Surgical Technology

What You Will Learn

The Surgical Technology program will provide you with training in essential healthcare skills, surgical instrumentation, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, patient care, surgical pharmacology and microbiology. You will complete observation experiences as well as a 120-case internship at the conclusion of the program.

How Do I Get the Program Paid?

Central Penn College will work with students on financial aid packages or payment plan options at the time of their enrollment. Those students hired by UPMC (contingent upon their performance during the course work and externship, and successfully passing their certification exam), will receive a payment each month of employment toward their program costs. By the third year of employment at UPMC, the tuition costs will be completely reimbursed.*

OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE FULL TUITION

Through an innovative combination of funding from UPMC, Central Penn College, and UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, students who work at UPMC for three years following graduation will have the full tuition cost of the program reimbursed. Students must complete at least two years of the work requirement at UPMC’s facilities in the Central Pa. region.

Students also have the opportunity to work with UPMC during their education. A variety of full- and part-time positions are available that can accommodate their studies.

Central Penn College also is making the CPC Housing Scholarship available to all qualifying Surgical Technology AAS Program enrollees who choose to live on campus, valued at $5,800 a year.

2+2 Healthcare Management Pathway

Central Penn College’s healthcare associate degrees provide a strong foundation for a career in medicine, with the flexibility to bridge seamlessly into our Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management (HCM) degree. This innovative 2+2 pathway allows you to earn your associate degree in as little as 18 months + an internship, followed by a HCM in an additional year and a half, propelling you towards leadership roles in the dynamic healthcare industry.

Surgical Technology A.S.:  Provide critical support during surgery, ensuring sterile environments and assisting surgeons. This associate degree prepares you for a Healthcare Management, allowing you to contribute to surgical service excellence at a leadership level.

Admission Requirements

• Be a high school graduate with GPA of at least a 2.5, or GED recipient with a score of 500 (score of 50 prior to 2002).
• Successfully completed two sciences (C or higher) and one algebra course (C or higher) in high school or college. If students don’t meet these criteria, they are able to file an appeal for acceptance to the Dean of Health Sciences.

After Acceptance

• Complete a background check.
• Provide documentation of current required immunizations and current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
• Possess American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification––valid prior to the start of Internship (SUR290) with current certification maintained through the completion of clinical rotations.