Academics

Explore the Programs at Miami Dade College

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Surgical Technologist?

A. Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians is a health care professional who prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, works alongside and assist surgeons, and other members of the health care team throughout a surgical operation.

Q. What are the application requirements?

A. To request a milestone review, you must have completed, or be enrolled, in the requirement courses (HSC0003/L, ENC 1101, HUM 1020, BSC 2085/L, BSC2086/L, AMH 2020, MGF 1107). However, the selection of students to progress to discipline courses is based on the number of required general education and natural science courses completed at the time of program selection.

Q. What are the selection criteria?

A.  Because enrollment is limited in this program, selection criteria is based on the number of required general education and natural science courses completed at the time of program selection with top priority given to students that have completed all of the required general education and science courses. Additionally, Grade Point Average (GPA) (minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA) is included in the selection process.

Q. Can I request a milestone review if I have not completed all the general education courses?

A.  You can request a milestone review before completing these courses. However, selection is based on the number of courses completed. You are encouraged to complete all of the non-discipline courses to increase your chances of progressing to discipline courses.

Q. When does the program start and what is the target review date?

A. The program starts in Spring (January) and Summer (May) each year. The target deadline for milestone reviews is September 1st of each year for the January (Spring semester) start and April 30th of each year for the May (Summer semester) start.

Q. What are the hours of the program?

A. Classes are offered weekdays from approximately 8:00 – 4:00 pm. Clinical courses are scheduled from 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. depending on the clinic assigned.

Q. How many courses will I be taking?

A. To earn the Associate Degree in Surgical Technology, 24 courses must be completed. (64 credits)

Q. Are weekend courses available?

A. No

Q. Can I work while I am a student in the program?

A. Employment is not encouraged but you should be able to work about 15- 20 hours per week without jeopardizing your course grades. Students must earn at least a final grade of “C” or better to continue in the program.

Q. What if I fail a course?

A. This is a cohort style program, and therefore you will have to wait until the course is offered again.

Q. How will I be taught?

A.  Face-to-face and online (Blackboard). Web enhancements, Blended, and flipped classroom styles.

Q. Do you assist with job placement after graduation?

A. The Medical Campus does not provide job placement. Through the Career Center located in the New Student Center on the Medical Campus, graduates may review employment opportunities that have been forwarded to the Career Center.

Q. Do I need to take a test to work in this profession?

A. To work as a Surgical Technologist, certification is required. The student must pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), offered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Q. Are the National and State exam fees included in the College tuition and fees?

A. No

 

Q. How do I apply for the Surgical Technology Program?

A. Step 1: Apply to MDC. If you have never taken classes at MDC, or haven't taken classes in more than an academic year, please complete a Miami Dade College application.

Step 2: Send transcripts from your high school and previously attended colleges/ universities as applicable
Step 3: Meet with a Medical Campus Advisor to discuss program requirements and milestone checkpoints
Step 4: Visit Medical Campus Program Requirements web page to request a Milestone Review by the target deadline date.

Q. What kind of degree will I be awarded when I graduate?

A. Associate in Science degree in Surgical Technology

Q. What is the approximate annual salary for graduates of this program in this area?

A. According to the United Sates Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor and Statistics occupation code 29-2055, the National mean annual wage for a surgical Technologists was $48,300 ($23.22 mean hourly wage) in 2019.

Apply to earn six (6) College Credits towards a degree in Surgical Technology.

For more information, visit our industry certification page.

Questions about this or other programs at the Medical Campus?

Visit our virtual room to speak to an advisor. No appointment is necessary.

New Student Center - Room 1113

Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Medical Campus address and directions