Allied Health: Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing Technology

Return to: Degrees and Certificates

Location:

Allied Health and Sciences Building, 970.339.6500

Program Chair:

Katie Overturf , BS,  A.A.S. CST, 970.339.6367

Program Coordinator:

Erin Miyoshi, erin.miyoshi@aims.edu, 970.339.6500

Faculty and Advisor :

Katie Overturf, CST, 970.339.6367

Degrees/Certificates Offered:

Surgical Technology (A.A.S. Degree)

Program Length: An Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology can be completed in two years. Students requiring developmental coursework to meet assessment requirements will take more than the usual two years to complete the full degree.

Program Description: Intended for the individual desiring to work in an operating room setting requiring multi-tasking abilities. Skills obtained in this degree can be applied to the same-day surgical area, some clinic settings including freestanding surgical centers, and the hospital operating theaters. Assisting in surgery will be possible, at an entry level, with completion of the Surgical Technology degree.

Potential Opportunities: Local opportunities can be found all over Northern Colorado as well as across the United States. Preparation as a Surgical Technologist also provides experience and gainful employment for those choosing to further their education in Surgical First Assisting, Nursing, Medicine, Physician’s assistant or other health-care professions. Students are administered the National Certification Exam for Surgical Technology prior to graduation. 

Registration Requirements: All students must meet the current year’s registration requirements to be admitted into the Surgical Technology Program. Some course work is restricted to department majors and must have the program advisor’s over-ride before registering.

Other Requirements: Prior to entering the clinical operating room settings, students must hold a current Basic Life Support Health Provider CPR card, have records of immunity to MMR, Varicella and Hep B, a current Tdap (less than 10 years old) and a current 2-step TB test, or blood test. In addition, students will need a flu shot and must pass a criminal background check and drug screening without disqualifying offenses.

Sterile Instrument Processing Certificate (1-2 semesters)

Program Length:  A Sterile Instrument Processing Certificate can be completed in two semesters. 

Program Description: Intended for the individual desiring to work in Materials Management where the focus will be on care, handling and sterilization of surgical instrumentation. Skills obtained in this certification can be used  in same-day surgical areas, some freestanding surgical centers, and the hospitals.

Potential Opportunities: Local opportunities can be found all over Northern Colorado as well as across the United States. Preparation as a Sterile Instrument Processor also provides experience and gainful employment for those choosing to further their education in Surgical Technology.  Students are trained to take the Certification Exam for Sterile Processors (not covered by tuition and fees).

Registration Requirements: All students must meet the current year’s registration requirements to be admitted into the Sterile Processing Program.

Other Requirements: Prior to entering the clinical  sterile processing setting, students must hold a current Basic Life Support Health Provider CPR card, have records of immunity to MMR, Varicella and Hep B, a current Tdap (less than 10 years old) and a current 2-step TB test, or blood test. In addition, students will need a flu shot and must pass a criminal background check and drug screening without disqualifying offenses.

Return to: Degrees and Certificates