Surgical Technology Application Steps

Admission into the Surgical Technology program at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø (CWI) is competitive and requires a supplemental application process as outlined below. 

Program Application Period

Summer 2026

  • Applications open in November.

Steps to Apply

8336 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

While vaccinations are not required to enroll at CWI or join the Surgical Technology program, some of our partner healthcare organizations may require them for clinical rotations or externships, which are necessary to complete the program. Efforts will be made to secure a placement for each student; however, a site that does not require vaccinations cannot be guaranteed, which may delay or prevent completion of the program and may limit employment opportunities after graduation. CWI maintains an exemption process for medical conditions, disabilities, or religious beliefs, which are currently accepted by a number of partner organizations for the purposes of student placement.

8336 2. Apply to CWI

Contact Admissions

8336 3. Complete Classes

Grades for completed and in-progress program admission and general education requirements will be reported on your Surgical Technology Program Application. Meet with your advisor to discuss options specific to your situation.

  • Biology 227/227L and 228/228L and 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 previously completed as part of bachelor’s degree, please submit a Bachelor’s Degree Transfer Credit Request Form.

Program Admission Requirements

To be eligible for acceptance into the Surgical Technology program, you must complete one of the following options prior to program entry. 

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

General Education Requirements

Preference will be given to applicants who complete the following general education classes prior to applying to the Surgical Technology program. 

Additional Classes

While not required to apply to or complete the Surgical Technology program, completion of additional health science classes can increase your ranking points on the application.

  • Pathophysiology
  • Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition
  • Health Ethics
8336 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 a 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.
8336 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.

  • 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.
8336 6. Provide Unofficial Transcripts

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide a copy of your unofficial transcripts with all program admission and general education requirements 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.
8336 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
8336 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.
8336 9. Attend Exploration Event

Following submission of your application, all applicants are invited to attend the Surgical Technology Exploration event. 

  • The event is hosted in April, via Zoom.
  • Details will be communicated via email to each applicant. 
8336 10. Interview

Following review of applications, top-scoring applicants will be invited to an interview in April, conducted by a panel of program representatives.

To ensure applicants are evaluated equitably and without bias, the interview process is structured as follows:

  • The purpose of this interview is to assess the applicant's preparedness for and understanding of the career field.
  • Questions cover topics such as knowledge of the profession, candidate interest, and common workplace scenarios. 
  • To promote fairness and consistency, interview panelists use a standardized rubric to score candidate responses. 
8336 11. Participate in Program Orientation

Applicants admitted into the program will be notified late April. 

  • Admitted students are required to participate in the Surgical Technology Program Orientation covering program expectations and requirements prior to registering for major-specific classes. 
  • Details will be communicated via email to each student. 

Questions?

headshot role additional location
Revision_id: 185973
Photo of Sabina Omair
Department Chair, Medical Assistant
208.562.2409
sabinaomair@cwi.edu
CCMA
Revision_id: 185973
Photo of Angel Lewis
Program Director/Instructor
angellewis@cwi.edu
CST, CSFA, MS, Surgical First Assistant
Revision_id: 185973
208.562.3000
onestop@cwi.edu