Application
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:
- High School Diploma or GED
- English: ENGL 100, 105 or equivalent
- Intermediate Algebra: MATH 120 or equivalent
- Human Anatomy (with lab) – BIOL 250 or equivalent
- Medical Terminology – HSCI 484 or MEDA 484 or equivalent
- Microbiology – BIOL 240 or equivalent
All academic prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline of April 1st. A final grade report must be submitted at application. Eligibility can be demonstrated through successful course completion or test scores, available at the Assessment Center. Applicants unsure as to which courses meet the prerequisites should consult their college counselor or the counseling department at Skyline College at (650) 738-4318.
Strongly Recommended Before Application:
- Completion of 30 GE credits (or a transcript evaluation demonstrating the same)
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? Click here for instructions .
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:
- International Education Research Foundation Inc
Post Office Box 3665
Culver City, CA 90231-3665
Phone: 310.258.9451
Please ask for an evaluation for placement in a community college. It must include description of upper or lower division and grade awarded.
- International Education Research Foundation Inc
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 Tammy Wong, Program Services Coordinator, at wongta@smccd.edu.
- The form may be e-mailed directly from the recommender to the Program Services Coordinator listed above. This is the program preference for submission.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Tammy Wong, Program Services Coordinator, at wongta@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
Tammy WongSkyline 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.
- Evidence of good health in the form of Physical Exam report signed by a practicing physician
- Verification of all immunizations pertinent to health care personnel--TB, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Chickenpox
- Cleared social security referenced background check
- Cleared drug screen
The physical demands of surgical technology can be challenging.
Learn more about the physical expectations of surgical technology