A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is an allied health professional who works as part of the surgical team to ensure that the operative procedure is completed under optimal conditions.  Surgical Technologists work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other key surgical personnel in hospital operating rooms and outpatient surgery centers. Surgical Technologists function during all phases of the operative procedure by maintaining the sterile field and assisting the surgical team throughout the case.  Surgical Technologists play a critical role in surgical patient care.  

Job availability in Surgical Technology is very high and expected to continue to grow faster than average according to the U.S. Department of Labor. As a result, the Association of Surgical Technology has determined that the average starting salary in Iowa is $15.05 and $18.58 in Minnesota.

Following graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Credentialing Exam offered by The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Please print our program booklet for a more in-depth look into the rapidly changing profession of Surgical Technology.