The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)

1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 210-2350

Admission to the Surgical Technologist Program at RTC is a selective process due to high demand. There are two application cycles per academic year. An application cycle may remain open beyond the set deadline if there is program space availability. The program accepts a maximum of 18 eligible students. For the Fall Quarter start (begins September 16, 2024), the Surgical Technologist Program will accept applications in June (please see specific dates below). For our Spring Quarter start (begins in April 7, 2025), the Surgical Technologist program will accept applications in January (please see specific dates below).

• Fall start 2024: Application cycle opens June 10, 2024 at 8 a.m. and closes June 14, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
• Spring start 2025: Application cycle opens January 13, 2025 at 8 a.m. and closes January 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Submission Requirements

• Use the Prospective Surgical Technologist Student application and complete this document in its entirety.
• Use the following checklist to ensure you have all met required and necessary directions and documentation.
• Convert all documents into a single seamless PDF file.
• Label the PDF file as follows: First initial of first name with full last name (Example: A.Serba) followed by STApp (A.SerbaSTApp)
• Attach file and send to the email address Ajserba@rtc.edu within the stated application cycle.

NOTE: For assistance with converting scanned documents into a seamless PDF file, please reach out to Student Services or visit your campus library.

Arrange documents in the following order:

1. Prospective Surgical Tech Student Application.
2. Proof of High School Diploma or Equivalent.
3. Proof of Successful Completion of BIOL&105 (Unofficial Transcript).
4. Receipt of Order of Official Transcript (if applicable).
5. All other pertinent documentation may follow in any order if applicable i.e., proof of veteran status or currently enlisted in the armed forces; proof of other pertinent college level courses (unofficial transcripts only); receipt for attendance of program informational session (receipt will be acquired from the host of the info session)

Note: Please refrain from submitting any additional documentation. Submission of documents beyond the required and applicable materials will render the student ineligible, and the application will not undergo review.

Application Review Process

The Program Director will meticulously review all submitted applications to ensure receipt of all forms, their proper completion, proof, and compliance with minimum requirements.

At the conclusion of the application cycle, the Program Director will notify prospective students of their acceptance into the program for the current start date applied for. Accepted students will receive an official email of acceptance and further instructions to proceed with enrolling in the first quarter classes. Failure to receive an official email invitation from the Program Director by June 17, 11:59 p.m. indicates that the prospective student has not been accepted.

All other applicants will be placed on a waiting. In the event of an opening in the program before the start of the academic cycle, students on the waiting list may be contacted.

Note: To maintain a fair and equitable process, the Program Director will NOT entertain inquiries regarding this application process, or the total number of points accumulated after the close of the application cycle.

To be admitted to the Surgical Technologist Program, a prospective student must meet the following requirements:

1. Apply to Renton Technical College
2. Minimum age: 18 years old. Running Start students must be 18 by third quarter to meet clinical placement eligibility requirements.
3. Proof of high school graduation (high school diploma, GED, or high school transcripts)
4. Prerequisite course completed with a 2.0 GPA or higher.
   *BIOL& 105 must be completed prior to application to program with a minimum 2.0 GPA, within 5 years of entering the program. (Exception: may be in progress of BIOL& 105 at time of application submission)
5. Order official transcripts from previous college institution(s) if applicable (retain receipts)

If you have questions regarding transcripts or prerequisites, please contact Colleen Bassham.

SCREENING /TRACKING REQUIREMENTS: 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. Additionally, 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. 

• Annual tuberculosis skin testing (initial 2-step followed by annual 1-step)
• Annual seasonal influenza vaccine
• Background check through CastleBranch
  
  • Cost: $113.99
  • Package code: RR73
• Personal health insurance upon entry and for the duration of the ST Program
• Hepatitis B vaccine (series of 3 vaccines and immunity titer)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (2 vaccines or proof of immunity titer)
• Varicella (2 vaccines or proof of immunity titer)
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) within the last 10 years
• Physical examination
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers
• Please note that CPR certification is not a prerequisite for applying to the Surgical Technology program. Students are not required to obtain CPR certification independently prior to enrollment. CPR training is incorporated into the curriculum of the Surgical Technology program.

• Tuberculosis screening form
• Printable Forms

1. The students should be informed that “Health Insurance” is required to participate in the clinical placement process.
2. COVID Vaccination is required for clinical placement and although RTC accepts religious exemptions, clinical sites do not. If you are seeking a religious exemption, clinical sites will not except these, therefore students that choose to enroll will not be able to successful complete the program chosen.