Surgical Technology Program

Students in surgerySHARPEN YOUR SKILLS.

Nassau’s Surgical Technology program is one of our most popular programs — for good reason. Not only are surgical technologists in high demand, but our program has a nearly 45-year history and an outstanding reputation for producing graduates who are well prepared. Beginning in 2013, the program has annually received the National Merit Award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for achieving a 90% graduate pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination.  Graduates demonstrate by examination an understanding of the basic competencies for safe patient care in the operating room. The CST is widely recognized in the health care community as the foremost credential for surgical technologists in the nation and required for employment in NYS.

Our two-year Associate's Degree in Applied Science in Surgical Technology (AAS) is distinctive to Long Island. It is the ONLY Associate Degree program on Long Island accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation from The Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARCSTSA).  As a graduate, you'll be required to sit for the (NBSTSA) National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Certification Exam in Surgical Technology (CST).  You can begin your career immediately after graduation

STATE LAW OVERVIEW as it relates to National Certification for the CST 

The following states have passed law related to the education and certification of surgical technologists.  

  • Indiana (2009)
  • Massachusetts (2012)
  • Nevada (2017)
  • New Jersey (2011)
  • New York (2015)
  • Oregon (2016)
  • South Carolina (2018)
  • Tennessee (2013)
  • Texas (2009)
  • Idaho (1991) - Idaho has an administrative rule requiring that surgical technologists (referred to as “operating room technicians” in the rule) either complete a CAAHEP-accredited program OR satisfy the NBSTSA requirements for CST/certification.

The following states require surgical technologists to register in order to work in the state: 

  • Colorado (2016) (CST not required for registration)
  • North Dakota (2011) (“Unlicensed Assistive Person” registry; CST not required for registration)
  • Washington (2010) (CST not required for registration)

The following states offer optional registration/title protection for surgical technologists: 

  • Arkansas (2017) (Must be a CST in order to qualify for the registry/title protection)
  • Illinois (2004) (Must be a CST in order to qualify for the registry/title protection)
  • Virginia (2014) (Must be a CST in order to qualify for the registry/title protection) 

Most recent information related to National Certification for the CST can be found at: https://www.ast.org/Public_Policy/Legislative_Overview

INTERVIEWS ARE SCHEDULED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Please call 516.572.9640  or Contact  Admissions at 516.572.7345

You’ll benefit from: 

  • Cutting-edge medical equipment, including an anesthesia machine, an adult lung simulator, laparoscopic simulation trainer sets, "SimMan," a virtual reality mannequin, and two mock operating rooms
  • Laboratory work that begins your first year
  • Clinical experience at accredited hospitals in your first and second year
  • A minimum of 120 real-life clinical cases by the time you graduate
  • A rich network of exceptional alumni

Program Effectiveness Learning Outcomes Trends Data:

  1. Five-Year Average Program Completion Rate: 85%
  2. Five-Year Average Job Placement Rate:  96%
  3. Five-Year Average Employer Satisfaction Rate: 100%
  4. Five-Year Average Graduate Satisfaction Rate: 99%
  5. The Current Pass Rate for the Class of 2023, CST Exam 95%

The future is extremely bright for our Surgical Technology graduates. According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for surgical technologists is expected to increase as the population ages and the number of surgical procedures grows.  In fact, the employment rate of surgical technologists nationwide is expected to grow faster than the average of all occupations.

You will also be prepared to continue your education and further specialize in surgical technology or pursue a career as a:

  • Registered Nurse (RN), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  • Perfusionist
  • Physician Assistant (PA)
  • Physician

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