The AAS in Surgical Technology at Collin is an 18-month program (two academic years) that will prepare the student for an entry-level position as a surgical technologist. The course of study consists of approved courses from the Workforce Education Course Manual of Texas. These courses must be taken in full sequence to assure progression of content from simple to complex. The surgical technology curriculum is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and modeled after the Association of Surgical Technologists national curriculum.


Special Admission Requirements
Admission to the program is selective and competitive. Students must apply for admission and meet all requirements of external clinical facilities participating in the program. These requirements include drug screens, background checks, selected immunizations and proof of personal health insurance. Consult the program’s Admission Packet available on the website (www.collin.edu/surgtech) for more details.

• Submission of a completed college admission application.
• Submission of GED Certificate or high school transcript noting graduation.
• Overall GPA of 2.5 from all college courses completed and applicable to the surgical technology degree plan.
• Completion of the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Health Occupations Aptitude Test.
• Submission to Health Sciences and Emergency Services in E302 on the Central Park Campus (CPC) of a completed and signed Surgical Technology Program Application Form by the first Friday in June. The Application Form is available on line in the Admission Packet at www.collin.edu/surgtech.
• Completion of or current enrollment in the four pre-entrance required courses with a grade of ‘C’ or above and a cumulative prerequisite course GPA of 2.5. These courses include BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, HPRS 1271 and SRGT 1301. If prerequisite courses are being completed during the summer preceding admission, students will automatically receive conditional enrollment pending completion of prerequisites with a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 2.5.
• Be prepared to enter college algebra (MATH 1314 or equivalent), or completion of college level math course within the past five years of the application date.
• Completion of the PSB for Health Occupations Examination prior to the deadline for application. The PSB for Nursing will be considered in lieu of the Health Occupations Exam. Results are good for one year. Satisfactory completion of math, reading and writing assessments administered by the college.
• Submit a handwritten, well-developed, one to two page essay discussing why surgical technology has been selected as a career choice and why attendance at the Collin College program is desired. Submit this essay with your Application Form.
• Request two letters of reference from employers or teachers (not friends or family) that can attest to your character and aptitude in a healthcare career. These letters should be directly mailed by whomever writes them to: Attn: Director of Surgical Technology Program, Health Sciences and Emergency Services, Collin County Community College, 2200 W. University Dr., McKinney, Texas, 75070-8001.

Once admitted to the program:

• Be in good health and furnish physical and eye examination records. Forms will be provided by the Surgical Technology Program once the student is accepted into the program.
• Attend a student orientation meeting during the summer prior to program’s first semester.
• Participate in assessment of Core Performance Standards as defined by College policy and be reviewed by the ACCESS department if accommodations are necessary.
• Pass a drug screen at the student’s expense when requested and as directed by the program. Positive drug screens can result in students not being admitted to the program.
• Agree to a criminal background check. Findings from the background check that do not meet clinical affiliation specifications will result in the student not being admitted to the program.
• Provide proof of personal health insurance prior to clinical rotations.
• Purchase liability insurance prior to clinical rotations.
• Purchase school approved uniforms, if required, for clinical experiences.
• Complete and provide written proof of a negative TB skin test or clear chest x-ray post conversion dated within three months of the beginning of clinical rotations.
• Complete all immunizations recommended by the Texas Department of State Health Services (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/) OR (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/default.shtm)
• • Tetanus, diphtheria – primary series or booster within the last 10 years
  • MMR – one or two doses if born before 1957
  • Varicella – 2 doses or documented age-appropriate vaccination or parent report / physician report of evidence of disease (chicken pox)
  • Hepatitis A – two doses at 0 and 6-12 months
  • Hepatitis B – three dose series at 0, 1 and 6 months
  • Combined Hepatitis A and B – three doses at 0, 1 and 6 months

Functional Abilities / Core Performance Standards Statement
After initial acceptance to this program, all students are required to meet specific functional abilities with or without accommodations for successful completion of the program and to function safely and effectively in the variety of professional settings. The specific functional requirements are found in the Functional Abilities / Core Performance Standards documents provided in the program information packet and on the Surgical Technology website. Students who think they may not be able to meet the functional standards and need accommodation are encouraged to contact the college ACCESS department as soon as this program is of interest.


Health Insurance – All Surgical Technology students are required to show proof of personal health insurance prior to starting clinical rotations each semester. For information on student health insurance plans please contact Health Sciences and Emergency Services at 972.548.6677.

Students interested in the program should see the academic advisor for consultation and consult the college website for more specific information. An admission packet is available upon request from the Dean of Health Sciences and Emergency Services and on the Surgical Technology website.


AAS – Surgical Technology
69 - 71 credit hours