Surgical Technology is an 11 month, 900 hour (500 hours clinical, 400 hours lecture) program to prepare graduates to assist the surgeon in the operating room. Surgical technologists are important members of the surgical team who prepare the operating room equipment and instruments, assist the patient before, during and after surgery, and pass the instruments to the surgeon during procedures. There is a continuing need for these workers. Starting salaries are approximately $16 - $23 per hour, which may increase with experience.

What is the program like? The first part of the program includes the Surgical Technology Science series which includes a set of classroom courses to provide you with a science and terminology base. The classes usually meet 2-3 days per week for about three hours per day. After completing the Surgical Technology Science series, and once the Surgical Technology I, II, II, VI and V courses begin, you will be in the classroom for one full day of classroom instruction, and at the hospital for two full days per week (7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) per week.

What is required to apply? A COMPASS Placement Test score of 79 or higher or credit in ENG 100 (Composition I) is required. The work of the surgical technologist includes long hours of standing, wearing full surgical garb, lifting, and turning to reach instruments and equipment or to assist the patient. The environment can be stressful and fast-paced. Team work is a high priority. Many agencies also require a criminal background check and urine drug screening.

What can I do to prepare for the program?

Interested students must first attend a KCC Nursing Information Session scheduled in January through May 2009. Sessions are offered at Kapi‘olani CC, Leeward CC and Windward CC. For a copy of the session schedule, please click into Nursing Information Session.

After attending the Nursing Information Session and if you think you may be interested in the program, you can begin by taking the prerequisite science courses. You will need a biology course consisting of at least 30 hours; a microbiology course consisting of at least 20 hours; and a medical terminology course consisting of at least 15 hours.

The Surgical Technology Science series include the non-credit Surg-Tech Biology (30-hour)course, Surg-Tech Microbiology (20-hour)course, and the Medical Terminology (15-hour)course, which are offered prior to the Surgical Tech I, II, III, IV and V courses and will enable you to complete the science course requirement.

As an alternative to the above, below are credit courses that will also enable you to complete the science requirements in biology, microbiology and medical terminology. Courses previously taken will be accepted if they were taken with the last five (5) years.

Biology Requirement may be completed via one of the following:
BIOL 130 at KapCC
ZOOL 141 & 142 at KapCC or HonCC
ZOOL 240 & 241 at LeeCC

Microbiology Requirement may be completed via:
MICR 130

Medical Terminology Requirement may be completed via:
HLTH 110 or 125 at KapCC or LeeCC or any 15-hour medical term course offered for credit or non-credit.

How are students selected for the program? A lottery may be used for selection of qualified students, if there are more qualified applicants relative to admission slots. There are 10-15 students selected for each class.

When does it start? If you have not yet taken the prerequisite science courses, you may enroll in the Surgical Technology Series in Summer 2009 at Kapi‘olani Community College. The courses will be offered in June and July. The Surgical Technology Science Series will include Surg-Tech Biology, Surg-Tech Microbiology, Medical Terminology and an Introduction to Surgical Technology. You must show successful completion of these prerequisites before being admitted into Surg Tech I, the first surgical technology course.

The Surgical Technology I, II, III, IV and V courses will begin in Fall 2009. The program will cover two semesters and a summer, concluding in mid-June 2010. You must pass each Surg Tech course to continue the program. Each course will include class lectures, lab and clinical practicum.

For a description of the Surgical Technology Science Series and the Surgical Technology I, II, III, IV and V courses, please access the KapCC Catalog, and then click to “Catalog, Fall 2008 – Spring 2009, Health Career Education Programs (PDF), and scroll down to page 93.

How can I register for the Surgical Technology Science Series courses (in Biology, Microbiology, Medical Terminology, and the Introduction to Surgical Technology)?

To register for the Surgical Technology Science Series courses (as referenced below), please visit the KCC Continuing Education Office in the ‘Ilima Building, Room 102 or call (808) 734-9211.

Medical Terminology (15 hours)
Instructor: Staff
Course No. 092NUSTMT Course Fee: $195
Times and dates to be determined. Please send an email to kapnurs@hawaii.edu with the course title in the subject line. You will receive an email when the course dates and times are set.

Introduction to Surgical Technology (10 hours)
Instructor: Chris Nadamoto
Course No. 092NUST100 Course Fee: $189
Times and dates to be determined. Please send an email to kapnurs@hawaii.edu with the course title in the subject line. You will receive an email when the course dates and times are set.

Surgical Technology Biology (Anatomy & Physiology) (30 hours)
Instructor: Charles Matsuda
Course No. 092NUSTBIO Course Fee: $369
Times and dates to be determined. Please send an email to kapnurs@hawaii.edu with the course title in the subject line. You will receive an email when the course dates and times are set.

Surgical Technology Microbiology (20 hours)
Instructor: John Berestecky
Course No. 092NUSTMICRO Course Fee: $255
Times and dates to be determined. Please send an email to kapnurs@hawaii.edu with the course title in the subject line. You will receive an email when the course dates and times are set.

How can I register for the Surgical Technology I, II, III, IV and V courses?

In order to register for the Surgical Technology I-V courses, you must first complete the “Introduction to Surgical Technology (10-hour) course as referenced above. During the “Introduction to Surgical Technology” course, a Surgical Technology Program Application Form will be distributed to students; after which, the form should be submitted to the KCC Continuing Education Office.

How do I pay for this? Tuition assistance via private scholarships may be available for eligible applicants. Federal financial aid via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not applicable, since the Surgical Technology course is a non-credit program. Due to the demands of the program, you may be able to work part-time. Full time employment is not recommended during the program. Additional costs include: Books (about $200), Program Modules, program assessment exam, and protective eyewear, personal medical insurance, health requirements, and liability insurance fee ($15).

Surgical Technology Science Series
Surg Tech Biology (30 hours) $369
Surg Tech Microbiology (20 hours) $255
Surg Tech Introduction (10 hours) $189
Medical Terminology (15 hours) $195

Surgical Technology Program
Surgical Tech I (175 hours) $2,495
Surgical Tech II (175 hours) $2,495
Surgical Tech III (175 hours) $2,495
Surgical Tech IV (175 hours) $2,495
Surgical Tech V (130 hours) $2,495

Is certification available? After completing the program, graduates may apply to complete the Certification as Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam via the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). The NBSTSA was formerly known as the Liaison Council for Certified Surgical Technologists (LCC-ST). More information may be obtained via the URL address: http://www.lcc-st.org/

After acquiring certification status, surgical technologists may become members of the Association for Surgical Technologist (AST). More information may be obtained via the URL address: http://www.ast.org/

How do I obtain more information? Interested students may also contact the KapCC Nursing Department office at (808) 734-9305 or kapnurs@hawaii.edu or the KapCC Continuing Education Office at (808) 734-9211.