Saint Joseph’s University’s Surgical Technology Certificate will prepare you for a career assisting surgical teams throughout every step of an operation. You will receive specialized instruction, vast clinical experience and guaranteed clinical placements to ensure you have the preparation necessary to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). This program is designed for students who hold a degree.
Associate Degree in Surgical Technology
Saint Joseph’s University’s Associate Degree in Surgical Technology will prepare you for a career assisting surgical teams throughout every step of an operation. You will receive specialized instruction, vast clinical experience and guaranteed clinical placements to ensure you have the preparation necessary to become a surgical technologist.
This 65-credit associate degree program can be completed in as little as two years. Complete the surgical technology associate’s degree, land a job and use tuition reimbursement offered by many healthcare organizations to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
If you already have an associate degree or higher or have completed a two-year, post-secondary allied health program, you may be eligible for our Surgical Technology Certificate.
What is a Surgical Technologist?
Surgical technologists are critical members of the surgical care team who work alongside surgeons assisting in an operation. Surgical technologists are responsible for assembling and disassembling the operating room before and after surgery is complete.
What Sets Our Surgical Technology Program Apart
100% Pass Rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam
For the 2023-2024 year, our students have boasted a 100% pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
88% Job Placement Rate*
Our high job placement rate after graduation is a testament to the effectiveness of Saint Joseph's University's surgical technology associate program. It also reflects our commitment to preparing students for the workforce and providing valuable skills and networking opportunities.
*Please note: Saint Joseph's University is not responsible for finding employment for students; all students secure employment on their own.
Hands-On Learning in the First & Only Learning Space of its Kind in the Lancaster Area
With surgical technologist classes, you’ll gain access to a variety of advanced technology that makes simulation learning as close to real-life clinical situations as it can be. You’ll have access to The Center for Excellence in Practice Simulation Center, Lancaster’s newest and most advanced clinical simulation lab where you’ll observe a wide range of exams and invasive procedures. The Simulation Center is a 20,000-square-foot facility made up of 24 rooms, including an intensive care unit and five conference rooms.
Guaranteed Clinical Placements Within Your First Year
You are guaranteed clinical placements at premier locations in Pennsylvania within your first year. You’ll have the opportunity to experience working in clinical settings with expert faculty, helping transfer knowledge and skills from the classroom to in-person patient experiences. You will learn critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving by engaging in realistic scenarios staged in real-world medical environments.
Exposure to a Wide Variety of Surgical Specialities
This program exposes students to a wide variety of surgical specialties in the acute care setting that may include:
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Genitourinary surgery
- General surgery
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Peripheral vascular surgery
- Endoscopy
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Robotic Surgery
Taught by Experienced Surgical Technology Faculty
You’ll learn alongside certified surgical technologists with years of operating room experience to hone your skills for this high-intensity career.
Why Study Surgical Technology in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is home to top-tier hospitals and operating rooms seeking surgical technologists, including:
- Lancaster General Hospital
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- Lehigh Valley Hospital
- UPMC
- Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian
Program Details
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Explore the required courses and curriculum information for this program, which can be found in Saint Joseph's academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
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Our surgical technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARCSTSA).
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Saint Joseph's University – Lancaster’s tuition structure includes both per-credit tuition and program-specific fees.
PER-CREDIT TUITION:
The cost of the Surgical Technology Associate Degree is $683 per credit for the 2024-2025 academic year.
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC FEES:
In addition to the per-credit rate, there are also program-specific fees for the following courses:
- SUR 115: $3,435 fee
- SUR 215: $3,435 fee
- SUR 225: $3,435 fee
For a detailed breakdown and additional information, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Program Effectiveness Data
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YearInitial EnrollmentGraduatedRate2023-2024171694%2022-202313969%2021-202219947%2020-2021211152%2019-202213969%2018-2019151173%2017-201814964%
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YearNumber Who Took ExamExam Participation RateNumber PassedPass Rate2023-2024161616100%2022-202399778%2021-202299889%2020-20211111873%2019-2020999100%2018-201911100%982%2017-20189100%9100%
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YearGraduatesJobs Within 6 MonthsRate2023-2024161488%2022-202396100%2021-20229889%2020-2021111091%2019-20209778%2018-20191111100%2017-201899100%
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YearGraduatesContinuing Formal Ed.Rate2023-202416213%2022-2023900%2021-20228002020-20211119%2019-20209111%2018-201911002017-2018900
On Average, How Much Do Surgical Technologists Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a surgical technologist in 2022 is $56,350.
Admission Information
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1. To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.
2. High school or post-secondary college-level courses must include the following:
- At least four units of English
- At least three units of Social Sciences
- At least three units of Mathematics (Two (2) of which are at least the level of Algebra)
- Two (2) units of Science with a related laboratory or an equivalent (One (1) of which must be biology).
3. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0-point scale in secondary or post-secondary education (whichever is more recent). However, the GPA requirement can be different depending on specific program requirements. Please see our undergraduate requirements or reach out to the Office of Admission for additional information.
4. A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is also required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.
Additional Admission Factors for Consideration:
In addition to the required items above, the admission team will consider the following factors when making an admission decision:
- Class rank
- Academic performance in post-secondary science and math courses
- Community service
- Healthcare-related service
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To apply for this program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.
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First-Year Students
Applications for high school students are available beginning August 1 of your senior year. For a full timeline of deadlines and addition information, visit our admission page.Transfer Students
Applications to transfer to Saint Joseph’s are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring start terms. -
If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:
- Satisfy general admission requirements
- Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey
Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT instead of the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.
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Transfer credit may be awarded for previous coursework. A course must meet the following requirements to be considered for transfer to Saint Joseph’s University’s Lancaster campus:
- Undergraduate courses with a grade of “C” or above
- Graduate courses with a grade of “B” or above (Pass/Fail grades are not eligible for transfer credit)
- Must be from a regionally or programmatically accredited institution
- The coursework must match the course offered at Saint Joseph’s University
- Some programs have a time limit for specific courses
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Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:
- Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
- Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
- Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
- Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
- Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
- Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
Explore Other Degree Programs
Saint Joseph’s University’s Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology will prepare you for a career in treating ailments related to the heart and blood vessels. This program also offers the preparation necessary to take the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam which is required to become a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist.
Saint Joseph’s University’s Cardiovascular Technology Certificate will equip you with the skills needed to succeed in a career treating ailments related to the heart and blood vessels. Designed for students who hold a college degree, this program prepares you to take the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam to become a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist.