News

CADILLAC, Mich. – Baker College of Cadillac officials report that all surgical technology associate degree program graduates have passed the rigorous national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination during the August 1, 2011 through July 31, 2012 examination cycle.

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), the organization that administers the exam, has awarded Baker College of Cadillac with its annual Merit Award for achieving the 100 percent graduate pass rate.

“These positive results are direct evidence of the hard work of our students, as well as the dedication of our faculty and staff in providing the skills and training necessary to succeed,” said Kelly Smith, Baker College of Cadillac president. “We’re pleased to offer our students the highest quality training to enable them to perform so well on the national exam.”

The pass rate of Baker’s surgical technology graduates measures well above national averages. In 2011, the NBSTSA reported an overall national pass rate of 56.1 percent for the CST examination.

“I am very proud of our graduates for their efforts throughout a challenging curriculum,” said Cyndy Shupe, director of surgical technology at Baker College of Cadillac. “Most importantly, our graduates are all actively employed in their field of study and well prepared for their important jobs in the operating room.”

Surgical technologists, sometimes referred to as “scrubs,” are an integral part of surgical operations. Working under the supervision of a surgeon, they ensure the operating room is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

According to the NBSTSA, certification as a surgical technologist demonstrates that the individual meets the national standard for knowledge that underlies the practice of surgical technology. Certified individuals possess mastery of a broad range of skills related to surgical procedures, aseptic technique and patient care. Certification is a means for upward mobility, a condition for employment, a route to higher pay, and a source of recognition nationwide.

The CST exam is the only fully accredited examination recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies for surgical technologists in the nation.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a nonprofit higher education institution, serving more than 40,000 students on 12 campuses and in three satellite locations. Baker grants certificates and associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, health sciences, education and human services, and various technical fields, as well as a doctorate of business administration. As a career college, the Baker College system is pleased to report that 97 percent of its available graduates are employed. For more information about Baker College, please check out our website at www.baker.edu.