Surgical Technologist
Training Program
Program Overview
Are you looking for an exciting, growing career with great responsibility that requires safely working in a fast-paced, high-pressure, task-oriented and highly efficient Operating Room? Being a Surgical Technologist (ST) is a physically demanding, mentally challenging, and incredibly rewarding professional role. It requires the ability to focus, problem-solve, pay close attention to detail, have excellent listening and communication skills, and an underlying commitment to doing what is right for patient safety and well-being.
2017-2023 Program Outcomes:
- Retention: 92%
- NBSTSA Exam Pass Rate: 96%
- Job Placement Rate: 98%
Attributes of a Successful Surgical Technologist:
Now accepting applications for 2025!
| Interviews | Rolling based on completed applications |
| Program Enrollment | August 2025 |
| General Orientation | September 15, 2025 |
| Classroom/Skills Training/Clinical Training | September 15, 2025 – August 21, 2026 |
*dates/times subject to change
For complete program information and course descriptions, please see the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Workforce Readiness Institute Student 2024-2025 Handbook and Program Catalog.
CST Info Session Part One (Video)
CST Info Session Part Two (Video)
CST Student Video
The Role of a Certified Surgical Technologist:
This is an exciting, growing career with great responsibility that requires safely working in a fast-paced, high-pressure, task-oriented and highly efficient Operating Room (OR) environment. Individuals must have steadfast attention to detail, be strong communicators, work as a cooperative unit and be committed to quality patient care.
Certified Surgical Technologists (CST)s are highly skilled individuals who collaborate with surgeons, registered nurses, and other health care professionals to deliver high quality standards of care, demonstrate principles of asepsis, and participate in creating an operating room environment. A Surgical Technologist assists in every aspect of the surgical setting including pre, intra and post-operatively.
Some examples of a CST’s responsibilities include:
CST Spotlight: Meet Matt
“Following high school I attended a liberal arts college where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. My goal was to get a job in the medical field. I took a few years off from my career goal to pay off the student loans I had acquired and during that time a family member told me about the Surgical Technology (ST) program at Dartmouth Hitchcock. I realized the ST program could be my opportunity to pursue a career in healthcare like I always envisioned. I applied for a job at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in the Central Sterile Reprocessing department. This job helped prepare me for the ST program. I learned the names and locations of surgical instruments. During that year I completed prerequisite courses for the ST program so I would be eligible for the following year. I’m very happy with the path I took towards my career as a Surgical Technologist. The ST program offered both class in lectures and simulations as well as a hands-on clinical experience in the operating rooms. I completed over 150 clinical cases during my training through which I gained the technical skills and knowledge needed to be a successful Surgical Tech. After eleven months I graduated from the program and passed the national exam to become a Certified Surgical Technologist. I am excited to have a career that is challenging, rewarding, and gives me the opportunity to make a difference through the work that I do.”Click here for additional information about the application and admissions process.
Questions? Contact Us! CST.training@hitchcock.org