Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology

Maria College is launching an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Surgical Technology for Fall 2025 in partnership with St. Peter’s, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field.

Program Highlights

68-credit program developed in partnership with St. Peter’s Health Partners
Flexible day (4 semesters) and evening (6 semesters) options
Curriculum blends anatomy, microbiology, and psychology with specialized surgical technology training
Advanced VR technology for realistic scenario practice
Hands-on experience in a fully equipped surgical suite at St. Peter’s Hospital

The program prepares students for the National Certification Examination by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Career Outlook

7% projected growth in the surgical technology field by 2032
High demand in the Capital Region and beyond
Opportunities to work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses

This new degree program continues Maria College’s commitment to excellence in healthcare education and service to the community.

Read about the launch of the new Surgical Technology Program at Maria College here.

Program Goals/Objectives and Outcome Measure
The goals and objectives of the surgical technology program are as follows:
1. To prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
2. To prepare students to function as a surgical technologist who provides and participates in the coordination of patient care as a member of the surgical team by demonstrating knowledge of aseptic technique, surgical procedures and instrumentation
3. To provide a learning environment for students, which facilitates the development of knowledge, skills, and values needed for professional development
4. To prepare the students with sufficient knowledge and background to be able to assimilate the policies and procedures of any health care institution consistent with their scope of practice
5. To prepare the students with skills required to practice safe patient care: aseptic technique, perioperative routines, and emergency procedures
6. To prepare students to communicate effectively via oral, written, and electronic modes
7. To instill in the students an understanding of ethical and legal values related to the practice of surgical technology
8. To prepare the student to pass the National Certification Examination prepared by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
9. To foster the concept of continuing education and lifelong learning and to value the professional attributes of the surgical technologist
Program Outcomes
At the completion of all topics/coursework in the surgical technology curriculum (end of last semester) students will be required to complete a secure practice exam on site offered through the NBSTSA and AMP testing; NOTE: Students will also take the certification exam offered by the NBSTSA on site at the end of the last semester. Students should note that the certification exam results will be held until the degree/certificate is conferred by the registrar. This exam is required for program outcome measures for all new surgical technology programs.

Course Sequence (Day Division)

First Year: First Semester (Fall)
Course		Credits
BIO 209	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
PSY 100	General Psychology	3
ENG 111	Composition	3
SUR 101	Surgical Technology I (Fundamentals) Lecture 3 Credits/ Lab 5 Credits	8
		18
First Year: Second Semester (Spring)
BIO 210	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
PSY 200	Developmental Psychology	3
SUR 102	Surgical Technology II (Anesthesia and Intra-op) (Lecture 3 credits, Lab 2 credits, Clinical field work 5 credits)	10
		17
Second Year: First Semester (Fall)
BIO 203	Microbiology	4
SOC 101	Introduction to Social Change	3
ENG 211	Critical Inquiry and Writing	3
SUR 201	Surgical Technology III (Surgical Procedures) (Lecture 2 credits, Lab (Sim) 1 credit, Clinical 5 credits)	8
		18
Second Year: Second Semester (Spring)
RES 201	Foundations in Social Justice	3
SUR 202	Surgical Technology IV (Advanced Surgical Procedures) Lecture 3 credits, Lab/Sim 1 credit, Clinical 8 credits	12
		15

Course Sequence (Evening Division)

First Year: First Semester (Fall)
Course		Credits
BIO 209	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
PSY 100	General Psychology	3
RES 201	Foundations in Social Justice	3
ENG 111	Composition	3
		13
First Year: Second Semester (Spring)
BIO 210	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
SOC 101	Introduction to Social Change	3
PSY 200	Developmental Psychology	3
		10
Second Year: First Semester (Fall)
SUR 101	Surgical Technology I (Fundamentals) Lecture 3 Credits/ Lab 5 Credits	8
BIO203	Microbiology	4
		12
Second Year: Second Semester (Spring)
ENG 211	Critical Inquiry and Writing	3
SUR 102	Surgical Technology II (Anesthesia and Intra-op) (Lecture 3 credits, Lab 2 credits, Clinical field work 5 credits)	10
		13
Third Year: First Semester (Fall)
SUR 201	Surgical Technology III (Surgical Procedures) (Lecture 2 credits, Lab (Sim) 1 credit, Clinical 5 credits )	8
		8
Third Year: Second Semester (Spring)
SUR 202	Surgical Technology IV (Advanced Surgical Procedures) Lecture 3 credits, Lab/Sim 1 credit, Clinical 8 credits	12
		12