Eight Students from the Surgical Technology Program at Albany Technical College passed the national certification exam on their first attempt, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), and obtained CST certification. All students passed, representing a 100% pass rate for the graduating class in December 2019. Six of the eight students have been placed locally in healthcare facilities.

The FIRST Surgical Technology degree level students were accepted in Summer Semester 2019 to complete all pre-requisite courses to progress into the Surgical Technology occupational courses in Spring Semester 2020.  Currently, the new cohort of eight students will enter the program that runs January through December. These students have demonstrated their aptitude by completing a rigorous core curriculum and being accepted into the Surgical Technology Program. 

“Two years ago, our pass rate was 89%, and this year we are at 100%. With a brand-new state of the art lab, it allows for a lot more hands-on experience and allows the students to practice practical mock surgeries that prepare them for the operating room.  By passing the certification exam, we were able to have good job placement,” stated Lori Day, Program Director of Surgical Technology at Albany Technical College. All students have been placed in field or have continued their education.

The Surgical Technology DIPLOMA program was phased out and replaced by the Associate of Applied Science, Surgical Technology Degree. The last DIPLOMA level class was accepted into core courses in Summer Semester 2018, which means that all pre-requisite classes had to be completed by December 2018.

Tests are sustained by a national board of 10 members represented by the major geographic areas of the country. The Examination Review Committee for the Certified Surgical Technologist examination (CST-ERC) has the responsibility within the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for examination design and development of the national certifying exam for surgical technologists.

The Surgical Technology Program at Albany Technical College was accredited on May 13, 1993, and continues to support the needs of the local community with qualified graduates. 

The eight students that passed the national certification exam and graduated with a diploma in Surgical Technology from Albany Technical College include:

Shannon Banks

Rosalina Brown-Bullard

Veneisha Butler

Honesty Doomes

Tamara Garrett

Arrianne Quimby

Guadalupe Rodriguez

Shykedon Smith