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Ashley Smith

Surgical Technology Admission Requirements

Prepare to apply for the UAFS surgical technology program by reviewing admission requirements, prerequisite coursework, ATI-TEAS testing, selection criteria, and documentation needed before entry. 

Requirements

To be considered for admission to the surgical technology program, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Complete all university admission requirements, including submitting official transcripts from every college or university attended.

  • Have a minimum 2.25 GPA for all college coursework, including transfer work and excluding developmental courses, and be in good academic standing.

  • Complete all required prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher before fall entry. Prerequisite courses are the first two semesters listed on the degree plan and total 28 credit hours. View the current Academic Catalog for the latest degree plan.

  • Take the ATI-TEAS exam.

Application Process

Students must apply to both the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and the surgical technology program. These are separate applications, and admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the surgical technology program.

Students who meet the minimum admission requirements are eligible to submit the surgical technology program application. A maximum of 18 students are accepted per cohort. The application deadline for fall entry is April 15. Applicants should receive decision letters by the final Friday in May. 

Apply to UAFSApply to Surgical Technology Program

How Decisions are made

Selection is based on successful completion of the admission criteria and is highly competitive. Due to program size limitations, meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the surgical technology program.


Applicants with higher prerequisite course GPAs and ATI-TEAS scores will rank higher in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be contacted after the admission deadline for an interview.


After the interview process, the top applicants will be offered positions for the available seats in the surgical technology program. Meeting the minimum admission requirements or taking courses on the surgical technology degree plan does not guarantee admission.

Students who are not admitted must reapply to be considered for a future semester. Students selected as alternates are not guaranteed a position in the next class.

Students admitted into the surgical technology program must submit the following additional documentation prior to fall entry:

  • Healthcare Provider Statement/Medical Release form

  • Proof of immunizations

  • CPR Certification: American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers

  • Criminal background check

  • Drug screen
Note: Many clinical facilities require criminal background checks and/or drug screens for students and may deny clinical training based on the outcome of either screening.
 
Students who are unable to practice in a clinical agency because of an adverse or negative background check may be unable to complete program objectives, which may revoke admission or discontinue progression in the program.

Science courses taken more than five years before entering the program will be evaluated on an individual basis by the executive director of the surgical technology program and the dean of the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences. Students should contact their advisor for more information and to request a science course evaluation.

The surgical technology program is competency-based. To continue in the program, students must maintain a 75% average in clinical performance and a 75% average in each didactic course.


A student who is dropped from the program for any reason may apply for readmission if they are in compliance with the UAFS Student Academic Progress Policy as outlined in the Academic Catalog.

A student who discontinues the surgical technology sequence for any reason must petition for readmission to the surgical technology program.


Readmission requirements are listed in the Surgical Technology Program and Procedure Manual under the Readmission Criteria and Procedure Policy section. Readmission is not guaranteed.


A student who is readmitted is responsible for the degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

To earn a surgical technology degree, students must:

  • Earn a grade of C or better in all required courses applicable to the surgical technology program.

  • Earn a minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA in all coursework required for the major.

  • Earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA on all work attempted at the university.

  • Meet with the advising coordinator for the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences to complete the graduation application one year before intended graduation.


Per the ARC/STSA, students must sit for the national certification examination to become a Certified Surgical Technologist before graduation.