Surgical Technology

The 2027-2028 cohort application will open on August 1, 2026 and close on October 1, 2026.

Program and Application Requirements:

The PCC Surgical Technology program is four (4) semesters in length starting each spring and is a full-time Monday thru Friday program with lecture, lab and clinical components. The program will run spring, summer, fall, and spring; with a graduation and pinning ceremony each May. The program has limited entry based on current clinical contracts and requires that candidates submit a program application and participate in a hands-on interviewing process for admittance.

Pre-requisite Requirements:

Applicants must have completed BIO2101 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, BIO2102 Human Anatomy & Physiology II, and BIO2104 Microbiology prior to application submission. Other general education courses may be taken prior to the program or during selected semesters within the program through an individualized Academic Action Plan. For advising: Applicants are encouraged to meet with Aaron Lucero prior to application submission to determine eligibility, required prerequisite courses, and application process. Please call 719-549-3406 to schedule an appointment. For additional admissions information, please refer to the Surgical Technology Application Process Guide.

Please see a PCC Success Coach for the updated STE Guided Pathway for additional general education requirements within the two-year pathway.

Why PCC?

A surgical technologist is a vital member of the operating room team. Through quality classroom and hands-on training, PCC’s experienced instructors will prepare you to immediately assume the wide range of entry-level responsibilities in the profession of Surgical Technology.

Surgical Technology Student

Megan Shepard

The next time you’re watching your favorite TV show, take note: Your viewing habits just might steer you toward a career.

In Megan Shepherd’s case, her commitment to “Grey’s Anatomy” helped lead her to the Surgical Technology program at Pueblo Community College. Shepherd, 31, and her husband moved to Pueblo four years ago with their two young daughters. After years working in administrative jobs, she was ready for something new and decided the medical field was where she wanted to be.

Read Megan's Story

What will I learn?

PCC’s Surgical Technology program will provide you with entry-level experience in surgical techniques, patient preparation, preparing the OR, creating and maintaining a sterile field, scrubbing, gowning and gloving, draping, and utilizing surgical case management. You will learn how to apply hemostasis; use sutures, needles and stapling devices; handle specimens; understand surgical pharmacology and anesthesia; prepare controlled medications on the sterile field; apply wound care and dressing applications; and utilize the principles of asepsis.

Additionally, you will be prepared to handle sharps safely; manage surgical instrumentation, supplies and equipment during surgical procedures; perform surgical counts; and carry out the necessary skills needed to process and sterilize instrumentation and supplies properly.

Finally, you will participate in extensive clinical rotations within hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers to gain experience working in the operating room with certified surgical technologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, circulating nurses and other qualified OR team members.

After successfully completing the program, you will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam for Surgical Technology given by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Upon passing the exam, you can practice as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

Accreditation

The PCC Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs ( www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs | 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158 | Clearwater, FL 33763 | 727-210-2350 | www.caahep.org

Marijuana Policy

THC (marijuana) is part of the required 10-panel drug screen prior to admittance into any Health Professions or Public Safety program at PCC. The passage of Amendment 64 in the State of Colorado, does not overrule Federal law, which states this is still an illegal substance. Students testing positive for THC (marijuana, including prescription marijuana) will not be allowed entrance or re-entrance into a Health or Public Safety program.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

The licensure requirements for Surgical Technology may differ between all 50 states and U.S. territories.

Pueblo Community College (PCC) recommends each student visit National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting to identify the program requirements for each state in which you plan to live and practice.

PCC can only guarantee that the requirements for the state of Colorado are met with our program.
Colorado Surgical Assistant and Surgical Technologist

PCC has not determined if the Surgical Technology meets applicable state requirements for the following states and territories: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Degree & Certificate Offerings in Surgical Technology:

Award/Program Credits

Program Application

Program Information

Location: Pueblo Campus
Pathway: Health Professions
Awards: AAS
Course Availability: Day
Clinicals: Day, Evening, Weekends
Program Start: Fall
Program Length: 5 Semesters