New accelerated-format Surgical Technology options available

Hunter Wallace
News Editor

Surgical Technology students interested in completing their programs faster may consider one of two available formats.

The first is the SUNY-approved accelerated format Surgical Technology associate degree program, in which students study through four consecutive semesters — fall, spring, summer and fall — and complete the 64-credit degree in 16 months. The second is the Surgical Technology certificate program, a 46-credit option ideal for those already in the field of surgical technology who are looking for an accredited program to gain certification. Both of these are the only programs of their kind in the region.

Hudson Valley established the programs in 2015 in response to a state law that mandated all new surgical technologists graduate from an accredited program before pursuing their licensing exams. Successful graduates are eligible to take the Certified Surgical Technology exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

“[The accelerated format program] was developed when the program began in the fall of 2015,” said Shawn Jeune, a Nursing instructor. “Originally, the certificate program only was submitted to the state in the accelerated format, even though we ran the degree program the same way.”

Both programs run in the accelerated format. The only difference is that the certificate program only requires Surgical Technology courses in addition to science courses, as it is an option for students who don’t want the degree, but want to meet the minimum training necessary for the certification exam and secure a position at any hospital in the area.

“The only thing [Surgical Technology students] need after Hudson Valley is to pass a national certification exam,” Jeune said. “Students who have other advanced degrees or who pursue them after Hudson Valley can potentially be educators in the field of surgical technology. After Hudson Valley and the certification exam, they can work in any OR, [surgery] center, etc.”

Those interested in the Surgical Technology program must complete an application and provide transcripts. If accepted into the program, students then meet with Jeune for advisement, Jeune explained.

Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment and help surgeons during a range of surgical procedures. They are also responsible for ensuring aseptic conditions in the operating room as well as cleaning and preparing all instruments that may potentially be required in an operation.

The Surgical Technology program is housed in Hudson Valley’s Nursing Department. For more information, contact the Admissions Office by phone at (518) 629-7309, by email at admissions.edu or in person at Guenther Enrollment Services Center, Room 223.