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 Peters, 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.
  • 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