The Surgical Technology Program will start accepting application packets starting on July 5 – July 29, 2022, for the Fall (quarter) 2022 cohort beginning September 20.
Prospective students are required to submit all required documents in a sealed envelope to the Surgical Technology Program lockbox located on campus outside of classroom B-126 (this is located on the first floor in Building B). NOTE: To be considered ALL required documents must be submitted.
The application packet (sealed envelope) must contain the following documents in sequential order (1. 2. 3.) Please do not submit any other documents.
- Include the prospective student document
- Copy of high school diploma/transcript or equivalent such as GED.
- Unofficial transcript (only) showing completion of prerequisites with minimum GPA within the past five years.
Exception: may be in progress of BIOL& 242 at time of application packet (sealed envelope submission) acceptance to program contingent on 2.0 minimum GPA.
If you have questions regarding transcripts or prerequisites, please contact Colleen Bassham at cbassham@rtc.edu.
Informational Session Schedule and Links: NOTE, attending an information session is highly recommended.
Virtual Surgical Technologist Program Information Sessions Available via Zoom:
This session will provide information specific to the application process for the Surgical Technology Program for Fall quarter 2022 entry.
May 19, 2022, 9 – 10 a.m.; https://rtcedu.zoom.us/j/82275335676
May 26, 2022, 9 – 10 a.m.; https://rtcedu.zoom.us/j/86149396366
June 2, 2022, 9 – 10 a.m.; https://rtcedu.zoom.us/j/86345229583
June 9, 2022, 9 – 10 a.m.; https://rtcedu.zoom.us/j/82205873096
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Surgical Technologist Program, a prospective student must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years by the beginning of the fifth quarter
- (High School student or) High School Diploma/GED (or equivalent) at time of enrollment
- English Fluency (verbal and written)
- Prerequisite Courses:
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Completed within 5 years prior to entry into the program
Prerequisite Courses
| Fall 2021 Entry |
| AMATH 190 Financial Algebra equivalent or higher |
| BIOL& 160 General Biology |
| BIOL& 241 Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
| BIOL& 242 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (may be in progress at time of application, acceptance to program contingent on 2.0 minimum GPA |
| ENGL& 101 English Composition |
Upon invitation and acceptance to the Surgical Technologist Program, students must provide confirmation of an account established with CastleBranch.com and pass a nationwide criminal background check (Crimes Against Persons list).
Screening and Tracking Requirements
After invitation to the program, students must meet vaccination and program-specific health requirements in compliance with the Center for Disease Control Healthcare Provider immunization guidelines, including the submission of original lab results, x-ray reports and immunization records, which must be dated and signed by their healthcare provider.
Immunization Timeline Table
*Vaccinations must be current while on externships
- Annual Tuberculosis skin test. TB tests must show as current through the entire clinical experience at the time of onboarding. Renewal may be required before one year.
- Annual seasonal influenza vaccine
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine within last 10 years
- Hepatitis B vaccine (series of three vaccines and immunity titer)
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (two vaccines or proof of immunity titer)
- Varicella vaccine (two vaccines or proof of immunity titer)
- Annual background-check through CastleBranch.com
- Personal health insurance upon entry and for the duration of the program
- Although the COVID vaccination is not currently a program admission requirement, our clinical partners may require a student to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID. Clinical placements may be unavailable for students who are not fully immunized.
- Current (within one year) physical evaluation by a physician or nurse practitioner to ensure student and patient safety. The evaluation should address the following areas in respect to the student's ability to perform the laboratory skills and clinical responsibilities related to becoming a Surgical Technologist:
- Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and to reach overhead
- Ability to stand or walk for long periods
- Absence of chronic skin conditions on hands and arms
UPDATE: All healthcare students who have clinical rotations, externships and internships must follow the vaccination requirements of the healthcare institution where they will be working-i.e., must be fully vaccinated or have an exemption prior to their clinical rotation, externship or internship experience. Read the latest COVID-19 Allied Health Policy.
