Thank you for your interest in the Surgical Technology Program at Skyline College. Students are admitted into the program once a year only. The application period is open January 15 - April 1.

The Surgical Technology Program is a special application program. Twenty five (25) applicants will be accepted per year. To be considered for the program, students must meet Skyline College admission requirements, meet the program prerequisites, submit the complete application package, and show evidence of good health.

Prerequisites to apply:

The following college-level courses must be completed with a “C” or better:

  1. High School Diploma or GED
  2. English: ENGL 100, 105 or equivalent
  3. Math: successful course completion of Intermediate Algebra, an equivalent course, or higher level math.
  4. Human Anatomy (with lab) – BIOL 250 or equivalent
  5. Medical Terminology – HSCI 484 or MEDA 484 or equivalent
  6. Microbiology – BIOL 240 or equivalent

All the above prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline. Eligibility can be demonstrated through successful course completion in which successful course completion of Intermediate Algebra, an equivalent course, or higher level math. Be sure also to work with a Skyline College academic counselor to determine your general education courses requirement towards the Surgical Technology A.S. Degree.

Surgical Tech
Lottery Protocol:

 

View Lottery Protocol  

Strongly Recommended Before Application:

Skyline is discontinuing the Surg Tech Certificate of Achievement and will only offer an AS Degree in Surgical Technology, starting with the cohort applying in 2021. Because the Surg Tech certification test is only open to students who have received their degree, we encourage all prospective students to complete their GE credits so that students can take the Surg Tech Certification Exam immediately after completing the Surg Tech program.

Application Steps

STEP 1: Apply to Skyline College

Follow the steps to enroll at Skyline College.

STEP 2: Complete the Surgical Technology Online Application

Are you a re-applicant?

View instructions on reapplying.

New Applicants

New applicants must complete the Surgical Technology Online Application (Available on this page, from January 15 - April 1 of each year.) Please be prepared to answer all questions in one sitting. The application will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Please make certain to have:

  • Information ready to complete prior educational history and prerequisite grades, such as copies of transcripts.
  • Information ready to complete a brief medical history on any chronic conditions or communicable illnesses.
  • An approximately 500-word personal-statement ready to attach that answers the following prompt: In your own words, please write a description of your skills and abilities that would help you in your work as a Surgical Technologist. Describe situations where you demonstrated Accountability, Promptness, Responsibility, Assertiveness, Honesty, and Teamwork.
  • Digital copies (PDF or Word files) of all unofficial transcripts showing completed prerequisites. NOTE: Foreign transcripts will need evaluation by:

    Please ask for an evaluation for placement in a community college. It must include description of upper or lower division and grade awarded.

STEP 3: Submit Three Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit three (3) letters of recommendation. Applicants should download the Standard Form   which describes what should be included in the letter. A general letter is acceptable addressing the qualities in the Standard Form. Please read the instructions on the reference form before giving them to the recommenders. The following are suggested categories for recommenders:

  • Dean, counselor, principal
  • Teacher or instructor
  • Health care workers
  • Employer or supervisor
  • Leaders of community organizations (volunteer, church, or club.)  Recommendations from close friends or relatives will not be accepted. Completed recommendation forms may be submitted in various ways, directly to Nadia Tariq, Program Services Coordinator, at tariqn@smccd.edu.
  1. The form may be e-mailed directly from the recommender to the Program Services Coordinator listed above. This is the program preference for submission.
  2. The form may be wet-signed (actual signature) or contain an official digital signature by the recommender, and then scanned and uploaded during the online application process.
  3. The form may be wet-signed (actual signature) or contain an official digital signature by the recommender, and then scanned and emailed to the Program Services Coordinator.
  4. We do not recommend mailing recommendation letters.  If you choose to mail them in, please keep a copy for yourself.

Please Note: Your application will not be considered COMPLETE until you receive verification that all three steps are complete.

Questions? Contact Nadia Tariq, Program Services Coordinator, at tariqn@smccd.edu.

After Acceptance:

After acceptance, students must successfully complete a physical examination, immunization record, social security referenced background check, and drug test.

Return All Application Materials To:

Surgical Technology Program
Nadia Tariq
Skyline College
3300 College Drive
San Bruno, CA 94066

Clinical Affiliate Requirements

Clinical affiliates have several safety and health requirements to ensure patient safety. As such, these requirements are mandatory upon acceptance to the program. Do not send any of these documents until requested to do so.

  1. Evidence of good health in the form of Physical Exam report signed by a practicing physician
  2. Verification of all immunizations pertinent to health care personnel--TB, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Chickenpox, Covid-19
  3. Cleared social security referenced background check
  4. Cleared drug screen

The physical demands of surgical technology can be challenging.
Learn more about the physical expectations of surgical technology  

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Nadia Tariq
Skyline College
3300 College Drive
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 738-4176