Prepare for a new career sooner than you think
Want to train for a meaningful health care career? Surgical technologists assist surgeons and nurses during life saving operations, help care for and transfer patients, and most importantly, ensure the surgical field is sterile before, during, and after procedures.
Play a Key Role in the Operating Room
- Gain skills for preparing patients, instruments and the operating field for surgical procedures.
- Learn by completing 120 different surgical cases, divided among several types of surgery.
- Complete your degree in as few as 17-months of study at our Portland campus.
Program Overview
Surgical technologists keep the operating room safe and organized. It’s their responsibility to make sure the surgical field is sterile, and to ensure that surgeons and surgical assistants have all the instruments and materials they need. In Concorde’s surgical technology program, you can gain the skills you need to perform these important functions in the O.R.
The program combines classroom instruction, practice in the labs and clinical rotations in real-world health care facilities.
Program Benefits
- Associate Degree in as Few as 17-months
- Waived Application Fee^
- No Wait List
- No Cost Assessment'
- Expedited Enrollment Process
- Clinical Site Support
- Professional Certification Prep
- Certification Exam Fee Covered`
Now Enrolling
Concorde's Portland campus is seeking dedicated students who want to:
- Learn to help prepare patients for surgery, operating rooms, assist during procedures, and more
- Prepare for career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and more
- Earn an associate degree program in as few as 17-months
Get started by scheduling an in-person or virtual Career Planning Session with Concorde today to find out if the Surgical Technology Associate Degree program is right for you!
**Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 projected job demand https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm#tab-6 Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.
Curriculum
Surgical Technology Program Coursework
Our associate degree program equips you to pursue a career as a surgical technologist in as few as 17 Months.
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Surgical Technology Theory
- Surgical Technology Lab
- Surgical Procedures
- Surgical Technology Clinical Review
Surgical Technology Program Practical Experience
Concorde's surgical technology associate degree program blends theory with hands-on practical experiences. Students will apply their knowledge in on-campus lab operatory settings, becoming familiar with the processes and practices of an operating room.
- Prior to graduation, surgical technology students must also complete 570 in the field through clinical settings under the guidance of licensed surgeons and surgical technologist.
- Through your clinicals, you will have an opportunity to engage with 120 different surgical cases, divided among several types of surgery.
The clinical experience provides Concorde graduates with a variety of cases and medical professional interactions - helping you better prepare for a career as a surgical technologist.
Surgical Technology Licensure & Certification
When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to take the National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists as sponsored by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
The cost for your certification exam as well as pre-certification exam prep coursework is covered by Concorde.
Tuition fee for the program of study includes the cost for an eligible graduate's first attempt to sit for professional certification.
Concorde expects all students to complete pre-certification exam prep training through the campus resources at no additional cost to the student.
Prep does not guarantee certification, employment or subsequent salary.
Faculty
Portland Surgical Technology Program Director
Gerald Hale, AAS, CST
Working in the medical field always appealed to me, and the detailed and specific nature of surgical technology made it a good fit. Being a trusted constant in the operating room is key to helping people through surgical intervention. It has truly been a rewarding career over the years.
Surgical Technology is a unique and specific healthcare field, which means that it isn’t for everyone. It takes a special mindset and education to become a surgical technologist. Our accelerated program, covers a great deal of information in a short-period, students should be prepared to make time outside of the classroom to memorize and master critical concepts so that they get the most out of their lab and clinical experiences. You will learn surgical technology theory in the classroom and online, then practice hands-on technique and skills in the lab, and apply that knowledge in clinical settings. You'll gain experience in specific surgical procedures and specialty skills in actual surgeries, on real patients. An intense combination of theory, practice and application intended to prepare you for the O.R.
Like so many of my students, family is my greatest motivator. They want to provide for their families and make them proud. I get it and love helping our students every day take another step toward that end by becoming a valuable part of a surgical team.
Career Outlook
Surgical Technology is Projected to Experience Positive Growth Demand
As demand rises for preventative and responsive surgical care, so should the need for trained surgical professionals including surgical technologists who can:
- Prepare patients for procedures and care for them post surgery
- Sterilize and manage supplies, instruments, equipment and facilities
- Assist surgeons during procedures
- Work efficiently alongside other health care providers from surgeons to nurses to anesthesiologists to administrators
Address and Hours
Portland Campus
1425 NE Irving St.
Portland, Oregon 97232
FX: (503) 281-6739
Campus Hours of Operation
| Monday | 8 am - 8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am - 8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am - 8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am - 8 pm |
| Friday | 8 am - 5 pm |
| Saturday | By Appointment |
| Sunday | Closed |
Financial Aid
As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.
ARC/STSA Student Scholoarship
The ARC/STSA Scholarship Program is designed to assist AST or ASA student members pursuing their education in CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology or surgical assisting programs. Up to 10 scholarships of $500 will be awarded to students this year.
Award Amount: $500
Scholarship Deadline: Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:
- Currently Enrolled and Maintaining a Cumulative 3.0 or Higher GPA
- Submit an essay
- Letter of recommendation from your program director^
^Scholarship application and award is not controlled by Concorde. Concorde does not guarantee submission or award, nor does application or award guarantee graduation, employment or subsequent salary.
Accreditation
The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 9355 113th St N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; 727-210-2350; www.caahep.org, as recommended by the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 110, Littleton, CO 80120; 303-694-9262; www.arcstsa.org.
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