Surgical Technology

Before you enter the program, you will need to complete the following classes with a ‘C’ or better:

• BIO 55 (General Human Anatomy and Physiology) OR BIO 5 (Human Anatomy) and BIO 6 (Human Physiology)
• HSCI 3 (Medical Terminology)

Application

Acceptance into the Surgical Technology Program is by an application process, once per year, during May.
Applications for fall entrance are accepted May 1-31 (or the last business day prior).

Submit a Surgical Technician Application (Click “Create New Account” to access and submit the application if you do not have a Dynamic Forms log in.)

Deadline

• All online applications must be received by Friday, May 30, 2025
• Nursing Department Office Hours:
  Monday – Thursday, 8am to 4pm, Friday, 8am to Noon

Orientation

Students must attend a mandatory orientation on the Rocklin campus to be considered for the random selection process. Applicants will be notified the second week in June. The notification will be sent to the email address listed on the application.

These are the essential functions required of ALL surgical technologist students:

Motor Capability

1. Move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces.
2. Lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
3. Squat, bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, kneel, and climb stairs.
4. Use hands repetitively; possess manual dexterity, and the ability to keep a steady hand.
5. Adjust, apply, and clean supplies and equipment.
6. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
7. Travel to and from academic and clinical sites.
8. In the average clinical day, students sit 1-2 hours, stand 6-7 hours and travel 1-2 hours.
9. Ability to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment: medical gloves, medical mask/N95, fluid resistant gown, face shield/goggles)
10. . Ability to perform duties while wearing PPE.

Sensory Capability

1. Coordinate verbal and manual instructions.
2. Assess a client 10 feet away to observe patient posture and physical well-being.
3. Respond to a timer, alarm, or cries for help.
4. Hearing, visual, and tactile ability sufficient to assess patient status to perform specimen collection and processing. Example: color changes in skin, palpate pulse, palpate veins for venipuncture, collect body fluid samples.

Communication Ability

1. Communicate effectively in English (verbal, understand and written) with patients, families, and other health care providers. Example: explain procedures, understand questions, educate, and document in medical records.
2. Effectively adapt communication for intended audience.
3. Interact, establish rapport with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, religious, and intellectual backgrounds.
4. Assume the role of a health care team member.
5. Function effectively under supervision

Problem Solving Ability

1. Function effectively under stress.
2. Test-taking ability within predefined time constraints.
3. Respond appropriately to emergencies.
4. Adhere to infection control procedures.
5. Demonstrate problem-solving skills in client care (measure, calculate, reason, prioritize and synthesize data).
6. Use sound judgement and safety precautions.
7. Critically think and address problems or questions to the appropriate person at the appropriate time.
8. Organize and prioritize tasks.
9. Follow the policies and procedures required by clinical and academic settings.

• Provide proof of Basic Life Support CPR from the American Heart Association that is current through the semester.
• Submit to a criminal background check. Must have a negative background check to participate.
• Submit to drug testing. Must have a negative drug test to participate.
• Undergo a physical examination
• Provide proof of vaccination and/or immunity to the following:
  • measles, mumps and rubella
  • varicella
  • hepatitis B
  • Tdap vaccine
  • influenza (current year vaccination)
  • Provide proof of freedom from tuberculosis
  • Understand that lecture and lab are mandatory and cannot be missed
  • Understand that a 40-hour, sixteen-week externship will be completed during the final semester

Skills

• Have great verbal and written communication skills
• Understand and differentiate among all surgical instruments
• Be able to stand for long periods of time
• Work well both independently and in a team
• Follow directions, multi-task and have high attention to detail
• Be comfortable using a computer
• Have good coordination with hands
• Work effectively under stress

Duties

• Setting up the sterile field in preparation for surgery
• Assisting the physician during surgery, anticipating needs for correct instruments
• Propper collection of blood and other specimens
• Propper handling, labeling and transporting of specimens
• Adhering to all HIPAA regulations
• Complying with all infection control procedures