Surgical Technology - Program Admissions

Gain acceptance to the college in the “AA/Pre-Surgical Technology” major

• Apply online
• There is no application fee to apply to SCTCC.
• Submit high school transcript
  • Required if graduated high school 10 or fewer years ago
  • If the language of record is not English, a certified translation must be included with the official transcript
• Submit official college transcript from ALL colleges previously attended
  • If the language or record is not English, a certified course-by-course evaluation that includes GPA and course levels must be provided
• Submit Accuplacer, ACT, SAT, or MCA test scores
  • Or schedule a time to take the Accuplacer exam at SCTCC or a location near you

• Pre-Requisites for the Surgical Technology Program

• A minimum grade of “C” or better AND a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above in pre-requisite coursework is required to be considered for admission.

• Students can apply with pre-requisites in-progress, MUST be complete prior to the start of the program. Priority will be given to students with all pre-requisites complete at the time of application.

• When applying to the program, applicants must be in Good Academic Standing at SCTCC

  • Not on warning or probation - cumulative GPA 2.0 & cumulative completion rate of 66.67%.

•  RE-TAKE Options: Each pre-requisite and General Education course may be taken 3 times.

  • Consult with an advisor about the impact of repeated courses.

• Program application dates and periods may vary and/or be extended. Priority is given to those who apply during the first application period. Stay up to date by checking the program page frequently.

• The Surgical Technology program is competitive, the college may not be able to accept all applicants that meet the minimum admission standards.

Math Requirement Options:

• Accuplacer: Arithmetic minimum score 250 OR QAS minimum score 242 OR

• MATH 0720 - Math Literacy OR Complete Goal area 4 Mathematics (Math course placement dependent on Accuplacer score)

NOT required, but highly recommended to improve Surgical Technology program acceptance:

• Complete Nurse Assistant course (Options):
  • HLTH 1402 (3 credits) OR HCCC 1415, 1425 and 1480 (6 credits)
  • or provide 75-hour Nurse Assistant certificate
• Earn a health degree, AA, HSBF - AS or Bachelor degree
• Complete 12 or more pre-requisite credits at SCTCC

Classroom observation (during Fall semester only):

• Learn about the physical expectations by observing current students during lab class or open lab sessions!
  • Email the lab assistant Amy Primus at amy.primus@sctcc.edu

Access the Surgical Technology Program application

• Apply for admission to the Surgical Technology program
• Submit ALL official college transcripts not previously provided

Due to the competitive nature of the Surgical Technology program, admissions processes are highly selective. Applicants are ranked utilizing a point-based rubric. Non-accepted applicants are encouraged to reapply during the next program application period or to consult with an academic advisor to learn about alternative program options. 

• Must be a current SCTCC student to apply to the program

• The Surgical Technology application is open December 1st through February 15th

  • Dates are estimated and subject to change. Review Surgical Technology page for updates.

• Students are expected to be notified of their standing up to 8 weeks after the application period closes. 

  • Accepted applicants will have letters sent

    • Top 24 ranking students

  • Alternate List applicants will be notified of their status

  • Non-accepted applicants are notified & encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss:

    • Ways to improve your application before reapplying to the program

    • Your educational options / course selection for next semester

    • Other programs and opportunities at SCTCC.

Students admitted to the Surgical Technology program

• Applicants admitted to the Surgical Technology program must respond by the date noted in the acceptance letter to reserve their seat. They will also be notified of the date and time for the MANDATORY student orientation.

• Applicants will be required to take and pass a MN Criminal Background study, electronic fingerprinting, AND drug testing (paid for by the student).

Applicants placed on the Alternate List for the Surgical Technology program

• Applicants who meet the requirements but were not admitted because the program was full will be placed on a ranked alternate list.

• Applicants placed on this list will be eligible for admission to the program if spaces open up to 1 week prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

• ALL applicants who wish to gain admission to the Surgical Technology program in the future must reapply, including those who were on the previous year’s alternate list.

If an applicant is accepted and declines to be admitted into the program, no preference will be given to the applicant should he or she choose to apply in any subsequent year. To be considered for admission in any subsequent year, such students will need to go through the entire application process again.