Surgical Technology
Eastern Arizona College’s Surgical Technology program prepares you for a highly technical and rewarding healthcare career. Over four full-time semesters, you’ll learn every step of an operation to anticipate the surgeon’s next move.
You’ll put surgical instrumentation, aseptic technique, and perioperative case management skills into practice during 120 supervised surgical cases and at least 405 clinical hours at partner sites. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
Enter the workforce prepared to make an immediate impact in the operating room.
Your Surgical Technology Journey Awaits
A Program Optimized For Your Success
- Program Length: Four full-time semesters following completion of prerequisites.
- Total Credit Hours: 60 – 66 credits.
- Hands-On Clinical Training: Students complete a minimum of 405 clinical hours and 120 documented surgical cases at affiliated partner facilities — real OR experience before graduation.
- Small Cohort, Big Mentorship: Cohorts are limited to 10 students, ensuring personalized instruction, direct faculty access, and a team-oriented learning environment.
- CST Exam Ready: The program is aligned with the AST Core Curriculum 7th Edition and ARC/STSA standards, preparing graduates to sit for the nationally recognized CST exam upon completion.
Hands-On Learning Environment
The program is cohort structured and uses several instructional methods:
- Lecture
- Simulated Laboratory Training
- Supervised Clinical Experience
Laboratory courses allow hands-on skill practice in a simulated surgical setting. Students practice gowning, gloving, instrument setup, draping, and scrubbing before entering clinicals.
Clinical rotations start in the third semester at EA-affiliated sites. Students complete 405 clinical hours and log 120 surgical cases. Faculty and site preceptors supervise placement. All clinical sites are vetted partners, and placement is coordinated by the program.
All core SGT courses require program admission and are delivered in order. Some general education co-requisites are available online.
Learn More About Surgical Technology at EA
Accreditation
Our surgical technology program is currently seeking accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
EA’s Surgical Technology program aligns with the programmatic accreditation standards of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) through CAAHEP.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor to stay on track.
The section below outlines the admission requirements and prerequisites needed to apply for the surgical technology program:
- Apply to and be accepted by the College
Apply to Eastern Arizona College - Complete prerequisite courses:
- MAT 100 or higher — Mathematics
- BIO 160 — Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab or BIO 201 and BIO 202
- COM 115 — Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
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- Once enrolled, begin the separate Surgical Technology Program Application, which includes:
- A 300–500 word personal statement
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Immunization Documentation
- Current BLS/CPR Certification (AHA)
Submit Transcripts
- Submit the Application to Admissions and Registration
Contact Admissions and Registration
Admission to the Surgical Technology program is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The review committee evaluates academic records, personal statements, healthcare experience, and application completeness. Healthcare experience such as CNA, EMT certification, medical assisting, or OR observation is encouraged and considered in the competitive review process.
Applicants will receive written notification of their status after review.
- Surgical Technologist
- Instrument Processing Technician
- Surgical Supply / Materials Coordinator
- Surgical Services Coordinator
- Certified Surgical First Assistant
- Surgical Technology Educator
- Nursing
EA's classes are small, so you can succeed with more 1-on-1 teaching, which makes it worth every penny.
Addi, from Mesa, AZ, Studying Nursing
Program Details
