Associate Degree in Surgical Technology

Explore the required courses and curriculum information for this program, which can be found in Saint Joseph's academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

Our surgical technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARCSTSA).

Saint Joseph's University – Lancaster’s tuition structure includes both per-credit tuition and program-specific fees.

PER-CREDIT TUITION:

The cost of the Surgical Technology Associate Degree is $697 per credit for the 2025-2026 academic year.

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC FEES:

In addition to the per-credit rate, there are also program-specific fees for the following courses:

• SUR 115: $3,435 fee
• SUR 215: $3,435 fee
• SUR 225: $3,435 fee

For a detailed breakdown and additional information, visit our Tuition & Fees page.

Surgical Technologists work directly with providers and patients, with the goal of providing health care and ensuring patient safety. They can perform both administrative and clinical services, filling several roles in a variety of healthcare environments. As with any healthcare position, there are certain occupational risks or hazards while performing their duties, including the following: a) Exposure to infectious diseases, b) Sharps injuries, c) Blood-borne pathogens and biological hazards, d) Chemical and drug exposure, e) Ergonomic hazards from lifting, sitting, and repetitive tasks, f) Latex allergies, and g) Stress.

Surgical technologists have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Injuries may occur due to incidents such as slips, falls, and overexertion. Workers reduce the risk of injury by following safety procedures and practices, such as using proper lifting technique and wearing shoes with slip-resistant soles. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical Assistants and Technologists - visited January 21, 2025).

As an accredited program, Saint Joseph's University's Surgical Technology program teaches students about the hazards they face on the job and protocols that can be put into place to ensure a workplace culture that prioritizes safety.

1. To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.

2. High school or post-secondary college-level courses must include the following:

• At least four units of English
• At least three units of Social Sciences
• At least three units of Mathematics (Two (2) of which are at least the level of Algebra)
• Two (2) units of Science with a related laboratory or an equivalent (One (1) of which must be biology).

3. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0-point scale in secondary or post-secondary education (whichever is more recent). However, the GPA requirement can be different depending on specific program requirements. Please see our undergraduate requirements or reach out to the Office of Admission for additional information.

4. A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is also required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.

Additional Admission Factors for Consideration:

In addition to the required items above, the admission team will consider the following factors when making an admission decision:

• Class rank
• Academic performance in post-secondary science and math courses
• Community service
• Healthcare-related service

To apply for this program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.

First-Year Students
Applications for high school students are available beginning August 1 of your senior year. For a full timeline of deadlines and addition information, visit our admission page.

Transfer Students
Applications to transfer to Saint Joseph’s are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring start terms.

If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:

• Satisfy general admission requirements
• Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey

Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT instead of the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.

Transfer credit may be awarded for previous coursework. A course must meet the following requirements to be considered for transfer to Saint Joseph’s University’s Lancaster campus:

• Undergraduate courses with a grade of “C” or above
• Graduate courses with a grade of “B” or above (Pass/Fail grades are not eligible for transfer credit)
• Must be from a regionally or programmatically accredited institution
• The coursework must match the course offered at Saint Joseph’s University
• Some programs have a time limit for specific courses

Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:

• Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
• Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
• Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
• Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
• Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
• Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
• Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
• Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)