Surgical Technology / Get Started Today

Step 2: Complete Your Admissions Application

If you’re new to GateWay or the Maricopa Community Colleges, or if you need to reapply, click the button below and follow the instructions to complete your admissions application:

Become a Student

• New Students: Click "Join Now" to create an account.
• Returning Students: Click "Log In" and enter your MEID and password. If you do not
  remember your MEID or password, select “Forgot your Username?” and/or “Forgot your
  Password?” for assistance.

What to Enter on Your Application:

Duo Two-Factor Authentication 

After completing your admission application, you will need to set up Duo two-factor authentication. Click on the link to set up your Duo two-factor authentication account.  

For further assistance, contact Enrollment Services at (602) 238-4350 or visit the Enrollment Services department at our Washington Campus  campus in person at 108 North 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 

Step 3: Prerequisites

Before submitting your application, the following requirements must be completed:

• You must complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in those required courses.
• The Advisor Review Form must be completed and signed by a GateWay Community College Healthcare Advisor.

Applications will not be accepted without a completed and signed Advisor Review Form.

Official Transcripts

Submit your official transcripts for all previous college coursework to the Admissions, Records, and Registration Office.

Transfer Course Credits

Step 4: Program Application and Checklist

To view and apply for Surgical Technology, Click Here.

Email your completed documents to [email protected] using your official Maricopa student email address.

Step 5: Background Check and Fingerprint Clearance

After you are accepted into the program, you will receive detailed instructions from the Health and Safety Administrator on how to complete all required health and safety steps.

To begin the program, you must:

• Present a valid Level One AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Pass the MCCCD Background Check

Important Notes

• Students cannot be placed in clinical experiences unless all background and fingerprint requirements are met.
• You are responsible for any associated costs.
• Students are encouraged to apply for the fingerprint card early in the process. Please allow a minimum of eight weeks for DPS Level One processing.
• The AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card is valid for six years from the date of issue.

Step 6: Enrollment

If your application is approved, the Program Director will contact you through your official Maricopa student email with next steps for enrollment.

If you need assistance, please reach out to Healthcare Advising at
[email protected] or 602.286.8200.

Step 7: Payment Options / Funding

You must have Financial Aid or a payment plan set up before your program start date.

Students who do not arrange payment in advance may be dropped from their classes for non-payment.

Financial Aid

Payment Plans

Scholarship Opportunities

Veterans Services

Important Reminders

★ Regularly check your Maricopa student email and Student Center for updates on payment balances and deadlines. 

★ If you’ve applied for financial aid, check for any pending "To Do List" items that may delay your award. 

★ Your seat in the program is not secured until your funding is confirmed. Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in being dropped from the program.

Career Description

Surgical technology is a specialized area within healthcare focused on the safe and sterile use of surgical instruments during operative procedures. Surgical Technologists are an essential part of the surgical team, working directly in the operating room and maintaining constant communication with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

This role requires excellent hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Primary Responsibilities

Surgical Technologists commonly perform tasks such as:

• Maintaining a sterile field throughout surgical procedures
• Counting sponges, needles, and instruments before and after surgery
• Assisting surgeons by handing instruments, holding retractors, and cutting sutures
• Preparing patients for surgery, including positioning and draping
• Performing surgical scrubs and donning sterile attire
• Cleaning and sterilizing equipment using approved methods
• Monitoring operating room conditions and responding to team needs
• Applying dressings or bandages after procedures
• Restocking and organizing surgical instruments and supplies
• Operating and adjusting surgical equipment, including lights, suction machines, and diagnostic tools
• Using computers, robotics, and other electronic devices as required

This career is ideal for individuals who thrive in a clinical setting, enjoy hands on work, and are dedicated to supporting safe and efficient surgical care.

Graduates of the HCS Program and Enrollment for the Surgical Technology Program

Admission to the Surgical Technology Program is managed by Selective Admissions and follows a first-come, first-served process.

Students may qualify for different pathways based on prior education and certification.

Advanced Placement Eligibility

Candidates may be eligible for advanced placement if they meet the following criteria:

• Graduated from the GateWay Community College Hospital Central Service (HCS) program in 2018 or later
• Hold a current CRCST certification
• Are currently employed in the field
• Have completed all required prerequisite courses

Eligibility for Non-GWCC HCS Graduates

Students who did not complete the GateWay HCS program may still apply if they:

• Hold a current CRCST certification through HSPA
• Provide current proof of employment in the field
• Apply through the Selective Admissions process

Cohort Limit

Up to five HCS students will be accepted into each Fall cohort for the Surgical Technology Program.

This structure helps ensure clear pathways for both GWCC HCS graduates and industry professionals seeking to advance their careers through Surgical Technology training.

Health and Safety Requirements

Maricopa Community Colleges requires all Surgical Technology students to meet the Health and Safety standards set by our most stringent clinical partner.
This ensures that students are eligible for immediate and flexible placement at any assigned clinical site.

Health and Safety Requirements

If you have questions, you may contact the Health and Safety Administrators for assistance.

Physical & Mental Endurance Requirements

Surgical Technologists must be prepared for the physical and mental demands of the operating room. The role requires sustained focus, precise coordination, and the ability to function effectively in a high-pressure environment. Key expectations include:

• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, or sit for extended periods with minimal breaks
• Clear visual acuity (20/20 with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish colors
• Strong hand-eye coordination and fine motor dexterity for handling instruments and equipment
• Calm and effective responses during stressful situations or emergencies
• Compassionate communication with patients, staff, and faculty
• Ability to lift at least 20 pounds and carry it 40 feet
• Openness to constructive feedback and a positive, professional attitude
• Effective time management across clinical, lab, class, and study settings
• Willingness to work with diverse personalities and contribute to a team environment
• Consistent punctuality and reliability
• Ability to follow directions and work safely under supervision
• Free from impairments caused by substances or health issues
• Compliance with random drug screenings
• Commitment to maintaining and sharing an academic calendar

These expectations help ensure students are prepared for the realities of the operating room and can succeed throughout their clinical and academic training.

Program Course Sequence

Course Sequence By Term

Program Outcomes can be found on the Surgical Services page under Additional Information

Can I apply previously earned college credits to this program?

Yes, previously earned college credits may be applied toward your degree or certificate requirements. To ensure transferability, all credits must be:

• Reviewed for equivalency by a GateWay Community College Program Advisor
• Officially evaluated through the admissions process

Students are encouraged to schedule an advising appointment to review transcripts and determine which credits meet program requirements.

Are military veterans given priority for the Surgical Technology Program?

Yes. GateWay Community College is committed to supporting military veterans in their educational goals. Each Fall, the Surgical Technology Program reserves the first two seats in the cohort for eligible veterans.

To be considered for one of these reserved seats, applicants must:

• Submit a copy of their DD214
• Complete all Selective Admissions requirements

This initiative reflects the college’s dedication to honoring military service and helping veterans transition into a meaningful healthcare career.

If I have a criminal record, can I still enroll in this career?

It depends on the nature of the record. Enrollment may not be possible without proper clearances. Clinical partners require students to obtain:

• A Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• Confirmation that the student is not listed on the Federal Office of Inspector General’s Exclusion List

Students who cannot obtain these clearances are prohibited from attending clinical experiences, which means they cannot continue in the program.

How many students are admitted into the program each year?

The Surgical Technology Program admits up to 20 students each Fall semester. This capacity is determined by:

• Accreditation guidelines from the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)
• The number of available clinical placement sites

These limits help ensure high-quality instruction and meaningful hands-on clinical training.

I live outside Maricopa County. Can I complete my clinical experience closer to home?

Possibly. The Surgical Technology Program partners with several facilities outside Maricopa County, but all placements must be arranged exclusively by the Clinical Coordinator to meet accreditation requirements.

Requesting a clinical site near you

Students who live outside Maricopa County may:

• Submit a written request to the Clinical Coordinator
• Include the specific hospital or facility they would prefer

All placements depend on availability, accreditation standards, and program needs.

Important: Students may not arrange their own clinical sites. Any placement made without approval from the Clinical Coordinator will not be recognized by the program.

Estimated Program Costs*

The estimated program costs are outlined below. Students are responsible for transportation, housing, and uniforms.

* https://www.maricopa.edu/students/tuition-payment-information/tuition-fees