We maintain a current applicant list of those who are interested in entering the Surgical Technology Program. Most students who apply normally wait one admission cycle. There is only one admission cycle per year. The admission process is completed by the end of Spring Quarter (end of June) and students are admitted for the Fall Quarter (beginning of September).

Admission is based on three criteria. You must have a GPA of at least 2.0 and have taken and successfully passed either BIO 107 or CHE 120 with a C or better. Admission is also based on your date of application. You do not need to take both BIO 107 and CHE 120. If you are also considering a major in Nursing, it is suggested you take CHE 120 instead of BIO 107. If you are sure of your decision to enter Surgical Technology, then it is strongly recommended that you take BIO 107 as this is a good introduction class for future Surgical Anatomy and Physiology courses.

Officially, admission to the program is for the Fall Quarter but your first Surgical Technology course actually begins in the Winter Quarter. It is set up this way so students who have not completed Surgical Anatomy and Physiology can enroll in the first of these two courses which are only offered in the Fall and Winter Quarters respectively.

There are many job opportunities for Surgical Technologists. These include hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and private work with physician groups. A Surgical Technologist can also pursue training to become a First Assistant. The First Assistant role actually moves the Surgical Technologists from a position of passing the instruments into a position of using the instruments and assisting in the surgical procedure. First Assistants can cut tissue, manipulate tissue, place retractors, provide hemostasis and close wounds. In our area, most Surgical Technologists can expect to have a starting pay of $15.00 per hour.

Before a surgical procedure, the surgical technologist is responsible for ensuring all needed equipment and supplies for the specific procedure are available and ready for use by the surgeon. This includes testing and preparing equipment for use, ensuring the availability of all sterile supplies, and preparing the sterile environment so a surgical procedure can take place. During a surgical procedure, and as a sterile surgical team member, one of the surgical technologist’s main responsibilities is to pass sterile instruments and supplies to the surgeon. This requires complete knowledge of the surgical procedure being performed and anticipation of the needs of the surgical team. The surgical technologist also assumes accountability, along with the registered nurse, for all sponges, needles, and instruments used before, during, and after the procedure. In addition, the surgical technologist may hold retractors, cut sutures, care for specimens, and assist in applying the sterile dressing. Surgical technologists must have good manual dexterity, be conscientious in a sterile environment, be emotionally stable, and have the ability to communicate effectively on many levels, including one-on-one and team interactions.

Start by first putting in your application for the Surgical Technology Program. This can be obtained in the Admission Office. Ask for an Academic Advisor for a Life and Health Sciences Admission Packet (formally Allied Health). The date on the Application form is very important as this is the date we use when your name is added to the applicant’s list. You can also access this form on the Life and Health Science Division (formally Allied Health Division) Home Page. We also recommend you stop by or make an appointment with our Allied Health Counselors. They are in Room 6120 (Building 6, 1st floor, Room 20). The Allied Health phone number is 512-3029. After you speak to the Allied Health Counselor you may contact the department at 512-5355.