Admission to the Surgical Technologist Program at RTC is a selective process due to high demand. The program accepts a maximum of 18 eligible students on a first come first served basis for each fall and spring quarter entry points. The enrollment capacity of 18 students has been reached. In the event that a vacancy becomes available, it will be offered to the next eligible person on the waitlist.
Beginning on January 22, 2024, the Surgical Technologist Program will commence accepting eligibility application packets for the upcoming spring cohort. These packets will be reviewed by the Program Director to ensure that all required documentation is present and accounted for, after which eligible candidates will receive an official invitation to enroll in the Spring quarter start of 2024 (Spring quarter classes start April 2, 2024). In the event that the enrollment capacity of 18 students is reached, any remaining qualified applicants will be placed on an eligibility waitlist. The eligibility waitlist will remain open until the 5th day of the quarter; at such time the waitlist will close. Those remaining on the eligibility waitlist will have the opportunity to reapply for the next entry point which is Fall, 2024 (Fall quarter classes start September 2024).
Kindly note that official invitations will be distributed by no later than 1/31. If, for any reason, you do not receive an invitation by this date, it signifies that you will not be extended an invitation to commence the program in the spring. To ensure fairness and equity, neither the Program Director nor other program instructors will be facilitating inquiries about the status of your eligibility or your placement on the eligibility waitlist.
Virtual Surgical Technologist Program Information Sessions via Zoom:
This session will provide information specific to the application process for the Surgical Technology Program for Spring quarter 2024 entry. Information Session schedule:
Note: attending an information session is highly recommended.
Application Criteria/Application Process
To be admitted to the Surgical Technologist Program, a prospective student must meet the following requirements:
- Apply to Renton Technical College
- Minimum age: 18 years old. Running Start students must be 18 by third quarter to meet clinical placement eligibility requirements.
- Proof of high school graduation (high school diploma, GED, or high school transcripts)
- Prerequisite
- 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)
- Order official transcripts from previous college institution(s) if applicable (retain receipts)
Prospective students must submit all necessary documents in a sealed envelope to the Surgical Technologist Program Director, Aj Serba, via the lockbox outside classroom B-126, located on the first floor of Building B on campus. The eligibility application packet (sealed envelope) must contain the following documents in sequential order (1. 2. 3. 4.) Please do not submit any other documents.
- Include the prospective student document
- Copy of high school diploma, GED, or high school transcripts
- Unofficial transcript (only) showing completion of BIOL 105 with a minimum 2.0 GPA within the past five years.
- Order receipt(s) for official transcripts-If you have taken college courses outside of RTC, you MUST order official transcripts to be sent to RTC. This is an important step which can affect graduation and/or financial aid eligibility.
If you have questions regarding transcripts or prerequisites, please contact Colleen Bassham.
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 invitation and acceptance to the Surgical Technologist 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: $106
- 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
