Written from inside the OR
Honest surgical technology education. No sugarcoating.
Books for surgical technology students and programs, written by Kara Jennings, a practicing Certified Surgical Technologist — not a textbook committee.
Quick intake
Which book is right for you?
Three books, three different points in the same path — from "is this even for me" to standing at the back table.
Still deciding if this career is right for you?
A short, funny, unfiltered look at what the job really involves — before you commit to a program.
What the Heck Is a Surgical Technologist?Starting your program and need the prerequisite text?
The full foundations textbook covering everything your program expects you to know before day one.
The Foundations of Surgical TechnologyTeaching a program?
Request the Instructor Edition with complete answer keys, or set up a bulk order for your cohort.
Instructor accessThe books
Two books. One honest voice.
For the exploring reader
What the Heck Is a Surgical Technologist?
A friendly, honest guide for anyone wondering if this career is right for them.
The rigor, the rewards, and everything in between — told straight, in one sitting. Written for anyone weighing this career before they enroll in anything.
For enrolled students
The Foundations of Surgical Technology
Preparing students for success in the operating room — Student Edition.
The complete prerequisite text covering sterile technique, instrumentation, anatomy, and everything your program expects walking in. Ten chapters, CST-style practice questions, no answer keys included.
See inside
Real pages, not a pitch.
A handful of pages from Chapter 1 — a table, a callout box, and how the Instructor Edition actually differs. Click any page to view it larger.
Student Edition — sample pages
Instructor Edition — built-in teaching support
For program directors & faculty
The Instructor Edition isn't on Amazon — on purpose.
Complete answer keys and teaching notes stay off the open market so they stay useful. Verified instructors get access directly.
- Full answer keys for every chapter's practice questions
- Instructor Tip boxes throughout — class planning, common misconceptions, and discussion prompts
- Bulk pricing available for cohort-size orders, invoiced directly to your program
Request instructor access
Tell us about your program — we verify each request personally before sending anything.
Ordering for a class
Bulk pricing for programs
Invoiced directly, Net 30 — send a purchase order and we'll handle the rest. Exact quote depends on quantity and shipping.
10–24 copies
10% off
Good for a single lab section or small cohort.
25–49 copies
15% off
Typical full-cohort order for one program year.
50+ copies
20% off
Multi-cohort or bookstore-stocked orders.
About the author
Written by someone still scrubbed in.
Kara Jennings has spent her career in and around the operating room — as a practicing surgical technologist, an educator, and now a publisher. She started Jennings Publishing because the honest conversation she wished she'd had before day one didn't exist as a book yet, so she wrote it.
Every book carries the same standard: clear enough for someone with zero OR experience, honest enough that working STs don't roll their eyes.