1. What is the employment outlook?
Excellent! There is an increasing demand for qualified technologist in all areas.
2. What salary can I expect to earn?
The average starting salary in Volusia County is around $23,000, with higher salaries offered outside this area. There are also many opportunities for earning additional income through shift differential and call back pay.
3. What are the typical working hours in this profession?
Shift work hours are available around the clock.
4. What are the program hours?
The program requires 30 contact hours per week, with classes Monday through Friday.
5. How much does the program cost? What about books, lab fees?
Cost for in-state students is $83.92 per credit hour (the rate for out-of-state students is $335.67 per credit hour). Since this is a 39.93 vocational credit hour course, the tuition would be $3,350.00 ($13,403.00 for out-of-state). In addition, approximately $700 would be needed for books, lab fees, and uniforms, etc.
6. Must I take a board exam upon completion of this program?
There is a certification exam that receives national recognition in surgical technology. Every state recognizes certification for employment. As a condition of graduation all students enrolled in the program are required to take the national certification exam. There is a $190.00 charge for the examination, which is paid by the student when applications for the exam are submitted to the National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assistance. The examination is administered electronically and is administered at Daytona State College.
7. Is a license required to work in this occupation?
Although no license is required, you will be eligible to apply for national certification. All employers in this area require this as a condition of your employment.
8. What courses must be completed before starting the program courses?
Basic Anatomy & Physiology for Health Careers (BSC 0070 or BSC1080) and Medical Terminology (HSC 1531) are required before you can be considered for the program. Applicants may also take BSC 1085 & Lab and BSC 1086 & Lab (Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II). These courses may be substituted for the Basic Anatomy & Physiology for Health Careers.
9. Is clinical or externship training required in the program?
Yes. Over 700 hours of clinical training are part of this program.
10. I have previous college courses. Will they count in this program?
Courses in Human Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Terminology will be considered for transfer credit by the College Records Department.
11. When may I start the program?
The program begins once per year in August. Applications are accepted anytime during the year. Applicants must have completed all of the prerequisite courses with a Grade of “C” or better and have a Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 or better. Selection will be based on the applicants cumulative GPA, completion of prerequisite coursework, attendance at the required information session (dates & times announced during Spring Semester), and an interview with the program committee.
12. Are their other admission criteria?
Once accepted to the program, applicants will be required to complete a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Level II Background Screening ($90.00). This includes Fingerprinting and Drug Screening. Applicants must not have been found guilty of any Felony offense regardless of adjudication. Final acceptance into the program is subject to the results of the FDLE.
Please be advised that application submission does not guarantee program acceptance.
Rev 3/2012
