Information on the alignment requirements for the Surgical Technology Program

CIP Code: 51.0909
CIP Name: Surgical Technology/Technologist
Definition: A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and surgical nurses, to maintain, monitor, and enforce the sterile field and adherence to aseptic technique by preoperative, surgical team, and postoperative personnel. Includes instruction in instrument and equipment sterilization and handling, surgical supplies management, wound exposure and closure, surgical computer and robot operation and monitoring, maintenance of hemostasis, and patient and team scrubbing.

Approval Status

The Surgical Technologist Alignment was approved by the Kansas Board of Regents on May 19, 2010.  Revisions to the map were made in August, 2013.  Colleges are granted one year from the approval date to implement the alignment.

State Business and Industry Committee recommendation

College surgical technologist programs are to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education.  Students take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credentialing examination as part of program completion. Successful passage of the CST examination is recommended but not required. Individual employers will determine if successful obtainment of the CST credential is required for employment.

Alignment Map

Click here (pdf)

Common Courses  (22 credit hours)
Common Courses serve as potential articulation and transfer of coursework between secondary and postsecondary partners.  These courses shall have the same title, credit hour allocation, and competencies.  Institutions may add additional competencies based on local demand.  The sequencing of common courses is determined by the institution.

Introduction to Surgical Technology 4 credit hours (pdf)
Principles and Practices of Surgical Technology 5 credit hours (pdf)
Principles and Practices of Surgical Technology Lab 3 credit hours (pdf)
Surgical Procedures I 4 credit hours (pdf)
Surgical Procedures II 5 credit hours (pdf)
St Certification Review 1 credit hour  (pdf)

Support Courses  (up to) 30 credit hours
Institutions may utilize existing like courses which adhere to the agreed upon course lengths and competencies.

ST Clinical Up to 13 credit hours
Medical Terminology Up to 3 credit hours
Microbiology Up to 5 credit hours
Pharmacology Up to 3 credit hours
Anatomy and Physiology w/lab At least 5 credit hours
CPR 1 credit hour

To learn where this program is available in Kansas, visit the Kansas Career Technical Education Program Search.