Tech in Surgery TS-C (NCCT)

Certification Guidance for CSU Surgical Technologist Training

Cleveland State University’s Surgical Technologist program is a short-term, noncredit certificate-of-completion program. It is designed to provide foundational surgical technologist training and to help students prepare for the National Center for Competency Testing Tech in Surgery-Certified, or TS-C, certification pathway.

This program is not an associate degree program and is not a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program. 

What CSU Provides

Students who successfully complete the CSU Surgical Technologist program receive a Cleveland State University verified certificate of completion and digital badge.

The training program is designed to support preparation for the NCCT TS-C certification exam. Students who successfully complete the program may pursue the NCCT TS-C exam through the Graduate Pathway, as outlined by NCCT.

What Students Must Still Complete for NCCT Certification

To pursue NCCT TS-C certification, students must meet NCCT’s requirements. These may include:

• Successful completion of the CSU Surgical Technologist program
• A CSU certificate of completion
• Completion of required clinical or externship documentation
• Verification of 125 surgical cases using NCCT’s required documentation
• Submission of the NCCT Tech in Surgery-Certified Critical Skills Competency form
• Any other eligibility or documentation requirements required by NCCT

Students should understand that completing the classroom portion of the CSU program alone may not be enough to receive certification. The externship and case documentation are important parts of the certification process.

Why the Externship is Required for Certification

The externship provides students with an opportunity to complete and document required surgical cases. NCCT requires verification of surgical case experience before certification can be granted.

Students who do not complete the externship, or who do not complete the required case documentation, may not be able to complete the NCCT TS-C certification process.

Employment Requirements Vary

Cleveland State University cannot guarantee employment or guarantee that a specific employer will accept a particular certificate or certification.

Some employers may require graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program. Other employers hire candidates who have completed training, gained clinical experience, and earned industry certification such as the NCCT TS-C.

Students should review job postings and contact employers directly before enrolling if they are seeking employment with a specific hospital, health system, or surgical center.

Possible job titles may include:

• Surgical Technician
• Operating Room Assistant
• Surgical Scrub Technician
• Peri-Operative Assistant
• Endoscopy Technician

Before Enrolling, Students Should Ask

Before enrolling, students are encouraged to ask:

• Does the employer I hope to work for require an accredited surgical technology degree or diploma?
• Does the employer accept NCCT TS-C certification?
• Will I need to complete an externship?
• Will I be able to complete the required surgical case documentation?
• What certification, if any, is preferred or required for the job I want?

Important Note

CSU’s Surgical Technologist program is a training program that supports preparation for industry certification. Certification requirements are established by NCCT, and employment requirements are established by employers. Students are responsible for reviewing current NCCT requirements and confirming employer expectations before making enrollment or career decisions. Learn more or contact NCCT directly.