About our Surgical Technology Associate Degree
A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a member of the surgical team in the operating room who works with the surgeon, anesthesiologist and certified registered nurse delivering direct patient care before, during and after surgery. Surgical technologists perform functions and tasks that provide a safe environment for surgical care and contribute to the efficiency of the operating team by supporting operating surgeons, nurses and others involved in operative procedures.
Surgical technologists also work in other patient service settings that call for special knowledge about asepsis, the methods of making or keeping an environment antiseptic. The program is a cooperative effort between SMCC and Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland. The first year of the program is a one-year, self-contained surgical technology program provided by MMC. First-semester classes are held on the SMCC campus, including basic sciences, care and safety of the patient, and principles of operating room technique. Second-semester classes are held at MMC, enabling the student to gain practical experience in the operating room, participating in clinical rotations to several ambulatory surgery sites to maximize the student’s clinical experience. Graduates are prepared and eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Upon completion of the MMC surgical technology program, students can apply to the SMCC associate degree program for a second year of study. The associate degree enhances career opportunities through vertical mobility, practitioner levels refinement and maximized employment prospects.
The MMC School of Surgical Technology is fully accredited by the American Medical Association’s Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation. SMCC is fully accredited as a post-secondary educational institution by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Students interested in the Surgical Technology program need to apply to the Maine Medical Surgical Technology Program by visiting their website here.
Out-of-State Licensure
If you are completing this program and will be seeking licensure in another state, please download our Out-of-State Licensure document.
What opportunities does this program provide?
Launch Your Career
SMCC graduates in this program have gone on to work as:
- Hospital Surgical Technologist
- Private Practice Surgical Tech
- Medical Sales Representative
- Operating Room Technician
- Obstetrical Scrub Technician
- Organ Recovery Specialist
- Surgical Tech – Ambulatory Surgery OR
- Surgical Tech – Plastic Surgery
Continue Your Education
SMCC graduates have used our transfer agreements to continue their education at:
- Johnson & Wales University
- Maine College of Art
- Mount Holyoke College
- Saint Joseph’s College
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Thomas College
- University of Maine
- University of New England
- University of Southern Maine
- Wellesley College
To view our seamless transfer agreements, visit our Transfer webpage.
How do I complete this program?
Browse the information below to view our program requirements and how you might complete this program.
Estimated Full-Time Degree Completion Time
Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
Interested in viewing full program and course details?
Are you a current student?
Be sure to view the degree program requirements for your specific program. Log into MySMCC and click My Maine Guide, MyDegree to learn more.
Related Programs
Not ready to commit to a degree program? We may have other options that work for you.
Did you know that we offer a broad array of short-term workforce training programs that allow you to enter the workforce and start earning quickly? These programs are a great way to enter a career in your area of interest and to become accustomed to college classes. They are also often grant-funded (free of charge to trainees). And, if you find you want to keep going, we can help you find a related academic degree or certificate program of interest with which you can continue your education.
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Costs & Financial Aid
This degree program may have specific associated costs which are important to know before attending. We encourage you to apply for financial aid which provides funds in the form of grants and scholarship (free), loans (need to repay) and student employment (earned money.)
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Contact Us:
Admissions: 207-741-5800 or admissions@smccME.eduÂ
Program Manager: Brenda Buck, 207-741-5589 or Brenda.Buck@MaineHealth.org