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“Most people don’t know that a surgical technologist is the right hand of the doctor.”
David Reyes, Surgical Tech, Keck Medicine of USC
Being a member of a life-saving surgical team is a noble goal, but not everyone can commit to multiple years of education and training to become a surgeon. However, becoming a surgical technologist is a great career option for those who want to work in an operating room without investing the time and education required to become a surgeon.
Careers in healthcare are poised for growth in the coming years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024), a surge of nearly two million healthcare careers will be needed in the coming decade between 2023 and 2033. In addition, the BLS projects surgical technologist careers to grow by 6 percent in the same period (BLS 2024). This rate is slightly faster than the national average (4 percent) and equates to 7,900 new jobs in the coming decade.
Even though becoming a surgical technologist does not require as much education as becoming a doctor or surgeon, it requires a rigorous education program that can take one and a half and two years to complete. In surgical technologist schools, students learn basic anatomy and medical terminology, sterilize and prepare an operating room, and learn techniques to assist doctors and patients before, during, and after surgery.
One of the most critical components of a surgical technology program is the practical hands-on experience. A practicum is an in-person clinical rotation that requires students to apply their academic learning in a real-world setting. Having real-world training in an operating room is vital to becoming certified to practice as a surgical technologist.
Read on to learn more about surgical technologist schools, certifications, salary, and detailed career outlook data for this growing profession.
| Surgical Technologist fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Projected Jobs Created | 7,900 |
| Projected Job Growth | 6 percent |
| Average Salary | $50,110 |
| Low Salary | $33,420 |
| High Salary | $71,400 |
| Entry-Level EDU | Certification |
| Sourced From BLS May 2023 | |
Meet the Expert: David Reyes, CST
David Reyes has been practicing surgical technology for seven years and currently works full-time with Keck Medicine of USC as a member of the Open Heart Team. As a former volunteer for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), he gained experience in surgical technology beyond the operating room, including item writing and question reviewing.
Committed to supporting and educating others in the field, Reyes now serves as the secretary for the California State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). In this role, he is responsible for collecting minutes, submitting records, and organizing events.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something most people don’t know about being a surgical technologist?
Reyes: Most people don’t know that a surgical technologist is the right hand of the doctor. We are the first to start collecting supplies and instruments for the surgery. Once the sterile field is created, we quality-check instruments before they are used to ensure sterility and function. As the operation progresses, the surgical technologist anticipates the doctor’s moves by having those supplies and instruments ready before they are needed. After the surgery, we collect our instruments and dispose of our sharps. From beginning to end, we learn about doctors’ preferences.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to someone aspiring to be a surgical technologist?
Reyes: I advise aspiring surgical technologists to stay true to themselves and remain open to learning. When I was younger, my mom and I often went for runs, casually saying, “Cardio?” as an invitation. At the time, I had no idea what the term meant until I took an anatomy class, which sparked my interest in the medical field. By the time I learned about surgical technology, the course had already ended, but my curiosity continued to grow. Today, I am part of a cardiovascular surgical team, achieving a goal I set for myself.
However, I took every other specialty seriously before specializing in cardiac surgery. Surgical technology offers a wide range of specialties, and it’s important not to limit oneself to just one area. A well-rounded understanding of various procedures is essential, as most surgical technologists are expected to be knowledgeable in multiple types of surgeries. This versatility is often the key to long-term success in the field.
Surgical Tech Degree & Certification Programs
Most surgical technologist schools confer two degrees: an associate’s in science (AS) or an associate’s in applied science (AAS). However, a handful of schools offer a certificate program or a bachelor of science (BS) degree in health sciences with a surgical specialty. Associate degree programs usually take between one and two years, while an accelerated certificate program can be completed in nine months.
Although there are many surgical technologist schools, choosing an accredited program is crucial for employment after graduation. Many states require surgical techs to be board-certified through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
To qualify for the surgical technologist exams offered by the NBSTSA, students must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). All surgical technologist programs featured here are accredited by CAAHEP, meaning their curriculum and high academic standards will prepare students for national surgical tech certification.
Below are accredited surgical technology degrees and certification programs.
Carrington College (Certificate, AS)
With campuses throughout Phoenix, AZ, and San Jose, CA, Carrington College offers an associate’s degree program to become a surgical technologist. Required courses in this program include microbiology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and surgical procedures.
Students graduating from this school have the option to become board certified. The Carrington program requires students to complete 120 surgical cases before graduation, to ensure its graduates are adequately prepared to join the workforce immediately.
This 60-credit program includes courses such as introduction to surgical technology; surgical case management; basic surgical procedures; advanced surgical procedures; anatomy & physiology with medical terminology; principles of mathematics; and introduction to psychology.
- Location: Phoenix, AZ; San Jose, CA
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: 15 months
College of Southern Idaho (AAS)
Located in Twin Falls, ID, the College of Southern Idaho offers a two-year degree program in surgical technology. The program instructs students in several aspects of surgery including instrumentation, aseptic technique, anatomy, microbiology, and procedures. In addition, this curriculum enables graduates to sit for national certification testing in surgical technology.
This 60-credit program includes courses such as central sterile processing; surgical concepts; surgical practice and procedures; human anatomy and disease; surgical pharmacology; anesthesia; advanced surgical procedures; and wound closure techniques.
- Location: Twin Falls, ID
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: Six semesters
Kingsborough Community College (AAS)
Located in the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, NY, Kingsborough Community College (KCC) offers a surgical technology program that requires 64 credits to complete.
After the initial semester, students must register for practicum hours every subsequent semester to gain the necessary clinical experience. But that experience pays off, with 75 percent of 2020 graduates passing the certified surgical technologist (CST) exam. After the first semester, students are enrolled in practical experiences in operating rooms in various clinics for the remaining five semesters.
- Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: 2.5 years
Mt. Hood Community College (AAS)
Offering the only regionally-accredited associate of applied science in surgical technology in Oregon, graduates from the MHCC program can complete their degree in six quarters. The courses in this program follow the Association of Surgical Technologists Core Curriculum and include clinical experiences with local area hospitals.
Students in this program are admitted into a cohort of 20 every fall term and must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. In addition, graduates from this program who want to pursue a bachelor of science can transfer credits to the Oregon Institute of Technology’s allied health management online degree program.
This 92-credit program includes courses such as surgical technology – ophthalmologic and neurosurgery; surgical technology – thoracic, cardiovascular, and vascular surgery; surgical technology – orthopedic surgery; surgical technology – general and pediatric surgery; surgical technology – obstetric, gynecologic, and genitourinary surgery; and surgical technology – otorhino- laryngologic, oromaxillofacial, plastic and burn surgery, among others.
- Location: Gresham, OR
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
New England Institute of Technology (AS)
The New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), located in East Greenwich, RI, offers an AS degree in surgical technology. Graduates from this program have a reputation for finding surgical jobs in the New England area, where they do their practicum experiences.
Before the practicum, students at NEIT will complete 160 hours of intensive surgical simulations, including endovascular and laparoscopic equipment. The program also includes a 20-week clinical externship in the field. Graduates of this 18-month program finish their AS degrees with the opportunity to be board certified.
Made up of 101 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to surgical technology; surgical instrumentation; surgical procedures; pathophysiology; advanced topics in surgical technology; introduction to medical ethics and bioethics; advanced applications of surgical technology; and operating room laboratory.
- Location: East Greenwich, RI
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: 18 months
South Plains College (AAS)
A very versatile program, South Plains College in Lubbock, TX, provides options for new healthcare students and seasoned healthcare professionals to study surgical technology with an associate of applied science degree program. This AAS program includes a practicum as a part of the coursework.
In addition, the last two semesters of the program have hands-on clinical experiences in six area hospitals to prepare graduates for the national and Texas state certification exams.
As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as introduction to surgical technology; fundamentals of perioperative concepts and techniques; surgical procedures; pharmacology for health professions; technological sciences for the surgical technologist; general psychology; and special topics in surgical/operating room technician.
- Location: Lubbock, TX
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: 15 months
NYU Langone Health, an academic medical center in New York City, NY, offers a surgical technology program that prepares qualified students to be surgical technologists. This one-year program is divided into two 6-month semesters, with courses starting in September and March. The first semester includes study in basic surgical procedures and aseptic technique fundamentals of operating room technology, while the second semester is spent in the clinical area.
The curriculum includes courses such as introduction and orientation to surgical technology; anatomy and physiology; patient care and safety; principles of operating room technique; surgical procedures; microbiology and pharmacology; and two clinical practices. Students also participate in clinical rotations.
Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a certificate of completion. This qualifies them to sit for the national certifying examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
- Location: New York, NY
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
List of Surgical Technologist Schools
| School | City | State | Website | GRADS ('21) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madisonville Community College | Madisonville | Kentucky | https://madisonville.kctcs.edu | 125 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis | Indiana | https://www.ivytech.edu | 112 |
| San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena | Texas | https://www.sanjac.edu | 87 |
| Elgin Community College | Elgin | Illinois | https://www.elgin.edu | 76 |
| John C Calhoun State Community College | Tanner | Alabama | https://calhoun.edu | 55 |
| Mandl School-The College of Allied Health | New York | New York | https://mandl.edu | 55 |
| Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology | Wichita | Kansas | https://wsutech.edu | 55 |
| Tulsa Technology Center | Tulsa | Oklahoma | https://tulsatech.edu | 53 |
| Gulf Coast State College | Panama City | Florida | https://www.gulfcoast.edu | 52 |
| Community Care College | Tulsa | Oklahoma | https://communitycarecollege.edu | 51 |
Surgical Tech Hybrid & Online Programs
Because surgical technology is such a hands-on profession, there are very few fully online and hybrid options from which to choose. In addition, surgical technology programs require an extensive practicum (typically between 300 and 1,200 hours of hands-on practice) even when the coursework is delivered entirely online.
That said, there are several hybrids (a combination of in-person and distance learning) and online surgical technologist programs, including the following:
Baptist Health System School of Health Professionals (AS)
Located in San Antonio, TX, Baptist Health System School of Health Professionals offers an associate’s degree in surgical technology. Upon completing this program, students can take the national surgical technologist certification exam required for employment in Texas.
Courses are offered in person and online. The program’s 63-credit curriculum includes technological sciences; surgical procedures; fundamentals of perioperative technique; surgical pathophysiology; microbiology for the surgical technologist; surgical pharmacology and anesthesia; and introduction to surgical technology.
In addition, several pre-operative topics from specimen care to the application of wound dressings are included in the curriculum. Graduates find work in hospital operating rooms, central sterile processing departments, and outpatient surgical units.
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
OneMSU, Great Falls College – Montana State University (AAS)
Located in Great Falls, MT, Great Falls College – Montana State University offers a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technologist program in a hybrid format as part of its three-campus “OneMSU” distance learning network. Although students can complete classroom work online, students are required to rotate through clinical sites in Montana to complete a minimum of 120 surgical cases.
Additionally, students are required to attend lecture classes in real time via WebEx. Upon completing this 70-credit program, graduates can take national certification exams in surgical technology. The curriculum includes courses such as introduction to surgical technology; surgical pharmacology; introduction to philosophy and biomedical ethics; operating room techniques; surgical procedures; and introduction to interpersonal communication.
- Location: Great Falls, MT
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Central Piedmont Community College (AAS)
Located in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College offers a 71-credit associate of applied science degree program in surgical technology. Students can take didactic courses on campus in a classroom/lab/clinical combination or in a hybrid format.
Students in this program can join the Surgical Technology Club to develop their professional networks and participate in the Scrub Bowl, an annual event hosted by the North Carolina Association of Surgical Technologies that helps prepare students for the national certification exam.
The curriculum includes courses such as perioperative patient care; introduction to surgical technology; surgical procedures; advanced theoretical concepts; surgical clinical supplement; and anatomy and physiology.
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Rasmussen University (AS)
Rasmussen University offers an associate’s degree in surgical technology with campuses in Florida, Illinois, and Minnesota. On-campus and online classes are available in addition to field experience.
Students in this program can prove existing knowledge in specific courses with self-directed assessments. In addition, graduates from this program pay no additional costs to take the national surgical tech certification exam. Consisting of 92 credits, the program includes courses such as medical terminology; pathophysiology; fundamentals of surgical technology; surgical procedures; surgical pharmacology; surgical microbiology; and human anatomy and physiology.
- Location: Cities in FL, IL, MN
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: 21 months
Southeast Community College (Certificate, AAS)
Southeast Community College (SCC), with three campuses in Nebraska, offers a surgical technology program that is one of the most flexible and provides an excellent online cohort in conjunction with a local clinical practicum. Three campus visits are required at the beginning and end of this program, including the last week to take the national board exam.
In 2023, 95 percent of surgical technology graduates from SCC were employed locally upon graduation, and 85 percent of graduates continued their education in Nebraska. SCC also offers a surgical first assist certificate for currently certified surgical technologists.
- Location: Lincoln, NE
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: Five semesters
Berkeley College (AAS)
Berkeley College’s online surgical technology associate in applied science degree program prepares students to work as valuable members of surgical teams, which most commonly include anesthesiologists, circulating nurses, and surgeons. This surgical technology program is only offered at the Woodland Park campus; however, individuals who already possess the CST credential and who are interested in obtaining an associate degree may take this program through Berkeley College Online.
The program comprises 60 credits and includes courses such as fundamentals of surgical technology; surgical techniques; surgical specialty intervention procedures; pharmacology and anesthesiology; operating room clinical practicum; surgical technology capstone; and microbiology.
- Location: Woodland Park, NJ
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
| School | City | State | Website | GRADS ('21) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting | Nashville | Tennessee | https://www.meridian-institute.edu | 486 |
| Madisonville Community College | Madisonville | Kentucky | https://madisonville.kctcs.edu | 125 |
| Glendale Career College | Glendale | California | https://www.success.edu | 48 |
| Berkeley College-Woodland Park | Woodland Park | New Jersey | https://berkeleycollege.edu | 38 |
| Houston Community College | Houston | Texas | https://www.hccs.edu | 28 |
| Holmes Community College | Goodman | Mississippi | https://holmescc.edu | 23 |
| Baptist Health System School of Health Professions | San Antonio | Texas | https://www.bshp.edu | 22 |
| North Arkansas College | Harrison | Arkansas | https://www.northark.edu | 14 |
| Santa Fe College | Gainesville | Florida | https://www.sfcollege.edu | 14 |
| Siena Heights University | Adrian | Michigan | https://www.sienaheights.edu | 14 |
Surgical Tech Core & Elective Courses
To complete most surgical tech programs, students must get a B or higher letter grade in both core classes and specialty surgical tech courses. Many of these courses are shared with other healthcare degrees – like medical ethics and anatomy and physiology. Still, a few classes specific to surgical tech schools are integral to those programs.
- Medical terminology – This course is required for many healthcare professionals and is particularly important for surgical technologists. In this course, students will learn the root words, suffixes, and prefixes by which all other medical terms are created. In addition, they will learn the names of each part of the human body and the most common illnesses and physical impairments.
- Surgical procedures – This course aims to teach students the theory and practices they should use with various surgeries. Typical surgeries covered include gynecological, orthopedic, genitourinary, and many others. The course emphasizes procedures, technology, and tools for each independent surgery.
- Pharmacology for surgical technology – In this course, students are introduced to different pharmaceuticals that may be used during a surgical procedure. In addition, students learn specific drug interactions, systems and regulations for administration, and the calculation of dosages. Drugs that might be used before and after a procedure are also introduced.
- Clinical practicum or externship – This course is required for all surgical technologists. Students complete rotations in a working hospital or medical facility where surgeries are regularly performed in this course. Under the tutelage of a senior surgical technologist, they can use the knowledge they have learned in hands-on practice to assist during surgical procedures.
Surgical Tech Accreditation
To practice as a surgical technologist, students need to complete a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
These two accrediting organizations, in tandem with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), evaluate surgical technologist programs to ensure that the coursework and health education practices comply with national standards.
During the ARC/STSA accreditation process, professional surgical technologists and healthcare educators carefully examine the program objectives and outcomes to determine whether a program is eligible for CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation. Each clinical cohort is also evaluated to ensure that the technology and healthcare procedures used are at the current healthcare standard. Finally, the ARC/STSA thoroughly investigates all professors to ensure their professional abilities and background.
Additionally, colleges should be accredited by a regional or national accrediting body approved by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Typical regional accrediting bodies include:
- Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS-WASC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – Commission on Colleges (SACS/COC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Career Outlook
The field of healthcare is growing and not just for nurses and physicians. General healthcare jobs are expected to increase faster than the national average between 2023 and 2033, adding 1.9 million openings yearly. Surgical technology positions are expected to increase by 6 percent (BLS 2024), adding 7,900 new positions in the coming decade. The growth rate for surgical techs at 6 percent is slightly faster than the national average for all occupations (4 percent).
Two main factors drive the increased need for surgical technologists. Firstly, as the baby boomer generation ages, they will require more surgeries to maintain their standard of living. Secondly, access to better healthcare will make day-to-day surgeries (like sports-related surgeries) more feasible for the general population.
Another reason surgical technologists will likely remain in such high demand because they are a cost-effective investment for hospitals. Surgical technologists are less expensive to hire than registered nurses but can often assist in the same procedures. This enables nurses to practice in more advanced areas that suit their skill sets and helps healthcare facilities provide better care to their patients and support their staff.
Surgical Tech Work Environments
In May 2023, there were 109,000 surgical techs were employed in the following work environments (BLS May 2023):
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: 77,820 surgical technologists
- Outpatient Care Centers: 11,270
- Offices of Physicians: 11,020
- Offices of Dentists: 3,370
- Specialty Hospitals: 1,880
Surgical Tech Salaries
The BLS (May 2023) shows the average annual salary for surgical technologists is $50,110, slightly less than the national average for all occupations, which is $65,470.
The salary percentiles for the 109,000 working surgical techs in the United States are:
- 10th percentile: $33,420
- 25th percentile: $39,760
- 50th percentile (median): $48,300
- 75th percentile: $59,320
- 90th percentile: $71,400
The highest-paid surgical techs work for specialty hospitals, with an average annual salary of $54,460.
The state with the highest average salary for surgical technologists is Alaska, at $67,660 per year. Other top-paying states include Nevada ($64,050), California ($62,510), the District of Columbia ($60,740), and Minnesota ($60,090).
| Career Facts | Surgical Technologist |
|---|---|
| Related Careers | Radiation Therapist, Endoscopy Technician, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Nuclear Medicine Technologist |
| Common Job Titles | Surgical Technologist, Certified Surgical Technologist |
| Technology & Equipment | Electrocautery Equipment, Surgical Saws And Drills, Surgical Vacuums, Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirators |
| Sourced from BLS, May 2023 | |
Licensing & Certification for Surgical Technologists
Surgical technologists who desire to be board-certified must complete a CAAHEP-accredited program. A list of accredited surgical tech schools is available on the CAAHEP website.
In addition to completing a program at one of the accredited surgical tech schools, certified students must also complete a certification exam. This exam is provided through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Finally, board certification candidates must have completed the appropriate coursework and clinical hours. Depending on the degree program, a student may complete between 300 and 1,200 clinical hours to complete the university’s requirements. These clinical hours are necessary to be licensed as a surgical technologist.
Although it is not legally required for surgical technologists to be board-certified at this time, it may be a better career decision. Completing a surgical tech degree from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited school is the only way to earn this designation and sit for the national test. This makes students who earn this designation much more employable and more likely to find positions in the highest-earning bracket for this allied health career.
