Admission into the Surgical Technology program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is competitive and requires a supplemental application process as outlined below.
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1. Review Qualifications
BACKGROUND CHECK
Admission into the Surgical Technology program is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check for students accepted into the program.
- A clean background check is required for full admission into the program and must be completed annually for continued enrollment.
- Students are responsible for the requesting and payment of the background check as well as handling any disputes that arise.
- Background checks performed for previous employment may not be used for admission into the program.
VACCINATIONS
Surgical Technology students participating in clinical rotations with certain healthcare institutions will be subject to vaccination requirements. CWI has been granted discretion to approve exemptions to vaccination requirements due to medical conditions, disabilities, and/or, religious reasons.
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2. Apply to CWI
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Surgical Technology as your major.
- Be admitted as a student, and complete next steps on the Student Checklist for Success.
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3. Complete Prerequisite & Corequisite Classes
Grades for completed and in-progress prerequisite and general education classes will be reported on your Surgical Technology Program Application. Meet with your advisor to discuss options specific to your situation.
- Prerequisites, Biology 227/227L and 228/228L, as well as Medical Terminology, must have been completed within the last five (5) years. Certain exceptions may apply.
- Grades for in-progress classes will be verified at semester end.
- Current CWI students may view their progress in Student Planning.
- For classes in which you are currently enrolled, please complete a Course Credit Verification Form.
- For classes previously completed as part of bachelor’s or master’s degree, please submit a Bachelor’s Degree Transfer Credit Request Form.
PREREQUISITE CLASSES
To be eligible for acceptance into the Surgical Technology program, you must complete the following prerequisite classes with a C or higher:
Option 1 Option 2 - BIOL 226 Human Anatomy & Physiology I Plus
- BIOL 227P/227L Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- BIOL 228/228L Human Anatomy & Physiology II
- HLTH 101 Medical Terminology
- BIOL 227/227L Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- BIOL 228/228L Human Anatomy & Physiology II
- HLTH 101 Medical Terminology
Associate of Applied Science Degree Plan
General Education CLASSES
Completion of the following general education classes is required for graduation from the Surgical Technology program. Preference will be given to applicants who complete these classes with a C or higher prior to submitting their application:
- GEM 1: Written Communication
- GEM 2: Oral Communication
- GEM 3: Mathematical Ways of Knowing
- GEM 6: Behavioral Ways of Knowing
Additional Classes
While not required for entry into the Surgical Technology program, completion of additional health science classes with a C or higher can increase your ranking points on your application.
- Pathophysiology
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Health Ethics
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4. Obtain Professional References
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide two (2) professional references.
- References must be a supervisor, manager, instructor, or coworker.
- Each of your chosen reference will complete an Surgical Technology Professional Reference Form.
- Upon completion, the reference will seal the form in an envelope, sign their name across the seal for official recognition, and return the sealed envelope to you for submission with your application.
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5. Verify Employment & Volunteer Experience
While not required to apply to the Surgical Technology program, past or present work experience in the healthcare industry can increase your ranking points on your application.
- A Healthcare Employment & Volunteer Verification should be completed for each employment or volunteer position you have held.
- The form will be completed by the supervisor of that position.
- Upon completion, the supervisor will seal the form in an envelope, sign their name across the seal for official recognition, and return the sealed envelope to you for submission with your application.
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6. Provide Unofficial Transcripts
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide a copy of your unofficial transcripts with all prerequisite and corequisite classes and previous degrees highlighted.
- If you have attended or are currently attending CWI, access your unofficial transcript via your Self-Service Toolkit on myCWI.
- Unofficial transcripts from other colleges or universities may be obtained by contacting the institution directly.
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7. Verify Certifications
While not required to apply to the Surgical Technology program, current certifications you hold can increase your ranking points on your application.
ACCEPTED CERTIFICATIONS
The following is a list of accepted certifications. As part of your Surgical Technology Program Application, you will be asked to include a copy of each listing the date issued and expiration.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- Paramedic
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8. Apply to the Surgical Technology Program
Upon completion of Steps 1 – 7, you are now ready to officially apply to the Surgical Technology program.
Surgical Technology Program Application
- Your completed and signed application, along with any required materials, should be sealed in an envelope and submitted to One Stop Student Services in-person or by mail by the deadline.
- Please write your full name and Surgical Technology Program Application on the envelope.
- Do not staple any of the documents within your application.
- Only complete applications will be considered.
- Additional materials or additions to your application will not be accepted upon submission.
- Each summer, 18 students are admitted into the program.
- Applicants must reapply each year.
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9. Interview
- Following review of applications, top-scoring applicants will be selected for an interview.
- Interviews for the Summer 2025 cohort will be held April 22, 23, and 24.
- Applicants who attend this interview may potentially receive an additional 30 points on their application.
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10. Attend Mandatory Information Session & Orientation
All Applicants
- All applicants to the Surgical Technology program are required to attend a mandatory program information session following submission of their application.
- The program information session for the Summer 2025 cohort will take place Monday, April 14, via Zoom.
- Details of the session will be communicated via email to each applicant.
Accepted Applicants
- Applicants accepted into the program for Summer 2025 will be notified April 28 and 29.
- Those accepted will attend a face-to-face orientation on Wednesday, May 14, at the Ada County Campus Quail Building.
- Details of the orientation will be communicated via email to each accepted applicant.
Questions?
- CCMA
- CST, CSFA, MS, Surgical First Assistant