Surgical Technology

Students interested in admission to the limited-enrollment Surgical Technology degree program (SUR) must meet the following criteria: 

1. Application to CCAC
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
3. Completed developmental coursework as indicated by placement test results. Students must be eligible for ENG101 and MAT108.
   • Students who have enrolled in the same developmental course more than three times will not be considered for acceptance into the Surgical Technology program.
4. Completed Allied Health application
5. An unofficial copy of college transcripts is acceptable for the Allied Health application and should be sent with the application. Official college transcripts from other than CCAC should be sent to transcripts@ccac.edu to be evaluated for course transfer credits, if applicable.
6. View the career video "Making a Difference: A Career in Surgical Technology." This video can be found at https://libguides.ccac.edu/alliedhealth. A video observation form must also be completed and submitted with the application. This form is included as part of the application process.
7. Ability to meet the essential function requirements of the Allied Health programs included as part of the application process.

It is highly recommended that applicants shadow a surgical technologist in the operating room of a local hospital. Job shadowing can be arranged by contacting either the Education or Volunteer Department of the hospital of your choice. 

Outcomes Assessment Exam for Certified Surgical Technologist (CST Exam) Pass Rate

ARC/STSA CST Pass Rate Threshold: 70%

CCAC SUR Pass Rate for 8/1/2022–7/31/2023: 88%

CCAC SUR Pass Rate for 8/1/2023–7/31/2024: 100%

The CCAC Allied Health (ALH) Department uses CastleBranch, a screening and document management agency that assists students in obtaining necessary admission materials. CastleBranch will also maintain student records. Instructions and fees associated with CastleBranch registration and deadlines for each requirement will be included in the Surgical Technology program acceptance packet for accepted students. All fees associated with these requirements and CastleBranch are the responsibility of the student.

Listed below are the requirements for health records, clearances and trainings for the CCAC Surgical Technology program:

• Completed and signed Essential Functions Form
• Student Contact Information Form
• Acceptance Contract Form
• Signed Clinical Disclosure Statement
• Pennsylvania Background Check (automatically completed by CastleBranch upon student registration)
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance (must be completed after date of acceptance into the program)
• FBI Fingerprints (must be completed after date of acceptance into the program)
• Act 31 Clearance Certificate
• Physical Examination
• Proof of Immunity for Hepatitis B, Varicella, and Measles, Mumps & Rubella
• Tetanus Immunization
• Two-step PPD (Mantoux Skin Test) or QuantiFERON TB-Gold Test
• COVID–19 Vaccination or Medical/Religious Exemption
• Drug Test
• Current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (BLS) Card
• Completed E-Learning Courses on CastleBranch for HIPAA and Bloodborne Pathogens