Surgical Technology, A.A.S.

Program of Studies

Admission Requirements

The applicant without previous college experience must meet two of the following criteria: 

1. Rank in the upper half of the high school graduating class. 
2. Have a high school GPA of 2.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale. 
3. Meet one of the following:  Gradcuate from an accredited igh school with a cumulation GPA of 2.7 or above.  Students who did not graduate from high schoolmust have completed the General Education Development (GED) tests, with a composite score of a least 600 and no sub score below 145, or the high School Equivalency test (HSE) with a score of  at lest 75 with no sbu score below 8. 
4. Possess a General Educational Development (GED) total score of 2,500, with no sub-score below 500. Prior to 2002, a composite score of at least 50 and no sub-score below 40 is required. 

Applicants who have previously attended an accredited college or university must submit official college transcripts with a GPA of 2.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale in 12 credit hours of academic subjects. 

Direct admission to the Surgical Technology program when the candidate has successfully completed a Central Supply Technician course/program. 

Previous healthcare experience is helpful, but not required. 

Final consideration for acceptance will be made by the Surgical Technology Admissions Committee. Each applicant will be reviewed on an individual basis. Exceptions to the stated requirements may be made at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. 

Transfer Student Admissions

Surgical Technology Courses

Applicants meeting admissions criteria who have completed surgical technology courses at anotherinstitution may apply for transfer credit. The courses must have been completed at a CAAHEPaccredited surgical technology program no more than two years prior to the semester in which thestudent enrolls in the surgical technology sequence at the University of Saint Francis. The following willbe considered in the approval of transfer credit:

1. Similarity of course content.
2. Two professional references from the previously attended surgical technology program.
3. Evaluation of clinical competency by University of Saint Francis faculty.
4. Availability of space in the appropriate surgical technology course.

At least 55 percent of the degree requirements must be completed at the University of Saint Francis.

Clinical Experience Requirements

To ensure the safety of self and others, clinical students are required to complete a variety of activities prior to working with patients on a clinical unit: 

• Submit proof of currency in CPR Certification for Health Professionals 
• Submit a completed health history and physical examination form 
• Provide documentation of immunizations, including Hepatitis B status 
• Submit a negative TB skin test each year 
• Submit proof of Covid-19 vaccination or exemption  
• Sign confidentiality forms 
• Provide verification of health insurance 
• Annually complete drug testing 
• Annually undergo a background check, which includes criminal history, driving history and Office of Inspector 
• Complete an OSHA Respirator Fit Test 
• Complete an OSHA Medical Clearance form 
• Meet technical standards related to:  observation; communication; intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; motor skills; behavioral and social attributes; tests and evaluations and clinical assessment. 
• Attend orientation and compliance sessions as required by clinical facilities 

The cost of the above activities is at the student’s own expense.

Affiliating agencies may withhold clinical experiences for students with the following records:

• Positive drug screen
• Crimes against the person such as battery or assault
• Crimes based on dishonesty or untruthfulness such as theft or embezzlement
• Drug and other substance abuse related crimes
• History of recent DUI or other driving violations/penalties

Without clinical experiences, the student cannot complete all aspects of the program and will bedismissed from the program.

Progression Requirements

In order to advance in the surgical technology clinical sequence, the student must achieve the following:

1. Complete all prerequisites and enroll in all co-requisites.
2. Achieve a “C” (2.0) or above in each surgical technology and science course.
3. Maintain a “C” (2.4) or above cumulative GPA in all courses taken at the University of Saint Francis.
4. Demonstrate satisfactory clinical competencies and appropriate professional traits.
5. Maintain currency and eligibility in requirements for clinical practice.

A student receiving an “F” or “WF” in a general education course, but maintaining a cumulative GPA above 2.4, may repeat the failed course. A second failure results in dismissal from the Surgical Technology program.

Evaluation of overall student progress will be made by the Surgical Technology Faculty Committee after completion of each semester.

Graduation Requirements

The Associate of Science degree with a major in Surgical Technology is awarded after the student meets all university requirements for an associate degree and meets the following:

1. Completion of required credits indicated in the curriculum plan.
2. Achievement of a final grade of “C” (2.0) or above in each surgical technology and science course and a 2.4 or above cumulative GPA.
3. Completion of the program requirements within eight semesters once enrolled in the surgical technology course sequence.
4. Demonstration of clinical competency in routine surgical procedures.
5. Completion of the National Examination for the Certified Surgical Technologist offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
6. Exhibition of desirable professional behaviors.

To meet Surgical Technology Core Curriculum standards, all students must complete at least 120 surgical procedures in the first scrub or second scrub role by the end of the program. Of these, at least 80 cases must be in the first scrub (independent and proficient) role. The experiences must be appropriately distributed between general surgery and specialty procedures.