Kirtland Community College Surgical Technology Graduates Achieve 100% National Exam Pass Rate

Kirtland Community College Surgical Technology Graduates Achieve 100% National Exam Pass Rate
By Kirtland Community College’s Communications and Marketing Department

    GRAYLING, Michigan (June 09, 2026) — Kirtland Community College proudly announces that its 2026 Surgical Technology graduating class has achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination. This is the second year in a row for the entire graduating class accomplished a perfect pass rate.

“This achievement serves as a clear testament to the exceptional quality of education provided by the program. It reflects the unwavering dedication of the faculty and staff, as well as the commitment and academic excellence demonstrated by the students enrolled,” said Kirtland President Dr. Gary Roberts.

The NBSTSA certification exam is a rigorous, nationally standardized assessment that evaluates graduates on the critical knowledge and competencies required in surgical environments. It is a recognized benchmark in the healthcare field and a requirement for surgical technologist positions. Passing the CST exam ensures that graduates are prepared to meet the highest standards of patient care, surgical protocol, and operating room professionalism.

The 2026 cohort consisted of 11 graduates, all of whom passed the exam on their first attempt and have secured employment. This accomplishment exceeds national averages and reflects a consistent trend for Kirtland’s Surgical Technology Program.

According to Nicole Clausen, MS, CST, FAST, Program Director of Surgical Technology, the achievement is the result of a comprehensive and evolving curriculum, paired with individualized student support and hands-on clinical experience.

“Our surgical technology program teaches a curriculum aligned with the 7th edition core

curriculum published by the Association of Surgical Technologists ensuring that our students have all the knowledge they need to be successful in their field of study. We have incredibly high employer and graduate satisfaction and our graduates are highly sought after to fill positions all

over Michigan,” said Claussen. “The faculty in this program are nationally recognized and highly experienced in this field and they are truly committed to this program and ensuring that our graduates are the best of the best. We offer hands-on clinical experience at various sites throughout Michigan, and some of them are even paid! The field of surgical technology is a great healthcare career that offers lots of job opportunities and growth and the ability to start your career in only four semesters.”

Kirtland’s program includes extensive simulation lab work, operating room procedure training, and partnerships with local hospitals and surgical centers throughout northern Michigan and the nation, providing students with hands-on exposure to the field. These clinical partnerships are essential in helping students transition from learners to professionals.

The 100% pass rate is a significant achievement not just for the college, but for the region it serves. As a community college located in Grayling, Michigan, Kirtland plays a vital role in training healthcare professionals who often remain in the area, addressing critical workforce needs in rural and underserved communities.

"This accomplishment is something our entire Kirtland community can celebrate," said Barb Walden, Dean of Health Sciences at Kirtland Community College. "We're proud of the commitment these students have shown and grateful for the faculty and clinical partners who support them along the way. As these graduates enter the workforce, they'll help fill critical healthcare positions and make a positive impact in hospitals and surgical centers across Michigan."

The national certification opens doors for Kirtland’s graduates, many of whom have already secured job offers or accepted positions at healthcare facilities across the state.

The Surgical Technology program at Kirtland Community College is designed to be completed in 2 semesters and includes both classroom instruction and over 480 hours of clinical experience. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and adheres to the core curriculum developed by the Association of Surgical Technologists.

“My experience in the Surgical Technology program was both challenging and rewarding,” said Shelby Thomas, a 2026 graduate of the program. “It provided me with the knowledge, hands-on training, and clinical experience needed to feel prepared for a career in the operating room. Kirtland helped set me up for success by providing a strong educational foundation, valuable clinical experiences, and opportunities to develop both technical and professional skills. Through coursework, labs, and clinical placements, I gained practical experience working alongside healthcare professionals and applying what I learned in real surgical settings. The guidance, support, and quality instruction I received throughout the program helped build my confidence and prepared me to successfully begin my career as a Surgical Technologist.”

As Kirtland celebrates this year’s perfect pass rate, the college is also looking ahead. Plans are already underway to increase clinical partnerships to not only ensure student employment, but to assist in meeting the job demand in the healthcare sector.

“Our future goal for this program and our graduates is to continue building strong relationships with facilities in Michigan that offer paid internship opportunities, scholarships, and tuition assistance so that our graduates can be sure they have employment and little to no debt to become a certified surgical technologist,” said Claussen. “We want to help fill the high workforce demand for surgical technologists by providing surgical technologists who are properly trained, safe, and effective at their jobs.”

About Kirtland Community College
Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000.