Surgical Technology

Now is the time to pursue a career in healthcare. To get started, enroll at the college, then complete a program application using the instructions on this page. Program applications are currently being accepted by email only. Admissions Specialists are available to help you by phone or by email.

What You Will Learn

Surgeons are only as good as their supporting staff, which includes certified surgical technologists providing medical assistance in the operating room. Surgical technologists play an important role for surgeons because they oversee processes before, during, and after surgery in an operating room. The healthcare industry continues to seek experienced professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the population's evolving medical needs. As a result, careers in fields like surgical technology continue to be an attractive career option for many of today's graduates. You have a calm nature and are an excellent communicator. You likely work well under pressure and are quick to help others out. Enroll in the surgical technology program at Central Piedmont and earn an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology. 

The program goal of the surgical technology program at Central Piedmont Community College is to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Certified surgical technologists oversee a variety of responsibilities before, during and after surgery, including preparing and sterilizing equipment, assisting surgeons, managing instruments and supplies during surgery, caring for surgical patients, and much more. In the surgical technology program, you will practice using appropriate instruments and equipment to prepare for surgery. You will learn the roles in assisting a surgeon, surgeon’s assistant, registered nurses, and other surgery personnel, including sterilization procedures, managing supplies, and providing patient care. Course, lab, and clinical work allow you to apply teamwork, moral, legal, and ethical concepts, and management techniques. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:

• plan and prioritize the essential steps of a surgical procedure
• practice effective written, oral, and electronic communication to clearly communicate patient and staff needs
• define, recognize, and apply all the aspects of aseptic technique

Before graduation, you will take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certification Examination for surgical technologists. Certified surgical technologists find careers in labor, delivery, and emergency departments; inpatient and outpatient surgery centers; dialysis facilities; endoscopy centers; and physicians offices, among other settings.

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Why Choose Central Piedmont

Central Piedmont’s surgical technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). You will have the opportunity to join the Surgical Technology Club to network and develop comradery and to participate in the North Carolina Association of Surgical Technology’s annual Scrub Bowl. The competition prepares students for the national certification exam.

Real World Education

At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.