Surgical Technologists are employed in hospitals, surgery centers, and physician's offices to deliver patient care before, during and after surgery. Skyline's program combines academic and clinical instruction that includes learning to prepare surgical instruments, passing them to the surgeon, and handling specialized equipment. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam for Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). The Surgical Technology Program at Skyline College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).

Certification Eligibility Requirements: Surgical Technology Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Skyline's program was accredited due to commendations of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting to CAAHEP. For more information, visit www.arcstsa.org.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

- Demonstrate knowledge of surgical technology equal to an entry-level surgical technologist.

- Demonstrate competence in clinical skills equal to an entry-level surgical technologist.

- Demonstrate behavior appropriate for an entry-level surgical technologist.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

Students are admitted into the program only once each year. The program will typically start in summer session and complete at the end of the following spring semester. Admission to the Surgical Technology Program is by special application only. Special application forms are available from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Division Office and the College website. See application for submission dates. Applicants who have previously applied, and wish to reapply, must submit new application materials. Selection of students is based on criteria approved by the Skyline College Administration and con sis tent with State regulations. For further information on the Surgical Technology Program, please call 738-4221 or 738-4470.

Admission to the Surgical Technology Program requires the following minimum entrance requirements:

- High school diploma or GED

- Human Anatomy equivalent to BIOL 250

- Medical Terminology equivalent to HSCI 484

- Microbiology equivalent to BIOL 240

- Completion of 19 units of General Education and graduation requirements (5-11 units) prior to starting the program

Please note: CAAHEP has mandated that as of August 2021, all persons graduating from an accredited surgical technologist program must graduate with a minimum of an Associate's Degree.

Communication in the healthcare setting is vital to effective patient and colleague interaction. The AS Degree requires completion of Composition English (ENGL 100 or ENGL 105), and a college-level Intermediate Algebra course, or higher. It is advised to complete these requirements prior to application for the program.

Credit may be given for previous comparable coursework. A minimum grade of "C" or better is required in all Surgical Technology courses and prerequisites.

Prior to starting classes, students admitted to the program are required to complete a satisfactory physical examination, immunization documentation verifying freedom of communicable disease, a social security referenced background check, and drug test.

Career Opportunities

Surgical Technologists can work in Labor and Delivery rooms in hospitals and Operating rooms in hospitals, surgery centers and surgeon's offices. With additional education they can work as supervisors of Sterile Processing Units or instructors of surgical technology programs.