Durango Site on remote status Tuesday, Nov. 3. Mancos Campus open with regular classes. ... Learn More

Due to flooding, the PCC Durango Site will be on remote status Tuesday, Nov. 3. Mancos Campus will be open with regular classes. Don't travel if unsafe. Durango Site students should check D2L for specific class instructions.

Mancos Campus will be open: If you live in La Plata or Archuleta counties, you are not expected to come to the Mancos campus for either work or class even though the campus is open. You are encouraged to attend remotely, if possible. You will not be penalized when travel is potentially unsafe.

Durango Site remote status day: Classes will be held remotely. Classes that cannot be held remotely are canceled. Student services are offered remotely where possible. On-site services are closed.

  • Students: Do not report to campus. Check MyCourses (D2L) prior to scheduled class times. Attend classes remotely at the regularly scheduled time. Lab or studio material may be offered online or canceled and made up at a later date. Internships and clinicals may be required to report; check with the instructor, clinical coordinator or field work supervisor.
  • Faculty and instructors: Do not report to campus. Instructors will teach class from home or offer content asynchronously. Classes that cannot be taught remotely will be canceled and made up later. Direct supervisors will reach out to their staff.
  • Staff: Do not report to campus. Work remotely as directed by supervisors. Essential staff will report as directed by their supervisor. Admin leave may apply if job duties must be performed on campus and the employee cannot work.


For further information go to: www.pueblocc.edu/weather

Surgical Technology

Prepare for an exciting career in surgical technology with PCC’s immersive, hospital-based program, featuring state-of-the-art anatomy resources and early exposure to the operating room.

đź“… Spring 2027 application • Deadline: December 31, 2026.

What will I learn?

Build the skills to become an essential member of the surgical team.

Surgical technologists prepare the operating room, pass instruments during procedures, and maintain the sterile environment that protects patients.

  • Prepare for surgery: instruments, equipment, and supplies.
  • Protect patients: sterile technique and surgical counts.
  • Support surgeons: anticipate needs and pass instruments safely.
  • Apply your knowledge: anatomy, procedures, medications, and specimens.
  • Work with confidence: communication, judgment, and teamwork.

Why PCC?

Learn in a real hospital setting—with early exposure to the environments where you’ll work.

  • Early healthcare exposure. Sterile processing in semester one; OR observation in semester two.
  • Hospital-based learning. Study at PCC’s Teaching and Learning Center at St. Mary-Corwin.
  • State-of-the-art anatomy resources. Human donor specimens, interactive 3D anatomy technology, and detailed models in HALC.
  • Realistic surgical practice. Advanced training manikins and hands-on lab activities.
  • Practicing professionals. Learn from instructors who still work in the field.
  • Strong healthcare connections. Local hospital relationships and curriculum informed by surgeon input.
  • Dedicated support. Experienced faculty committed to helping you succeed and develop the professional standards expected in surgical practice.

Career Information

Turn your interest in healthcare into a hands-on career.

Career questionAnswer
JobsSurgical Technologist • Certified Surgical Technologist
WorkplacesHospitals • Outpatient surgery centers • Physician practices
Average Starting SalaryPueblo: $55,730 • Colorado Springs: $53,940
Projected employment growth5% (2025–2035)
CredentialCST after passing the national examination

Source: BLS May 2025 wage data, via O*NET. Figures reflect the 10th percentile of wages, not confirmed entry-level salaries. Actual starting pay varies by employer.  Colorado requires state registration to practice.

Amber Anger, Surgical Technology Student
Surgical Technology Graduate
Amber Anger

Whether discussing her career or road trips, Amber Anger is ready to explore.

The 2023 graduate of PCC’s surgical technology program is preparing for her first big move – to North Carolina, where she was offered a position at Duke Regional Hospital. The facility is part of the renowned Duke University Health System.

Anger got the job the same day she interviewed for it.


Graduate Outcomes

OutcomePCC Result
Employed or Continuing Education93%
Employer Satisfaction100%
Graduate Satisfaction94%
CST Exam Pass Rate85%

Placement: 2024–2025 graduates, surveyed October–December 2025. CST exam pass rate: August 2024–July 2025. Satisfaction outcomes: August 2023–July 2024.

Special Requirements

Apply for Spring 2027 by December 31, 2026. | Competitive admission; limited seats.

Prerequisite Coursework: 

Before applying, students must successfully complete BIO 2101, BIO 2102, BIO 2104, HPR 1038, ENG 1021, and COM 1250. Please check the college catalog for current requirements. The catalog is the authoritative source for program and course requirements.

Application Checklist

  • Program application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Two recommendation letters
  • 300-word essay
  • Hands-on interview if selected

Before Clinicals — Clinical Readiness

  • Criminal background check
  • Drug screening, including THC
  • Required immunizations and health records: TB, tetanus/Tdap, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, influenza
  • Current AHA Basic Life Support; online-only certification not accepted
  • Clinical facility compliance and transportation to assigned sites

 

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:

Program Information

Location
PCC Teaching and Learning Center (TLC)
Pathway
Health Professions
Awards
AAS
Course Availability
In Person
Hybrid
Program Start
Spring
Program Length
4 Semesters

Contact

Nadine LaForme
Department Chair / Faculty
719-549-3281
 
Kevin Van Winkle
Application and prerequisite advising
719-549-3406