Surgical Technology - FAQ
Do you still have questions about the program, careers after graduation, or how to get started? Take a look at the frequently asked questions or talk with an advisor to get the help you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program starts each fall with a cohort of 20-24 students.
The majority of the surgical technology courses are held during the day on Monday and Tuesday. You will observe at a clinical site beginning in the fall of your first year for the rest of the week. In the second year, the classes remain on Monday and Tuesday with clinical practicum on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for eight to 10 hour day shifts.
Students are not required to take a board exam to practice in Oregon, however students will have the opportunity to sit for the national certification exam before graduation from the program to practice in other states.
The surgical technology program is a full-time program and requires a significant amount of study time. You should not work more than 16 hours a week. Students who are experiencing academic difficulty should not work at all. You are encouraged not to work at all during the second year due to the amount of study time required and clinical practicum hours.
Courses with the prefix ST are not offered online. Other courses included in the program curriculum, including core courses such as anatomy and physiology and computer classes may be offered online.
Most program graduates are employed in hospital operating rooms. Other settings include labor and delivery, day surgery centers and clinics. The average starting wage range is available from the Association of Surgical Technologists.
The exam pass rates from 2014-2024 have been 94-100%.
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