BACK TO PROGRAMSExcited About Working in the Fast-paced Operating Room Environment?
Surgical technologists, or surgical techs, are highly trained professionals that work alongside doctors and nurses in the operating room. In as little as 18 months, you can become an integral part of this team, providing surgical care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
Why CEI Surgical Technology Program?
- Accelerated Path to Success
- Earn your Associate Degree in just two years with minimal education costs!
- Thriving Job Market
- Discover the high demand and projected faster-than-average job growth for surgical technologists in the expanding healthcare field.
- Attractive Earning Potential
- Enjoy an average annual salary over $48,000 with minimal education costs.
- Nationwide Opportunities
- Earn your Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential to access job opportunities in hospitals and surgical centers across the country.
- Career Advancement Possibilities
- Gain invaluable operating room experience that paves the way for diverse professional development opportunities.
- Dynamic Work Environment
- Immerse yourself in a fast-paced, hands-on setting while working with cutting-edge technologies like laser, robotic, and fiber optic equipment.
- Make a Meaningful Impact
- Play a vital role in ensuring safe and successful surgeries.
Program Length
- Earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology in two full-time semesters. (Does not include prerequisite competition time.)
Important Program Dates
Application Deadline: April 1st
Post Acceptance Paperwork Deadline: July 1st
New Student Orientation (mandatory):
Last Monday in April
8:30 – 10:30 AM
Bldg. 6 room #231
Application Process
We are excited to assist you with your application and journey to becoming a Surgical Technologist! Surgical Technology is a competitive entry program. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. There is no waiting list for this program and applicants must reapply each year.
All applicants must complete the following steps to be considered for the Surgical Technology program:
- Meet with an Admission Counselor
New and current CEI students are encouraged to contact an admissions counselor at admissions@cei.edu for guidance and application questions. - Complete the CEI Enrollment Application
- Complete the general CEI Registration process.
- Select Surgical Technology as program of study.
- Submit required documentation and complete applicable placement exams.
- Complete Required Prerequisite Courses
All prerequisites must be completed with a 77% (C+) or higher. - Complete the Surgical Technology Professional Application
- Sign and submit ALL pages of the professional application
- Upload and complete application documentation in supplemental section of application
- PreCheck Background Check
- Dated after January 1st of application year
- Prerequisite Course Sheet
- (Optional) Associates/Bachelor's Degree Certificate
- (Optional) Additional Health Science Course Sheet
- (Optional) Copies of Current Healthcare Certification
- PreCheck Background Check
Additional Program Requirements
After admittance into the Surgical Technology program, the following documentation will be due July 1st. We encourage all applicants to work on documentation and immunizations prior to applying. Review application guide for directions on documentation and requirements.
- Proof of Health Insurance
- American Heart Association BLS CPR Certification
- TB Test
- Physical Form
- Eye Exam
- Immunization Record
As a Surgical Technology student, you will be required to participate in clinical experience at various healthcare facilities. These facilities establish their own immunization requirements to protect the health and safety of patients, staff, and students. While CEI cannot mandate immunizations, we are obligated to align student placements with the policies of our clinical partners. We strongly encourage you to review and consider the immunization requirements early in the application or enrollment process. Please review the application and application for more details about immunizations.
Student Success
Where Are Our Graduates Working?
- Hospitals
- Surgical Centers
How Much Do Our Graduates Make?
The average starting salary for a surgical technologist in the region is $46,780.
| Surgical Tech Yearly Salaries in Eastern Idaho | |
|---|---|
| Mean | $59,450 |
| Entry | $46,780 |
| 10th Percentile | $46,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,590 |
| Median | $61,680 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,010 |
| 90th Percentile | $74,970 |
Student Success Rates:
Current Student Success Rates FY23-24
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Student Retention: 78%
- Exam Pass Rate: 93%
5 Year Average Student Success Rates:
- Job Placement Rate: 95%
- Student Retention: 87%
- Exam Pass Rate: 84%
Course Curriculum
The Surgical Technology Program has added three courses to the prerequisite requirements effecting students applying to the Fall 2027 Surgical Technology Program.
Because these are new requirements, students applying for Fall 2027 have additional options for completing them. See the application guide for completion options. The additional courses are highlighted in the chart below and are:
- DUSK 101 – Durable Skills: Critical Thinking
- HCT 109 – Medical: Introduction to Ethics
- HCT 145 – Cultivating Professional Resiliency and Wellness
Prerequisites
All general education prerequisites must be completed with a 77% (C+) or higher.
| Course Prefix & Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DUSK 101 | Durable Skills: Critical Thinking | |
| HCT 109 | Medical: Introduction to Ethics | |
| HCT 145 | Cultivating Professional Resiliency and Wellness | |
| BIOL 227 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 227L | Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 0 |
| BIOL 228 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 228L | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 0 |
| MICR 111 | Introduction to Microbiology | 3 |
| MICR 111L | Introduction to Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| COMM 101 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 101 | Writing & Rhetoric I | 3 |
| HCT 101 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| MATH 123 | Math in Modern Society | 3 |
| PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| OR | ||
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| TOTAL | 29 |
Professional Program Courses
| Course Prefix & Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SRT 105 | Pharmacology for Surgical Technologist | 2 |
| SRT 102 | Surgical Procedures I | 4 |
| SRT 111 | Surgical Techniques I | 4 |
| SRT 114 | Surgical Clinic I | 8 |
| SRT 202 | Surgical Procedures II | 4 |
| SRT 211 | Surgical Techniques II | 4 |
| SRT 214 | Surgical Clinic II | 8 |
| TOTAL | 34 |
Resources
Accreditation
Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite 339
Parker, CO 80138
P:303-694-9262 · F: 303-741-3655 / www.arcstsa.org
The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
CAAHEP
9355 113th Street N., #7709
Seminole, FL 33775-7709
P:727-210-2350 · F: 727-210-2354 / email@caahep.org
CEI’s Surgical Technology certification is awarded by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
NBSTSA
3 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
P: 800-707-0057