Surgical Technology

The 2027-2028 cohort application will open on August 1, 2026 and close on October 1, 2026.


Program and Application Requirements:

The PCC Surgical Technology program is four (4) semesters in length starting each spring and is a full-time Monday thru Friday program with lecture, lab and clinical components. The program will run spring, summer, fall, and spring; with a graduation and pinning ceremony each May. The program has limited entry based on current clinical contracts and requires that candidates submit a program application and participate in a hands-on interviewing process for admittance.


Pre-requisite Requirements:

Applicants must have completed BIO2101 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, BIO2102 Human Anatomy & Physiology II, and BIO2104 Microbiology prior to application submission. Other general education courses may be taken prior to the program or during selected semesters within the program through an individualized Academic Action Plan. For advising: Applicants are encouraged to meet with Kevin Van Winkle prior to application submission to determine eligibility, required prerequisite courses, and application process. Please call 719-549-3406 to schedule an appointment. For additional admissions information, please refer to the Surgical Technology Application Process Guide.


Please see a PCC Success Coach for the updated STE Guided Pathway for additional general education requirements within the two-year pathway.

Why PCC?

Pueblo Community College’s Surgical Technology program offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience in a unique hospital-based setting. Students build confidence and technical skill through instruction in the Human Anatomy Learning Center, practice with advanced surgical training manikins, and clinical preparation that reflects the expectations of a real operating room environment. Guided by experienced instructors, students develop the professional judgment, teamwork, and surgical conscience needed to transition from the classroom and lab into the clinical setting.

Amber Anger, Surgical Technology Student
Surgical Technology Graduate
Amber Anger

Whether discussing her career or road trips, Amber Anger is ready to explore.

The 2023 graduate of PCC’s surgical technology program is preparing for her first big move – to North Carolina, where she was offered a position at Duke Regional Hospital. The facility is part of the renowned Duke University Health System.

Anger got the job the same day she interviewed for it.

What will I learn?

What will students learn? Students in Pueblo Community College’s Surgical Technology program learn what it takes to work behind the scenes in the operating room, where precision, preparation, and teamwork are critical. They develop hands-on skills in sterile technique, surgical case setup, instrumentation, patient safety, specimen handling, surgical counts, wound care, pharmacology, anesthesia, and the cleaning and sterilization of surgical instruments. Through lab practice and clinical rotations in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, students gain experience in real surgical environments while learning how to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and help keep procedures running safely and efficiently.

Surgical Technology Program Outcomes

Reporting Period: August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024

OutcomePCC RateNational Average
Outcomes Assessment Examination (OAE) Participation Rate100%100%
CST National Certification Exam Pass Rate70%70%
Job Placement Rate88%80%
Employer Satisfaction Rate100%
Graduate Satisfaction Rate94%

Program Requirements & Clinical Readiness

The Surgical Technology program is a selective admission program. To ensure the safety of our students and the patients they serve, applicants must meet specific academic and compliance standards.

  • Selective Admission Application: Students must submit a formal program application by October 1. Admission is based on a competitive process.
  • Prerequisite Coursework: Before applying, students must successfully complete: BIO 2101, BIO 2102, BIO 2104, HPR 1038, ENG 1021, and COM 1250
  • Background Check & Drug Screen: All students must successfully pass a criminal background check and a drug screen prior to formal admission. Please note that certain legal findings (such as felonies or professional disciplinary proceedings) may prohibit entrance into the program or eligibility for national certification.
  • Immunizations & Health Records: To meet the safety standards of our clinical partners, students must provide proof of required immunizations and health screenings.
  • Clinical & Internship Rotations: Students participate in extensive clinical rotations at hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. Students are responsible for their own transportation to these sites and must adhere to all facility-specific policies and professional conduct standards.

Career Information

At the completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam governed by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Upon passing, a surgical technologist can practice under the credentials of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). A state license through The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is required to practice as a surgical technologist in the State of Colorado (requirements vary from state to state).

 

Accreditation

The PCC Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs ( www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs | 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158 | Clearwater, FL 33763 | 727-210-2350 | www.caahep.org

 

Marijuana Policy

THC (marijuana) is part of the required 10-panel drug screen prior to admittance into any Health Professions or Public Safety program at PCC. The passage of Amendment 64 in the State of Colorado, does not overrule Federal law, which states this is still an illegal substance. Students testing positive for THC (marijuana, including prescription marijuana) will not be allowed entrance or re-entrance into a Health or Public Safety program.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

The licensure requirements for Surgical Technology may differ between all 50 states and U.S. territories.  

Pueblo Community College (PCC) recommends each student visit National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting to identify the program requirements for each state in which you plan to live and practice.  

PCC can only guarantee that the requirements for the state of Colorado are met with our program.
Colorado Surgical Assistant and Surgical Technologist  

PCC has not determined if the Surgical Technology meets applicable state requirements for the following states and territories: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Degree & Certificate Offerings in Surgical Technology:

Program Information

Location
Pueblo Campus
Pathway
Health Professions
Awards
AAS
Course Availability
In Person
Hybrid
Program Start
Spring
Program Length
4 Semesters

Events

September 24th
PCC Teaching and Learning Center (TLC)
05:00pm - 07:00pm

Contact

Department Chair / Faculty
Nadine LaForme
719-549-3281