Program Tips

General Information

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing education plans based on their graduation audit. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services).

Technology Recommendations

It is recommended for students to have access to a laptop, computer, or device with a webcam, and have reliable Wi-Fi at home or off-campus.

Library & Academic Support

The one-stop spot for academic help! Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, research guidance, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available in Commons.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student's program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Title IX Pregnancy and Related Conditions

CVTC does not discriminate against any student based on pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Related conditions include, but are not limited to, childbirth, breastfeeding/pumping, miscarriage, abortion, false pregnancy, and recovery from these or related conditions. Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to ensure equal access to CVTC's educational program and activity. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to discuss appropriate and available modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request pregnancy-related modifications as promptly as possible.

Pre-Core Information

Students who have pre-core status have been accepted into the college but not into the program. Pre-core status may be granted because the program is filled to capacity, academic preparedness requirements need to be satisfied, or the program start date is in the future. For more detailed information, visit the Pre-Core Health Advisement page.

Courses Available to Pre-core Students

By completing the courses listed below ahead of time, students can decrease their credit load when they reach the highly demanding core program courses. Students who complete these courses as pre-core students will NOT be able to finish the program early; core program courses must be taken sequentially.

These courses are typically taken by pre-core students:

• 836-113 Prep for Basic Biology*
• 836-133 Prep for Basic Chemistry*
• 501-101 Medical Terminology
• 806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology (high school or college chemistry, or 836-133 Prep for Basic Chemistry is a co-requisite)
• 801-136 English Composition 1 or 801-219 English Composition 1
• 801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication
• 806-197 Microbiology
• 809-198 Intro to Psychology
• 809-196 Intro to Sociology

* These courses are academic preparedness requirements. If these requirements are not met, students may take those courses at CVTC.

Transfer Credit

Students planning to transfer to a university have the option to take 200-level courses that will count toward general education requirements in the four-year degree being pursued. While some of the 100-level general education courses listed on the program sheet may meet approval for transfer, the 200-level courses are more widely accepted for transfer. To determine what courses may transfer, utilize Transferology.com. Students should also contact the college or university they are pursuing to determine exactly what the school will accept and when to seek admission. Students should maintain contact with the other institution given that program requirements are subject to change.

Program Information

Criminal Background Check

Upon starting the core program, students will be provided directions on how to request a criminal background check from a third party vendor. Please note that a fee will apply. Upon receipt of the criminal background check results, if a student has a criminal history, they will be advised of the possibility of being denied clinical placement. This denial could result in not being able to attend clinical(s) or graduate from the program. Additional background checks may be required during the student's enrollment in the program based on clinical site requirements. Students will be informed by CVTC if they need a criminal background check renewal.

Clinical Compliance

To be compliant with CVTC's partnering clinical agencies and the agencies' regulating bodies, for example the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), students must be prepared to abide by vaccination mandates and health and safety guidelines as directed by those bodies. Vaccination requirements and health documentation must be completed and on file in Clinician Nexus prior to entering the core courses of this program. CVTC will notify students at the appropriate time with a specified deadline. Students will receive an email invite from Clinician Nexus to create an account and upload their own clinical compliance documents. Students are responsible for maintaining their own records. 

CPR

Obtain and maintain current CPR certification through either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. The certification required is BLS Provider or Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers. Proof must be verified with a current CPR card or an electronic certificate. Class rosters and letters from instructors or employers are not acceptable. Students are responsible for submitting proof of current CPR certification to Clinician Nexus prior to starting the core program. CPR certification must be kept current throughout the program. CVTC offers CPR-BLS Provider courses; find more information at cvtc.edu/seminars. 

Healthcare Prep Seminar

This program requires attendance at a two-day in-person Healthcare Prep Seminar the week before the fall semester begins. Students will be sent invitations to these sessions via email. Students will get to meet their cohort and faculty, complete CPR training, learn more about the program and resources, and how to be successful in the program.

Uniforms

Students are required to purchase uniforms/scrubs when they begin core courses and more information will be shared at the appropriate time.

Occupational Risks

Students in the Surgical Technology program may encounter occupational risks similar to those faced by healthcare professionals in clinical settings. These risks may include:

• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B & C)
• Contact with surgical smoke and anesthetic gases
• Exposure to chemical disinfectants and sterilants
• Radiation and laser exposure
• Needlestick or sharps injuries
• Musculoskeletal strain from lifting or standing for long periods
• High-stress or emotionally intense situations

Students receive thorough training in safety procedures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to help minimize these risks.

Clinical Sites

Clinical sites include Eau Claire, Altoona, Rice Lake, Barron, Menomonie, and St. Croix Falls or as assigned by the program director.

Certification

Job opportunities are best for technologists who are certified. When students complete this program, they will be awarded an associate degree in Surgical Technology and will take the national Surgical Technologist Certification examination. Learn more about the CST certification exam.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians who perform outpatient surgeries.

Last Updated: February 24, 2026 @ 3:04 p.m.