THE CNI COLLEGE SURGICAL TECH SCHOOL ADVANTAGE:
Prepare to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) examination in order to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Only 13 months of classroom training, mock surgeries and externships stand between you and a new future.
Train in an Operating Room Environment with Surgeons & Anesthesiologists during your externship. 
CNI College's Surgical Technology School
Our surgical tech training program prepares students for a career as a surgical technologist. The comprehensive curriculum combines theoretical and hands-on components, including classroom training and mock surgeries. You can also have the opportunity to gain real-life experience by participating in an externship within an actual health care facility. In addition, CNI College can prepare you to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) examination in order to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Take a proactive step toward your educational and career goals.
Preparation for your career starts today as a Surgical Technologist by calling 1-800-219-0634 or submitting your information in the form located in the upper right side of page.
- Information
- FAQs
- Benefits
- Course Review
- Testimonials
- Contact
Surgical Tech Job Openings are expected to increase by 19% by 2020!
Why Choose CNI College's Surgical Tech Program?
- Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Exam, and upon passing become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
- Classroom training, mock surgeries and externships stand between you and a new future.
- Train in our state-of-the-art, functional operating theater.
- Only 13 months of classroom training, mock surgeries and externships stand between you and a new future.
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The CNI College Advantage
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Federal Financial Aid Available
to Those That QualifyGraduate Services*Located in Orange County |
Training in Operating Room EnvironmentDedicated Faculty and Staff
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Why Become a Surgical Technologist?
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Personally Satisfying CareerFastest Growing Field of Employment**Potential For Advancement
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Job Security*Work with Surgeons & Anesthesiologists
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Accreditation & Approval
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Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)Approved For Veterans Educational Training
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California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS)Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
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CNI College's Surgical Technology School
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Our surgical tech training program, located in the city of Orange – surrounding cities in Orange County include Santa Ana, Tustin, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Anaheim, Fullerton, Placentia, Villa Park and Yorba Linda – prepares students for a career as a surgical technologist. The comprehensive curriculum combines theoretical and hands-on components, including classroom training and mock surgeries. You can also have the opportunity to gain real-life experience by participating in an externship within an actual health care facility. In addition, CNI Career College can prepare you to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) examination in order to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Take a proactive step toward your educational and career goals. Begin by requesting more surgical technology information from CNI College today! Call or submit your information in the form located in the upper right side of page. |
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*CNI College does not guarantee employment.
**Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Surgical Technologist?
Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. A surgical technologist is a member of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. Before an operation, a surgical tech helps prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment, as well as adjust and check it to ensure it is working properly. Technologists also get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical "drapes." Technologists also observe patients' vital signs, check charts, and assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
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What are the requirements of becoming a Surgical Technologist?
Those interested in becoming a surgical tech should receive training from an accredited surgical tech training program. To become certified, a person must successfully pass the National Certifying Examination conducted by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
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What are the work conditions of a Surgical Technologist?
Surgical technologists work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments. They must stand for long periods and remain alert during operations. At times they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. Most surgical technologists work a regular 40-hour week, although they may be on call or work nights, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.
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Is the Surgical Technologist Profession a growing career?
Careers in surgical technology are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2020* as the volume of surgery increases. The number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the population grows and ages. As members of the baby boom generation approach retirement age, the over-50 population, who generally require more surgical procedures, will account for a larger portion of the general population. Technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technology, will also permit new surgical procedures to be performed.
*Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Benefits
Surgical technologists, also called scrubs, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. A surgical tech is a member of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. Before an operation, a surgical technologist helps prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment, as well as adjust and check it to ensure it is working properly. Technologists also get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical “drapes.” Technologists also observe patients’ vital signs, check charts, and assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves. During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical techs help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings. Some operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment. After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
Work with surgeons, anesthesiologists and circulating nurses
Fast growing field of employment**
Versatility
Potential for advancement
Working Conditions - Surgical technologists work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments. Most surgical technologists work a regular 40-hour week.
Careers in surgical technology are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2020 as the volume of surgery increases.
Course Review
This surgical tech course is a study of the following topics and human systems: definition of anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, the cell, tissues, cellular metabolism, skin, muscle, and bone. The functions and interrelationships of these systems are studied. The course emphasizes the homeostatic nature of these systems with reference to human disease states.
ST 102 - Anatomy & Physiology II
A continuing of the systems of the human body that include: nervous system, sensory systems, eye and ear anatomy and function, blood components, circulatory system, cardiac, vascular, lymphatic system, digestive system and the endocrine system. The course emphasizes the homeostatic nature of these systems with reference to human disease states.
ST 201 - A & P and Basic Science
A continuing of the systems of the human body that include: respiratory system, urinary system and reproductive system. The course emphasizes the homeostatic nature of these systems with reference to human disease states.
ST 202 - Medical Terminology
This course includes an introduction to medical terminology based on anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on medical word roots, combining forms, prefixes and suffixes and body structure.
ST 203 - Medical Law & Ethics
This course presents an overview of the legalities, risk management, and ethical behavior associated within the surgical environment. The AMA codes of ethics and OSHA regulations as they apply to the surgical unit are covered. Discussion and understanding of the American Hospital Association’s Patient’s Bill of Rights is also covered.
ST 204 - Patient Psychology
This surgical tech training course is an introduction to the principles and concepts of patient psychology, which are basic to understanding human behavior. A general overview of the research methods and major research findings of psychology are presented, as well as a survey of current theories used to interpret these findings. Topics covered include methodology, physiology, learning, perception and cognitive processes, development, motivation and emotion, personality, abnormal behavior, therapy and social psychology and death and dying.
ST 205 - Disease Process & Pathophysiology
This course is an introduction to the causes of disease and pathological conditions of the body and the body’s response mechanisms, both adequate and inadequate. Common diagnostic and treatment modalities also will be discussed.
ST 206 - Microbiology
This course is a study of basic microbiology, infection control, and disease processes to the body. The principles of medical and surgical asepsis will be demonstrated. Sanitizing, disinfection, and different modes sterilization is discussed. Blood borne pathogens will be included.
ST 207 - Pharmacology and Anesthesia
This course is the study of drugs with emphasis on concepts related to steps in the drug cycles and side effects. Students will learn major classifications of drugs and usual drug choices for selected diseases and pathological conditions. They will learn appropriate terms, abbreviations, equivalents and math concepts in calculations of dosages. Different modes of anesthesia will be discussed.
ST 301 - Introduction to ST & Asepsis
This course is designed to orient the student to surgical technology and provide a comprehensive knowledge of patient care concepts, as well as personal and professional relationships in surgical technology. The scope of practice for a surgical technologist is discussed. The principles of medical and surgical asepsis will be demonstrated along with proper opening of surgical packs, gowning, sterile gloving, and setting up a sterile field.
ST 302 - Sterilization
This course is a study of basic microbiology, infection control, and disease processes of the body. Sanitizing, disinfection, and different modes sterilization is discussed. Blood borne pathogens will be will be reviewed.
ST 303 - Surgical Instrumentation
This course is designed to evaluate the student in his/her knowledge and skills in various surgical instrumentation, classifications, common names and usage.
ST 304 - Biomedical Science
This course introduces the student to computer hardware and software programs. Emphasis is placed on the development of word processing skills, which include techniques for creating, editing, saving and printing documents. Also includes the safety factors regarding bio-physical practices in the operating room. Electricity, mechanical robotics, sterilization, chemical, heat, gases, and sounds and vibrations are some of the concerns discussed for patient safety.
ST 305 - Sutures, Staples, and Wound Healing
This course introduces the student to types of wounds, healing process, classification, wound management, common suture types, suture classification, usage, and various types of stapling devices.
ST 306 - Drains, Tubes, Catheters, Sponges, and Dressings
This course introduces the student to various types of drainage systems, usage classification, surgical counts, types of dressings, and sponge usage in various procedures. Transferring of patients and emergency procedures with vital signs and review of anesthesia concepts are reviewed.
ST 401 - General & Pediatric Surgery
This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in diagnostic, specimens, general and pediatric surgery for the surgical technologist. Diagnosis and surgical interventions are taught.
ST 402 - OB/GYN and Urology Surgery
This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in diagnostic OB/GYN and Urologic surgical procedures for the surgical technologist. Diagnosis and surgical interventions, along with specimens are taught.
ST 403 - Orthopedic Surgery
This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific orthopedic and oral/maxillofacial surgical procedures for the surgical technologist. Diagnosis, surgical interventions, and specimens are taught.
ST 404 - Neurologic Surgery
This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific neurological and ophthalmic surgical procedures for the surgical technologist. Diagnosis, surgical interventions, and specimens are taught
ST 405 - Plastic and Head & Neck Surgery
This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for the specific surgical procedures in diagnostic, plastic, reconstructive, and Otorhinolaryngologic surgical procedures for the surgical technologist. Diagnosis, surgical interventions, and specimens are taught.
ST 406 - Vascular and Cardiothoracic Surgery
This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in diagnostic, peripheral vascular and cardiothoracic surgical procedures for the surgical technologist. Diagnosis, surgical interventions, and specimens are taught.
ST 501 - Mock Surgery I
This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in general, OB/GYN, ENT, plastic, and reconstructive surgery, genitourinary surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and peripheral vascular surgery procedures for the Surgical Technologist. The students will implement aseptic technique in set-up and steps of the procedures.
ST 502 - Mock Surgery II
This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in general, OB/GYN, ENT, plastic and reconstructive surgery, genitourinary surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and peripheral vascular surgery procedures for the Surgical Technologist. The students will implement aseptic technique in set-up and steps of the procedures.
ST 503 - Mock Surgery III
This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in general, OB/GYN, ENT, plastic and reconstructive surgery, genitourinary surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and peripheral vascular surgery procedures for the Surgical Technologist. The students will implement aseptic technique in set-up and steps of the procedures.
ST 504 - Mock Clearance
This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in general, OB/GYN, ENT, plastic and reconstructive surgery, genitourinary surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and peripheral vascular surgery procedures for the Surgical Technologist. The students will be tested on various types of procedures where the students will implement aseptic technique in set-up and steps of the procedures prior to being assigned to a clinical externship rotation.
ST 505 - CPR
Standard CPR, AED and First Aid material is presented and students practice techniques leading to a required certification for program completion.
ST 506 - Career Development
Career Development emphasis is placed on assessing personal strengths, career expectations, developing job search techniques, resume’ preparation and interviewing strategies.
ST 601 - Surgical Technology Externship
This course is conducted in an appropriate hospital/surgical facility and provides students a clinical experience with a variety of perioperative assignments. Emphasis is placed on the scrub and circulating roles of the surgical technologist including aseptic technique and basic care presentation for selected surgical procedures. Students will observe and take part in surgical procedures and learn to work as a member of the surgical team meeting all of the required case loads and 500 externship hours.
Testimonials
When I became a member of the operating room team as a surgical technologist, I entered into one of the most exciting careers in the medical fields.
First of all I would like to thank Jim and Coleen Buffington and all of the CNI staff, Marissa Gomez and the surgical technology program staff for this wonderful educational opportunity that afforded me this honor of being this year's valedictorian. More importantly I want to thank my family, Nonnie, and friends for helping me get here, I truly couldn't have done it without you. So now to the speech… Instructive opportunity. Privilege. Escape. Journey. These are some of the words that describe the place we have spent the last year of our time - CNI College. We began this positive journey in the classroom learning about the A & P of the human body with Dr. Kokar, whom taught in such an enthusiastic way that all could grasp even the most difficult concepts with ease. Next class was with Dr. Korandish instructing us in the procedures of the OR, tying everything together to help us view medicine as simple. Then, we get to the hands on training with Miss Janet instilling the surgical conscience and aseptic technique. Following that Betsy and Pierre, whom we've come to refer to as DR. Pierre, taught us how to function in the real world's OR through mock surgeries. Finally, under the watchful eyes of our diligent preceptors, how will we ever forget our first surgery at our extern site in the real world? As a result of this extern experience, some of my classmates and I were able to land our first job as surgical technologists. Yes, this CNI experience truly was a journey. A journey bursting with learning and problem solving, relationships, and growth as an individual. Though with every journey comes obstacles, roadblocks, some as small as pebbles and others as large as mountains. And yet, we were able to overcome them, and some of us still are, with the willing and loving help of family, friends, teachers, and counselors. So, don't forget to thank them, they deserve it. So now that this adventure is coming to an end for some of us and continues with others, I leave you with these words taken from the inspirational novel, And Still We Rise. "The past is behind us, the present is upon us, and the future is before us." So, Remember the past, or the good parts at least. Cherish the present. And conquer the future by pursuing your dreams. Class of 2009, we made it!
My experience at CNI College has been life changing. Before attending the Surgical Technology program I held various unfulfilling jobs. One of my positions was working for a major auto maker in the customer service division. My day began with filling order requests that were printed on labels and affixing them to the requested part. I would then package the parts, prepare them for shipping and send them to the dealer. Every day started and finished in the same way, it was repetitive and boring. I felt I needed to do something more exciting and rewarding. I began to research the duties of a Surgical Technologist and found it very exciting. To be part of a team in the operating room performing life changing procedures would be rewarding in itself. After researching several schools, I decided on CNI College because of its friendly, professional staff and their commitment to student success. I have been working in the main operating room for almost two years. For the first time in my life I can honestly say, "I love my job!" Thank you CNI College. I hope anyone seeking an exciting and rewarding job as a Surgical Technologist will choose CNI College.
When I decided to go back to school to continue my education there was no doubt in my mind that this time I wanted to get into the medical field. The medical field has always been an interest of mine, and one that I have grown familiar with over the years. After speaking with family and friends who are involved in many different aspects of the field I decided the Operating Room sounded like the most exciting and fulfilling place to be. The OR has always been a fascinating environment to me. It is an unfamiliar environment to most people and seems to be one of the most crucial to the field. The more I looked into job opportunities in the OR, the more I became convinced that filling the role of the Surgical Technologist was what I wanted to do. The human body is a complex system that not many people understand or get to see from the inside, or for that matter want to, but those of us who do, understand the intrigue. The Surgical Technologist position seemed to offer everything I was looking for in a career: excitement, knowledge, the opportunity to help the community and room for advancement. Once I decided this was the career path I wanted to take and began looking into schools, the decision was pretty easy. Every search I did brought up Career Networks Institute. Every new page I clicked, and every new reference I checked had testimonials and references to CNI College, so I decided to go to the campus and take a look. I met with the Dean of Students, Kay Kenyon, who so graciously met with me without an appointment and explained every aspect of the program to me. She answered all my questions, set up a tour of the campus and even introduced me to another student who lived near me in San Diego. I had visited other campuses prior to this that were closer to my home, as I lived over 60 miles away, but was so impressed by the staff and facility, I knew this was the program that was going to benefit me the most. Once the program began I realized what made this particular school so special. The instructors at CNI are so dedicated to their student's education. Each instructor was either a Medical Doctor or Scrub Tech themselves and offered invaluable clinical information to the lecture each day. I formed a close relationship with each of my professors that made it a joy to make the long train ride to class every day. If at any time throughout my program I had a question, I felt comfortable going to the instructor and sitting down and reviewing the information with them. I never once felt like I was a burden or taking up their time. Each instructor brought a different area of expertise to the classroom, which I believe helped provide me with a well-rounded knowledge base. Class sessions offered textbook information as well as real life situations and problem solving techniques, which certainly made me more comfortable once it came time to walk into the OR for the first time. While the classroom was informative and interesting, the real excitement began one I reached my sites. I have not experienced a bigger rush than walking into the OR for the first time, knowing I was taking over the case. Even though it was my first time in the OR, my preceptor stood me next to the surgeon and had me involved in every aspect of the surgery. It has been my experience that the clinical sites CNI have provided for the students are truly interested in teaching. I found that the surgeons were eager to involve me in every surgery available and often times I found myself being quizzed on anatomy and procedures to make sure I was aware of what was happening. I felt welcomed into each site I attended and am so grateful for the experiences I had. I feel very fortunate that I was able to scrub in on some amazing surgeries at each site I attended. I am thankful to the instructors at CNI for their willingness to meet with me to review unfamiliar procedures at any time, even though I was no longer in the classroom portion of my program. I feel as though I was exposed to a wide range of surgeries as well as specialties. I spent the first portion of my externship scrubbing in at a world-renowned plastic surgeon's office, then another at a center specializing in orthopedics and the last at a very prestigious hospital. I am confident that the cases I have been allowed to scrub in on as a student not only show my capabilities as a scrub tech but CNI's ability to produce a confident and competent Surgical Technologist. Having completed my externship and program I can honestly say that I definitely made the right choice. I chose a career that fulfills my expectations and chose a program that prepared me for it. CNI has been a wonderful support system throughout my program and I would recommend them to any student interested in a career in the operating room.
Dear Sir or Madam: We have had the privilege of partnering with CNI Surgical Technology Program In providing them with an externship site for their Surgical Technologist Students. They have ensured that their students have been successfully prepared for their externship program with didactic and clinical knowledge. The students we have precept have been of the highest caliber and have provided excellent care and service to our patients. CNI and the students have far exceeded our expectations in collaborating to provide the community with exceptional Surgical Technologists.
May 31, 2007- Jennifer Moyer, Surgical Technology Student, Career Networks Institute, College 702 Town and Country Road Orange, CA 92868- Dear Ms. Moyer, On behalf of the Association Of Surgical Technologists (AST) I Would like to thank you very much for your volunteer contribution at the AST 38th Annual National Conference. Your professionalism and involvement with the management of the education sessions was valuable in making sure the schedule went smoothly for the conference participants. I wish you luck with your educational and professional endeavors. As a student you represent the future of the profession and I hope to see you again at future AST events. Thank you.
April Stang, Surgical Technology Student, Career Networks Institute College, 702 Town and Country Road Orange, CA 92868 - Dear Ms. Stang, On behalf of the Association Of Surgical Technologists (AST) I Would like to thank you very much for your volunteer contribution at the AST 38th Annual National Conference. Your professionalism and involvement with the management of the education sessions was valuable in making sure the schedule went smoothly for the conference participants. I wish you luck with your educational and professional endeavors. As a student you represent the future of the profession and I hope to see you again at future AST events. Thank you.
May 31, 2007- Alicia Bone, Surgical Technology Student, Career Networks Institute, College 702 Town and Country Road Orange, CA 92868- Dear Ms. Bone, On behalf of the Association Of Surgical Technologists (AST) I Would like to thank you very much for your volunteer contribution at the AST 38th Annual National Conference. Your professionalism and involvement with the management of the education sessions was valuable in making sure the schedule went smoothly for the conference participants. I wish you luck with your educational and professional endeavors. As a student you represent the future of the profession and I hope to see you again at future AST events. Thank you.
To whom it may concern; Saddleback Memorial Medical Center is an externship site for surgical technologist students from Career Networks Institute. We have a student, who is currently in training, and found him to be well trained. He comes to our site daily prepared to learn and is current on the latest surgical procedures. We have been so happy with our student´s progress that we are currently in the process of hiring him as soon as he graduates next month. With such a positive experience, we plan to continue providing an externship experience and hope to fill other open positions with new graduates. There is a growing need for surgical technologists and limited resources in our local area. Our job description requires that the surgical technologist be a graduate of an accredited school. Career Networks Institute is accredited by ABHES. I also teach a Perioperative Nursing class at the local Community College and recognize the amount of education and training required in preparing students for healthcare jobs. Career Networks Institute students have been the best trained of the three local schools available for surgical technologist training. I have recommended the Career Networks Institute to other local community hospitals in need of surgical technologists and highly recommend the school for their outstanding work in preparing the students for hea1thcare careers.
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