To be a strong candidate for this program, ensure you meet the following:

• Academic performance: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required for program consideration.

The following prerequisite courses must be completed or in progress during the application process:

• ENG 1021 English Composition
• MAT 1140 Career Mathematics or higher
• HPR 1045 Medical Record Terminology
• BIO 2101 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIO 2104 Microbiology

Complete prerequisite courses in Math, Science, English, and Psychology before applying to the program. Science courses must have been completed within the last seven years.

If any courses are outdated or completed at another institution, approval from the respective department chair may be required to ensure they meet current curriculum standards. 

In-progress prerequisites are acceptable at the time of application but must be completed with a passing grade before the start of the Fall semester.

Students should also be enrolled in the AGS (Associate of General Studies) degree plan.

Note:
PSY 2440 Human Growth and Development and BIO 2102 Human Anatomy and Physiology II may be completed before or during the program. Students should contact the Advising team or the Program Director for specific guidance.

Upon enrollment, students must complete a background check and drug screening ordered through CastleBranch. Directions for completing this process will be sent upon enrollment verification. Please note, students are required to meet the background check requirements outlined by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) to ensure eligibility for clinical placements. The specific disqualifying offenses can be found in the CCCS SP 4-10c Student Background Checks policy.

Immunization and Health Requirements:
Students must submit proof of the following immunizations (including but not limited to):

• TB Test: Annually
• Tdap: Every ten years
• Hepatitis B: 2 or 3 doses depending on the vaccine; titer required if there is no series documentation.
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2 doses; titer if there is no documentation
• Varicella (Chickenpox): 2 doses; titer if there is no documentation
• Flu: Annually (2024-2025 flu series required by Oct 15)
• COVID-19 Vaccine: Completed series required (boosters not required)
• BLS/CPR (AHA Provider Level): Every two years
• Background Check and Drug Test: Upon acceptance into the program (must redo if readmitted)

Note: Immunization requirements can change with or without notice, pending clinical affiliation agreements.

Program Orientation: 
Accepted students must attend a mandatory Surgical Technology orientation approximately two weeks before the program begins.

Clinical Case Requirements:
Students must complete a minimum of 120 surgical cases during clinical education.

Requirements include:

• 30 General Surgery cases
• 90 cases across various surgical specialties

Clinicals will take place at partner hospitals and surgical centers, providing real-world experience under professional supervision. Unpaid clinical experience is the standard, though paid apprenticeships may
be available based on partnership availability.

During clinical experience and the required coursework, students must maintain a minimum grade of 76% or higher in all required courses.