Registration for NSCC’s Surgical Technology program is CLOSED for Fall 2025. All information sessions for Fall 2025 admissions have concluded.
Program Overview
The Surgical Technology program provides students with the specialized knowledge and hands-on training needed to become Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs). This accredited Associate in Science degree program prepares graduates to work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, ensuring the operating room is sterile, safe, and efficient. Students gain expertise in surgical procedures, sterilization, instrumentation, and patient care. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam, which is required for employment in Massachusetts.
Start your path to becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist today at NSCC!
Program Highlights
- Fully accredited by CAAHEP and ARC/STSA.
- Curriculum includes lectures, labs, simulations, and clinical experience.
- Preparation for certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST®).
- Hands-on training in state-of-the-art operating rooms.
- A comprehensive approach that covers anatomy, surgical procedures, and aseptic techniques.
Program Details
Expand AllCollapse AllView and print the required courses for the Surgical technology program.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
In this program, students gain expertise in surgical procedures, sterilization, instrumentation, and patient care.
Courses include:
- Surgical Instruments and Sterilization
- Anatomy and Physiology for Surgical Technology
- Operating Room Skills Lab I & II
- Surgical Procedures
- Advanced Surgical Procedures
- Pharmacology for Surgical Technologists
For a full list of courses visit our Academic Catalog.
Graduates can pursue careers as Surgical Technologists in:
- Hospitals and surgical centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Specialty surgery units
- Physician’s offices
- Surgical supply companies
Review the Surgical Technology Program Policies >
NSCC maintains transfer agreements with various four-year institutions, expanding opportunities for students to pursue bachelor's degrees in their chosen fields. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to explore transfer agreements and plan their academic pathways accordingly.
Download the Surgical Technology Student Handbook >
Review the Surgical Technology Program Policies >
Jennifer Forte
Program Coordinator
NSCC
Michelle Butterworth
Community Representative
North Shore Consortium
Jill Curreri
Practicing CST
Beth Israel Lahey Day Surgery ~ Danvers
Arlene Delaney
OR Educator
Lahey North Shore
Korey Flahive
Graduate Representative
NSCC
Cindy Fletcher
Faculty
NSCC
Neil Hornung
Surgeon
Lowell General
Charlene O'Connor
Director
Mass General
Lilian Romero
Community Rep and Chief Program Officer
LEO Inc. Leading through Empowering Opportunities
Lori A. Vinci
Dean of Health Professions
NSCC
Please note the data above reflects a degree in the listed program
Program Outcome Assessments
NBSTSA Certification Exam Results
|
Academic Year |
# took exam |
# passed exam |
% pass exam |
| 11/12 | 10 | 8 | 80% |
| 12/13 | 10 | 10 | 100% |
| 13/14 | 12 | 9 | 75% |
| 14/15 | 14 | 14 | 100% |
| 15/16 | 14 | 7 | 50% |
| 16/17 | 12 | 9 | 75% |
| 17/18 | 13 | 7 | 54% |
| 18/19 | No Certification Exam ~ Transition Year from Certificate to Associate Degree | ||
| 19/20 | 11 | 9 | 82% |
| 20/21 | 7 | 5 | 71.4% |
| 21/22 | 15 | 12 | 80% |
| 22/23 | 9 | 5 | 55.56% |
Retention
|
Academic Year |
# enrolled |
# graduate |
% graduate |
| 11/12 | 17 | 12 | 71% |
| 12/13 | 14 | 11 | 79% |
| 13/14 | 15 | 12 | 80% |
| 14/15 | 15 | 14 | 93% |
| 15/16 | 19 | 14 | 74% |
| 16/17 | 18 | 12 | 67% |
| 17/18 | 14 | 13 | 93% |
| 18/19 | No graduation class ~ Transition Year from Certificate to Associate Degree | ||
| 20/21 | 15 | 7 | 47% |
| 21/22 | 18 | 15 | 83% |
| 22/23 | 15 | 9 | 60% |
Program Questions
jforte@northshore.edu
978-762-4203
Contact Admissions
General Assistance
Visit CentroHub, NSCC’s virtual concierge.
Accreditation
North Shore Community College is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
ARC/STSA
19751 East Mainstreet, Suite #339
Parker, CO 80138
303-694-9262
www.arcstsa.org