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

Admissions Update for Spring 2026

The Surgical Technologist program has moved from an application process to direct registration for qualified students. There is no separate program application required. Once you complete the required steps and your documentation is processed, you can register on a first-come, first-served basis when your registration window opens:

• Veterans & Workforce Education: February 6
• Current & Returning Students: February 9
• New Students: February 17

This is a high-demand program with only 18 seats available, and spots are expected to fill quickly. We recommend you plan ahead to make sure all required documentation is submitted and processed before your registration window opens. Send documentation for each requirement to advising@rtc.edu so it can be added to your student account. Processing takes approximately 3–4 business days, so plan ahead.

Surgical Technologist Registration Requirements:

• Pass a background check through CastleBranch
  • Cost: $113.99 (non-refundable; does not guarantee a spot in the program)
  • Package code: RR73
  • Results are normally returned within 3–5 business days. When you receive your results contact advising@rtc.edu with your name, student ID number & intent to enroll in the Surgical Technologist program
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
• Completion of BIOL 105 with a 2.0 or higher in the last five years
  • OR current enrollment in BIOL 105
  • OR completion of both BIOL&241 and BIOL&242

Email documentation for each requirement to advising@rtc.edu along with:

• Your name
• Student ID number
• Intent to enroll in the Surgical Technologist program

Please note: It may take up to 3–4 business days for documentation to be added to your student account. Plan ahead to avoid delays in registration.

Register for Classes

Register for classes in ctcLink when your registration window opens & you have completed the registration requirements above.

• Veterans & Workforce Education: February 6
• Current & Returning Students: February 9
• New Students: February 17

If you are new to RTC, be sure to activate your ctcLink account early.

Take the Math & English placement surveys to know which class to sign up for:

• Math Directed Self Placement Survey
• English Directed Self Placement Survey

Spring 2026 Surgical Technologist Classes

• SURG 103 Operating Room Environment I
• COL 101 College Success
• COMP 100 Applied Composition or ENGL&101 English Composition
• AMATH 175 Financial Math or AMATH 190 Financial Algebra (or a higher-level math course)

We look forward to supporting you on your journey toward becoming a Surgical Technologist!

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)

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 enrollment in the Surgical Technology 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.