Surgical Technology - Associate in Applied Science

This full-time, Associate Degree program prepares students to work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other operating room personnel to deliver patient care in the operating room.  The program prepares students to handle instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure; to understand the procedures being performed and anticipate the needs of the surgeon; to have the necessary knowledge and ability to provide quality patient care during the operative procedure and maintain sterile technique.

Technical standards: The physical activity level for surgical technologists is classified as “medium” by the Department of Labor in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.

Note: Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.

General Policies

See important general policies in the beginning of this section on the performance-based Health Sciences application process, academic progress, advanced placement, background check, CPR certification, health insurance, health records, reinstatement, transportation, uniforms, and equipment.

Minimum Requirements to Apply to the Surgical Technology Program

1. CCRI application – Complete and submit a CCRI Application for Enrollment. General Studies should be the first choice; Pre-surgical technology (SURG) should be the second choice.
2. High school transcript – Send an official copy of the applicant’s high school or GED® transcript, including date of graduation. If the applicant holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, the high school transcript may be waived; a college transcript must indicate completion and degree awarded.
3. CCRI uses a multiple measures approach to determine admission into Health Science programs (For example: High School and GED® transcripts, SAT, ACT, HESI A2 or ACCUPLACER scores). Placement can also be determined by taking college level English and Math courses. Anyone with a degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution may have this requirement waived following submission of the official college transcript. If using ACCUPLACER, the following guidelines are used:
   • Placement testing – Complete a standardized test (ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION) issued by CCRI’s Advising Center.
   • Reading comprehension – Competency of 259 or above is required for reading comprehension or completion of Reading and Study Skills Program (ENGL 1002) with a grade of B- or better.
4. Complete the following Application Requirement courses with a grade of C or better: 
   • Human Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL 2201)
   • Medical Terminology (MEDL 2350)
5. HESI A2 Preadmission Test (For more information on the HESI test, click here)
6. GPA – Earn and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better for all college courses taken.
7. Health Sciences application – Complete and submit the Performance-Based Health Sciences application including a preadmission degree evaluation during the open enrollment period. The application and instructions can be found on the Admissions webpage.
   • Important: All the above requirements must be completed satisfactorily before submission of the Performance-Based Health Sciences application and do not guarantee acceptance to the program. Acceptance will be conditional upon completing the remaining program prerequisite courses (14 credits) during the spring application semester (February). 
8. Background check – When directed by notification from One Stop Student Services, students must submit a background check.  Results of BCI may prevent admission due to clinical agencies' requirements.