Criteria for Successful Completion of the Curriculum and Graduation


Program Completion​

The program consists of two full years, including a summer semester. Each Surgical 
Technology course is only offered once a year. Students are considered as having 
completed all program requirements when they have achieved a grade of “C” or better 
in all courses listed in the Surgical Technology curriculum (both program core courses 
and general education courses), have completed clinical case requirements according 
to current ARC/STSA standards, have completed a program exit exam and have taken 
the national certification exam. 

National Certification Exam Eligibility

ARC/STSA standards require a 100% participation rate in certification exams therefore, 
all Surgical Technology students who have passed the program exit exam and 
completed clinical case requirements must sit for the national certification exam 
administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting 
(NBSTSA) as part of program completion. The program will arrange for On-Campus 
Web Based Testing (WBT) and submit student qualifications to NBSTSA. The student is 
responsible for payment of exam fees and providing items required for the exam 
application.

Transfer Students

The program does not accept credits from other Surgical Technology Programs. 
Students interested in attending this program must enroll from the beginning of the 
curriculum. 

Program Readmission

Any student who exited the program may apply for readmission within one year of 
exiting the program. A student must meet the requirements for admission to the 
program at the time reinstatement is sought. Students are allowed only two attempts for 
successful completion of the ST program. A student’s reinstatement will be contingent 
on the following: 
    1. The student must meet all program admission requirements at the time reinstatement is sought.
    2. There must be available space in the program at the time of reinstatement request.
    3. If a student is found by the Medical Director and/or faculty to not to qualify for specified reasons, the student will not be readmitted into the program.
    4. ​Students who are dismissed for unprofessional behavior/conduct or a clinical violation/incident will not be readmitted to the ST program. This also includes, but is not limited to, any violations of ST program policies and/or the following CCC.
Polices: 
      1. Academic Integrity
      2. Equal Opportunity in Employment (EEO), Programs, Services, Activities
      3. Smoke, Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus
      4. Safety and Security
      5. Responsible Computer Usage
The student who wishes to be readmitted into the program must also: 
    1. ​Re-apply to the program as a new student would, with a letter stating the reason(s) for not being successful the last time and which outlines their plan to meet their future educational goals. 
    2. Student seeking re-admission into the program must follow the college policy on audits (see college catalogue). During their first semester after readmission, the readmitted student will be placed in audit status for any Surgical Technology course that was previously passed
    3. Must attend 98% of the classroom lectures
    4. 4. Must attend 98% of the lab sessions
    5. Must take and pass any written, oral, and/or lab test administered
    6. Must pass the course in order to progress through the program
    7. A clinical readmission applicant must pass a lab practicum assessment. If the assessment results in a failing grade, the applicant must be placed in the precluding lab practicum and receive a passing grade to be placed in clinical rotations.​