100 | Introduction to Bible | 3 |
| RELE 155 | Introduction to Christian Bioethics | 3 |
| RELT 275 | Whole Person Care | 2 |
| HUMN xxx | Humanities Elective | 4 |
| PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| AHCJ 124 | Medical Anthropology | 4 |
| ENGL 111 | College Writing I | 3 |
| ENGL 112 | College Writing II | 3 |
| ENGL 113 | College Writing III | 3 |
| PEAC 110 | Independent Activities | 1 |
| HLSC 210 | Portfolio | 2 |
Surgical Technology Core Curriculum Requirements – 58 units
| Course | description | units |
|---|---|---|
| SGTH 110 | Professional Development Seminars | 1 |
| SGTH 115 | Medical Terminology for Surgical Technologists | 2 |
| SGTH 130 | Orientation to Principles and Practices of Surgery | 5 |
| SGTH 225 | Anatomy and Physiology for Surgical Technologists I | 4 |
| SGTH 226 | Anatomy and Physiology for Surgical Technologists II | 4 |
| SGTH 235 | Principles of Surgical Technology with Pharmacology | 4 |
| SGTH 235L | Principles of Surgical Technology with Pharmacology Lab | 2 |
| SGTH 241 | Surgical Procedures I | 6 |
| SGTH 241L | Surgical Procedures I Lab | 2 |
| SGTH 242 | Surgical Procedures II | 6 |
| SGTH 242L | Surgical Procedures II Lab | 2 |
| SGTH 271 | Clinical Practices in Surgical Technology | 2 |
| SGTH 291 | Surgical Technology Clinical Externship I | 8 |
| SGTH 292 | Surgical Technology Clinical Externship II | 8 |
| SGTH 299 | Practice of Surgical Technology Capstone | 2 |
A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required for all courses in the program.
* Transfer coursework from regionally accredited institutions may be articulated to meet general specific general education requirements.
Standard duration for program completion (full-time pathway)
1.75 years (Seven [7] academic quarters at LLU – full-time enrollment typical).
Clinical experiences
Students will have an opportunity to rotate throughout the Loma Linda University Health facilities, with time and emphasis spent in an operating room environment that spans adults and pediatrics, trauma, medical, elective, and outpatient surgical patients. Students must meet minimum clinical hour requirements and participate in a minimum of 120 surgical cases, 30 cases being in general surgery and 90 cases in different surgical specialties. Students will work under the direct supervision of either their clinical instructor or a member of the health care facility.
Professional certification
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), 3 West Dry Creek Circle, Littleton, CO 80120—provides the national certifying examination for graduates of CAAHEP-approved programs in surgical technology. Graduates who pass the CST examination are recognized by the council as certified surgical technologists (CST) or as certified first assistants (CFA).
Professional association
The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) is the professional organization of the surgical technologist. The AST’s primary concern is ensuring that surgical technologists are educationally qualified to provide quality patient care. The AST is also concerned with representing the interests of the profession in the legislative and regulatory arenas and in communicating information on the profession to the public and to the health care industry. The Association of Surgical Technologists encourages both students and graduates to become members and participate in national and local chapter meetings. The AST’s aim is to foster professional growth, encourage education, and provide services and representation for its members. For further information, contact the national office, 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200, Littleton, CO 80120.
Accreditation
The Surgical Technology Program at Loma Linda University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763; 727-210-2350; website: http://www.caahep.org. This accreditation is granted upon recommendation by the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 855-558-1100 or email [email protected]
Program cost
2025-2026 Academic Year (Prog Yr 1) – Tuition: $13,958; estimated fees: $3,783
2026-2027 Academic Year (Prog Yr 2) – estimated Tuition: $19,680; estimated fees: $5,120
** Program cost does not include the cost of required textbooks, room, board, or personal living expenses.
Surgical Technology program - student outcomes
| Graduate Year | Program Completion | CST Board Pass Rate (1st Attempt) | Job Placement (ST Positions Only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 100% | 36% | 57% |
| 2023 | 94% | 27% | 67% |
| 2024 | 94% | 42% | 38% |