Surgical Technology is an associate degree program that presents the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a surgical environment and function as a vital member of the operating room team. The learning environment consists of the campus classroom and laboratory along with local hospitals, day surgery centers and physicians’ offices. Accreditation is from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs(CAAHEP). Students will be administered the Surgical Technologist National Certifying Examination just prior to graduation. Surgical Technologists who take and pass this examination are certified and authorized to use the initials CST to designate their status as Certified Surgical Technologist. The CNM Surgical Technology Program adheres to the most current CAAHEP approved Curriculum for Surgical Technology.
Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the HWPS Office for more information.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.).
Educational Opportunities
For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating from CNM section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.
Career Opportunities
Surgical Technologists perform many roles within and outside the operating room or surgical setting, but the primary role is to prepare and protect the sterile field, pass instruments, and assist the surgeon in an operative procedure. There is a demand for Surgical Technologists in Albuquerque and throughout the state of New Mexico.
Term 3 (Typically Offered in Summer and Fall Only)
This program’s first term courses are typically offered in the Summer and Fall term. This may delay a student’s program start date. Please check with an advisor for more information.
Minimum Credit Hours Required to Complete Degree: 62
