Surgical Technology

Current Students

Program Information

Profession Information

Occupational Outlook

The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $48,300 in May 2019. Employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Advances in medical technology have made surgery safer, and more operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries.

In addition, the aging of the large baby-boom generation is expected to increase the need for surgical technologists because older people usually require more operations. Moreover, as these individuals age, they may be more willing than those in previous generations to seek medical treatment to improve their quality of life.

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What does it take?

  • Communication. To prevent infections or other complications, surgical technologists must relay any issues that arise during surgery to the other members of the healthcare team.
  • Detail oriented. Surgical technologists must pay close attention to their work.
  • Dexterity. Surgical technologists should be comfortable working with their hands. They must provide needed equipment quickly.
  • Integrity. Because they are trusted to provide sterile supplies and care for patients during surgical procedures, surgical technologists must be ethical and honest.
  • Listening skills. Responding to requests from surgeons and others on the surgical team requires the ability to listen to and understand spoken directions.
  • Physical stamina. Surgical technologists should be comfortable standing for extended periods.
  • Stress-management skills. Working in an operating room can be stressful. Surgical technologists should work well under pressure.
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NBSTSA

The mission of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is to be the gold standard provider of professional certification of surgical technologists (CST) and surgical first assistants (CSFA), supporting continuing education, thus promoting superior patient care in the surgical setting.

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ARC/STSA

The mission of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) is to provide accreditation services to our communities of interest that validate excellence of educational programs in order to advance the professions and ensure quality patient care.

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AST

The primary purpose of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) is to ensure that surgical technologists have the knowledge and skills to administer patient care of the highest quality.

Student Resources

Association of Surgical Technologists Code of Ethics

  • To maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and patient care.
  • To hold in confidence with respect to the patient’s beliefs, all personal matters.
  • To respect and protect the patient’s legal and moral rights to quality patient care.
  • To not knowingly cause injury or any injustice to those entrusted to our care.
  • To work with fellow technologists and other professional health groups to promote harmony and unity for better patient care.
  • To always follow the principles of asepsis.
AST Position Statement Code of Ethics

Contact

Heather Osness

Program Director

Email: Heather.Osness@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4842

Office: Taylor 258

Kat Preiss

Academic Advisor

Email: Kat.Preiss@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-652-7695

Office: HPC 347

Katie Reeves

Administrative Assistant

Email: hdandt@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4820

Office: Taylor 258