Surgical Technology Grads Achieve 100 Percent Board Pass Rate

One hundred percent of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s 2017 surgical technology graduates passed the national Certified Surgical Technologist Examination on their first attempt. The group graduated in August and took the exam the same month.

“Such incredible pass rates by this cohort, referring to themselves as the ‘100 percent club’ early on in the program, is a testament to our accredited program's rigorous, evidence-based approach to classroom, lab and clinical learning expectations and assessments,” said Edward A. Henninger, dean of health sciences.

The Certified Surgical Technologist Exam is conducted by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms and equipment, ensure a sterile environment and patient safety, and assist doctors during surgeries. The work demands attention to detail and knowledge of surgical procedures. No two days are the same, and each patient and procedure will vary. Such high-pressure situations can make for a very exciting career.

Graduates obtaining national certification as a CST demonstrate, by examination, understanding of the basic competencies for safe patient care in the operating room. The CST credential is required for employment as a surgical technologist in many health care organizations.

Penn College offers an associate degree in surgical technology, which can be continued to a bachelor’s degree in applied health studies: surgical technology concentration. The bachelor-degree courses are available online.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

The college’s five-year pass rate for first-time test takers of the Certified Surgical Technologist exam exceeds the national average.

Graduates of the Surgical Technology Class of 2017 are: Katelyn M. Bittner, of Williamsport; Nicole R. Case, of Beach Lake; Sydney N. Caurvina, of Portage; Melina S. Digruttola, of Spring Grove; Michael R. Harer of Williamsport; Megan L. Hawk, of Lancaster; Daniele A. Hebert, of Mechanicsburg; Kelob J. Herman, of Jersey Shore; Travis J. Honicker, of Coal Township; Rebecca L. Knee, of Williamsport; Derrike B. Kulp, of Ephrata; Sarah J. Palm, of Peabody, Massachusetts; Janell M. Remensnyder, of Alexandria; Cindy M. Ruiz, of Easton; and Cynthia M. Wilt, of Perry, Florida.

To learn more about the Surgical Technology Program at Penn College, call 570-327-4519.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.

Photo by Scott A. Geist, director of surgical technology