IRSC offers two pathways for individuals seeking careers in surgical services: the Associate of Science (A.S.) in Surgical Services (also known as the Surgical Technology Program) and the Post-Secondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) certificate in Central Service Technology. The Surgical Services program is a 64-credit hour degree program, while the Central Service Technology program is a 650-clock hour certificate program that can be completed in approximately 6 months. Both programs aim to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for gainful employment in surgical services departments.

Graduates of the A.S. in Surgical Services program are eligible to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) national certification examination administered by The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Graduates of the Central Service Technology program are eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) examination offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association. These certifications are recognized as the gold standard in their respective fields.

The application process for both the Surgical Services and Central Service Technology programs opens on the last Friday in January. The application for the Surgical Services program closes on the last Friday in April. The Central Service Technology program application closes once the maximum number of qualified applicants has been reached. To apply, interested individuals should access the Program Application Booklet on the respective program websites for a detailed checklist and instructions. A key requirement for the application is uploading the Info Session Attendance Confirmation email. At the end of the presentation, you will be prompted to mark yourself as attended in Element451. You will immediately receive the confirmation email to upload during the application process.

The Surgical Services program has a selective admission process with 22 available seats and 10 alternates. While students can apply while still completing general education courses during the spring semester, it is highly recommended to satisfy all general education requirements prior to the program's start due to the demanding nature of the core coursework. The general education courses are evaluated as part of the application review process and include BSC2085/L, BSC2086/L, HSC2531, and MCB2010/L. Additionally, applicants must submit proof of a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS CPR certification, valid for the entire length of the program.

The Surgical Services program is a full-time curriculum track. The Fall semester schedule includes on-campus classes at the Massey campus in Fort Pierce, Monday and Tuesday from approximately 9 am to 3 pm, and Wednesday and Thursday with varying times for theory (Fall A) and clinical rotations within Surgical Services (Fall B). 

Spring and Summer semesters involve a combination of on-campus lab work (Spring A Monday - Thursday, on campus, approximately 9 am to 3 pm: Spring B Monday and Tuesday, on campus, 9 am to 2 pm) and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities (Spring B: Wednesday through Friday, approximately 6 am to 3 pm and Summer A Tuesday -  Friday), where students acquire the necessary surgical case volume in first and second scrub roles.

The Central Service Technology program is a 6-month, 650-clock hour PSAV certificate program with 10 available seats and 5 alternates. It consists of three courses: HSC0003 Introduction to Healthcare (online during Summer B), STS0019C (hybrid with on-campus lab Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 12 pm during Fall A), and STS0013L (clinical rotations Monday through Friday, minimum 8 hours per day, during Fall B). The program includes hands-on simulation activities on the Massey campus to prepare students for the clinical environment. Clinical placements are coordinated with partner facilities, and students may have the opportunity for employment during their clinical requirements.

Both the Surgical Services and Central Service Technology programs are considered full-time curriculum tracks and are eligible for financial aid. Specific program expenses, including application fees and a fee for the clinical paperwork tracking software (approximately $40), are detailed on the program websites. Florida resident rates apply, but students should also budget for transportation costs to clinical sites, as placements can vary across a four-county area. It is recommended to have a FAFSA on file, and scholarship opportunities from community donors are also available through the IRSC Financial Aid website.

More information about the Surgical Services and Central Service Technology programs, including the Program Application Booklet, program expenses, course catalogs, and application links, can be found on the IRSC website (www.irsc.edu). Navigate to "Programs," then "Health Science Meta Major." Under "Associate Degree Programs," click on "Surgical Services," and under "Career Training Programs," click on "Central Service Technology." Contact information for the Program Director, Stephanie Hurst (shurst@irsc.edu), is also available on the program websites for any questions or concerns.