Surgical Technologist

Beginning September 2024, the program transitions to an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree and will use the 7th Edition of the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology required by CAAHEP for continuing accreditation of MDAE's Surgical Technologist program.  Prior to enrollment, students applying to the September 2024 program will be required to have 18 credits in California Community College-approved General Education coursework covering areas I through IV.  

Only 15 students will be enrolled into program.

The application process for the September 2024 Cohort begins January 2024.

APPLICATION STEPS

1. Complete the MDAE Orientation for the 2024 Cohort: completed on or before April 2024 
2. Online Written Application: Available starting January 16, 2024 and due midnight April 30, 2024 
3. Selected students must attend a mandatory program-specific orientation: August 2024 (date TBD); enrollment packet requirements must be completed by cohort and waitlist students
4. Program Starts - September 2024

ABOUT THE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST PROGRAM

Train to become a strong patient advocate who works alongside and assists the surgeon in a variety of surgical procedures. Learn to establish and maintain the sterile field, prepare the operating room for surgery with the necessary equipment, set up instruments and supplies, and perform perioperative tasks within a Surgical Technologist’s scope of practice. Simultaneously, learn the necessary basic sciences, such as medical terminology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and surgical pathology. 

Mt. Diablo’s Surgical Technologist program is nationally accredited through CAAHEP and is regularly an Association of Surgical Technologists Galaxy Star recognized school, maintaining high retention, certification, and placement rates. The program has a philosophy of meeting students where they are and has a student-centered approach to teaching and learning with a focus on developing students’ sense of ownership and empowerment to be successful in their educational journey and future career as a surgical technologist.

Recent graduates have been hired for per diem, full-time, and part-time positions at the following facilities:

• BASS Surgery Center
• Donor Network West
• John Muir Health
• Kaiser Permanente
• Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center
• Marin Health System
• Premier Surgery Center
• Providence Medical Center
• Stanford Healthcare
• Stryker (Orthopedic Sales)
• Sutter Health
• University of California, San Francisco Medical Center

DETAILS

1. Length of Program: 12 Months
2. Cost: $12,139 - FAFSA, WIOA, and payment plan available.
3. Schedule (subject to change): 

• Weeks 1-23: M-F, 8:30am-3:00pm  (including open labs)
   
• Weeks 24-30:

  • Group I: M-W, 8:30am-3:00pm with Clinical Externship Days** on Th, F 

  • Group II: W-F, 8:30am-3:00pm with Clinical Externship Days** on M, T

• Weeks 31- 45: W, 8:30am-3:00pm with Clinical Externship Days** on M, T, T, F  

The final two weeks are for makeup hours as needed, final certification exam prep, CST exam, and graduation.

**Hours may vary during clinical externship. 

Information on the following can be found in the 2023-2024 Catalog of Programs

• Policies and Processes for Withdrawal from Program
• Policies and Process for Refunds.
• Academic Calendar
• Student Grievance Procedure
• Appeal Process

OBJECTIVES

• Prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

• Provide the necessary curriculum, materials, instruction, and professional guidance in a safe and comfortable learning environment for successful completion of the surgical technologist program. 

• Train Surgical Technologists of the highest quality who uphold professional standards, such as, self-discipline, responsibility, collaboration, integrity, positivity, enthusiasm, self-motivation, confidence, and effective communication. 

• Graduate Surgical Technologists who are fully committed to the roles and responsibilities of a surgical technologist and to continuing ongoing professional development following graduation. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

• Meet the minimum attendance requirements.
• Maintain at least an 80% in each course and in the Overall Grade.
• Satisfactorily complete all assignments.
• Exhibit professional behavior throughout the program.
• Successfully complete a clinical externship (meet hour and case requirements).
• Take the National Certifying Exam for Surgical Technologists (CST).

GRADUATION • CERTIFICATION • PLACEMENT

Surgical Technologist Program ARC/STSA Annual Report Program Outcomes Data: