Surgical Technology

The goal of the Surgical Technology Program is to prepare competent, entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33736, which allows graduates to take the national certifying examination sponsored by the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). For more information about accreditation, click here.

Qualities of a Surgical Technologist

• Ability to work well under stressful and emergency situations
• Able to act quickly and accurately
• Work well with other people
• Exhibit manual dexterity
• Physical stamina
• Good communication skills
• Empathy

Surgical Technology Career Information

• Association of Surgical Technologists 
• Surgical Tech Occupational Outlook

Graduates of accredited surgical technology programs complete a comprehensive education in which they receive in-depth knowledge related to the operating room. This includes completion of a surgical rotation during a clinical experience. Throughout the educational experience, the surgical technology student learns the principles of asepsis and application of sterile technique. It is the position of The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) that surgical technologists are subject matter experts in these principles. Other healthcare providers are recommended to draw upon the expertise of the surgical technologist to share their knowledge and skills in order to prevent the patient from acquiring an infection.

During the clinical portion of the program, students will complete a minimum of 120 cases of various specialties in the first or second scrub role. At the completion of all clinical requirements, students will sit for the national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Surgical technologists stand at the leading edge of advancements in surgical techniques and interventions using their professionalism, expertise, and abilities to make a difference.

To gain acceptance into the WDT Surgical Technology program, applicants must:

1. Complete WDT Application online.
2. Submit High School transcript or GED scores.
3. Submit Immunization Records verifying two doses of MMR vaccinations.
4. Submit official college transcripts if you have previously attended a post-secondary institution.
5. Complete the ACCUPLACER test ($15.00 fee).
(The ACCUPLACER test will be waived if you have an ACT sub-score of 18 or better in English, Math, and Reading, or a SAT sub-score of at least 440 in Verbal and Math. The scores must be within the last five years.)
6. Schedule an Admissions Advising Session (can be completed on campus or by phone)
7. Test of Essential Academic Skills V for Allied Health (TEAS V for AH), $70.00 fee. (Individual total score – 60 minimum)
You can take the TEAS-V a maximum of 3 times, with a 1 week waiting period between re-tests ($70.00 testing fee each time). 

The TEAS-V evaluates four areas that are essential for academic success, they include:

The ACCUPLACER and TEAS-V test are offered Monday – Friday at 8:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.

Please call 605-718-2565 to make an appointment.

To continue into Surgical Technology clinical, students must provide the following:

1. Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS CPR certification*

2. Immunization records (Hepatitis B Series, TB Test, MMR, Polio, DPT, Varicella (Chicken Pox) annual Flu Shot)*

Depending on clinical site, students may have to provide the following:

1. Background check *

2. Complete a drug test*

3. Provide a copy of liability insurance*

*Students are responsible for additional costs.

The program director will assist students with any clinical or internship site requirements.

Note: If you are or have been convicted, pleaded guilty or no contest to, or received a suspended imposition of sentence for a felony or certain misdemeanors, you are advised that you may not be able to complete all course requirements for your chosen program, you may be prevented from taking required certification/licensure examinations in your chosen program field, and you may be prevented from gaining employment in your program field.

Students that sit out for a spring or fall semester or longer, will return under a new Catalog and may be required to repeat courses or successfully complete new or revised skills or competency assessments. Before readmittance, the program may need to determine if a student is eligible to continue in technical courses. Program sequencing and cohort size may prevent enrollment in technical courses.

Clinicals, practicums, and internships may include, but are not limited to differential shifts (evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays) to meet industry expectations. Clinicals may occur during summer semester depending on program enrollments. This may require travel outside the Rapid City Area.

Download Application Process Checklist

Surgical technologists are vital members of the surgical team and are involved in all aspects of a patient’s care while in surgery. Surgical technologists are relied upon by surgeons, nurses, anesthesia providers, and numerous other health care professionals to be the technical specialists in a vast area of expertise.

Surgical technologists use a wide variety of knowledge and abilities in surgical sciences, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and patient care to provide vital support to the patient and the surgical team. The discipline of surgery is an ever-changing arena of health care, making considerable leaps in technology, techniques, and interventions almost daily. Surgical technologists stand at the leading edge of this revolution, using their professionalism, expertise, and abilities to make a difference.

Program Learning Outcomes - AAS

Master Syllabi

View Surgical Technology CST Results

Steps for Credential