Surgical Technology

The Surgical Technologist is an integral member of the surgical team including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurse to deliver patient care before, during and after surgery. Before an operation, surgical technologist helps prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. During the surgery, technologist pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and assistants.  

This four semester program develops the knowledge and skills for an entry level job as a Surgical Technologist. This is one of the fastest growing jobs in health care with a projected 15% job outlook in the next 10 years. The curriculum is in alignment with the standards set forth by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) core curriculum guidelines. Courses include: health sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, anesthesia, medical terminology, microbiology), technological sciences (electricity, information technology and robotics), and patient care concepts (biopsychosocial needs of the patient, death and dying), and surgical technology equipment.  

The surgical technologist can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, surgery departments, obstetric departments, and ambulatory surgery centers. The program is applying for accreditation with CAAHEP. Upon program accreditation, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam for Surgical Technology administer by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and upon passing, can practice under the title of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

Total Credit Hours: 60

Application Process for Surgical Technology Program

A selective admissions process is used to admit students to the program - meeting the minimum requirements listed here does not guarantee admission.

Admission Criteria - Important to Know:

• Admission to the Front Range Community College - Westminster Campus Surgical Technology Program is an application process. See attached criteria.
• Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements detailed below and apply during the specified application period.
• Applications will be accepted once a year for Spring admission. All positions will be filled from the competitive process pool.
• Any student who has failed two Surgical Technology courses or is otherwise ineligible to return to any FRCC Surgical Technology program is ineligible to apply.
• Incomplete applications will not be processed nor will the Westminster Campus Surgical Technology Department accept any additional materials after the posted deadline.
• Admission testing is required.
• The required portions of the HESI A2 Admission Exam for FRCC-W are:
  • English Language: 160 minutes (includes Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge and Grammar) and Math. Score contributes to Ranking Criteria Points.
  • Learner Profile: (includes Learning Style and Personality Profile). Score is used to identify and suggest strategies to use for successful learning.

Steps to Apply

1. Apply to FRCC
2. Take the placement tests through the FRCC Testing Center or submit ACT/SAT scores if taken within the past five years.
3. Complete the following prerequisite coursework with a grade of "C" or better:

• ENG 121 English Composition I
• MAT 107 Career Mathematics or higher
• HPR 208 Medical Record Terminology (2 credits)
• BIO 201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits with lab)*
• BIO 204 Microbiology (4 credits with lab)*

*All science courses must have been completed within 7 years of entry into the Surgical Technology program.

The following courses can be in progress when applying to the STE program:

• BIO 202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits with lab)* *
• PSY 235 Human Growth and Development**

A minimum GPA of 2.75 in these seven courses is required. No prerequisite coursework may be in progress at the time of application.

If any prerequisite coursework was taken outside of the FRCC system, you must have your transcripts officially evaluated through the FRCC Registrar's Office. All prerequisites must be transferred to your FRCC transcript before applying. Evaluations take up to 30 days to complete after the Registrar's Office receives the official transcript and the Transfer Credit Evaluation Form. (The form is available at the Registrar or https://frontrange.formstack.com/forms/transfer_credit_evaluation_request

Specify AAS in Surgical Technology as your degree plan.) To be considered "official", transcripts may not be issued to the student. Transcripts must be mailed directly from the previous college to the FRCC Registrar.

4. Take HESI A-2 Entrance Exam

• The subject areas are: English Language (Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar), and Math.
• You must have a minimum cumulative score of 70% on the HESI to apply to the FRCC Westminster Surgical Technology program.
• The Learner Profile ID (Learning Style and Personality Profile) is also required but will not be considered in scoring your application.
• The exam may only be taken twice in 365 days and is offered at the Testing Center at the FRCC Westminster Campus and Prometric Testing Centers. Learn more about taking the HESI exam.

5. Optional: Healthcare related employment or volunteer time within the last 5 years

• If you have 250 hours or more of work experience as a SPD tech (Sterile Processing Tech), or are employed or volunteer in a position providing direct contact with patients in a healthcare environment, you may submit a signed letter from your supervisor verifying employment or volunteer hours with you application.

6. Optional: Health Care Certification/Licenses

• You may submit a copy of current certification or licenses for consideration.
• CPR does not qualify.
• Examples of acceptable certifications or licenses are CNA, EMT, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Office Technician, Medical Assistant, Health Information Technician, or SPD Technician.

7. Complete the online Surgical Technology program application

• Only complete applications will be considered.
• A link to the online application will be available when applications are being accepted.
• You will need to upload electronic copies of the following documentation with your application:
  • Unofficial FRCC Transcript (no other transcripts will be accepted).
  • HESI A-2 Summary Page.
  • Letter from healthcare employer or volunteer supervisor (if applicable).
  • Copy of healthcare certifications or licenses (if applicable).

8. Retain a copy of your application and all documentation for your records

• You will be notified of your placement status via your student email (@student.cccs.edu).

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