Best Surgical Tech Programs for a Career in Healthcare of 2024

Interested in becoming a surgical technologist? Discover the best surgical tech programs and how to choose the right one for you.
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Updated March 1, 2024

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The best surgical tech programs cover human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and safe surgical practices. They also provide opportunities for hands-on learning through labs, internships, and field placements.

Learn about the best surgical technologist programs of 2024, along with practical information about the career path. Use it to launch your search for a surgical tech program that matches your professional development goals.

Popular Online Healthcare Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Surgical Tech Programs Rankings Summary

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 Roane State Community College
Harriman, TN
$4,326 $17,230 Not provided
#2 Mt Hood Community College
Gresham, OR
$4,248 $8,604 Not provided
#3 Madisonville Community College
Madisonville, KY
$4,296 $15,048 Not provided
#4 Oklahoma City Community College
Oklahoma City, OK
$3,025 $8,776 Not provided

Best Surgical Tech Programs for a Career in Healthcare

#1 Best Surgical Tech Programs for a Career in Healthcare of 2024

Roane State Community College

  • Harriman, TN
  • 2 years
  • Online

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $176
Out-of-State | $726

Credits to Graduate: 60

Roane State offers an associate degree in surgical technology at its Oak Ridge, Tennessee campus. The two-year program trains graduates to assist surgical teams before, during, and after procedures. The curriculum includes courses in human anatomy and physiology, surgical microbiology and asepsis, and surgical procedures. Students complete supervised clinical practicums at local hospitals.   

Admission is limited and competitive. Applicants must complete or enroll in prerequisite general education courses and earn a 2.5 GPA in at least 13 semester hours.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,326
Out-of-state
$17,230
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
54%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,775
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Surgical Tech Programs for a Career in Healthcare of 2024

Mt Hood Community College

  • Gresham, OR
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $122
Out-of-State | $247

Credits to Graduate: 92

Located in Gresham, Oregon, Mt. Hood Community College offers an associate degree in surgical technology. The program helps prepare surgical team members to work well under pressure. Graduates can take the national certification exam for surgical technicians. Core courses include human anatomy and physiology, computer concepts, and medical terminology. Students gain clinical experience through supervised practicums.    

Applicants must take the college placement test and complete prerequisite courses with a C or higher. Admission requires a criminal background check and drug and alcohol testing.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,248
Out-of-state
$8,604
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
53%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
5,893
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#3 Best Surgical Tech Programs for a Career in Healthcare of 2024

Madisonville Community College

  • Madisonville, KY
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $186
Out-of-State | $250

Credits to Graduate: 62-66

Students can earn their associate degrees in surgical technology at Madisonville Community College. Part of the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, the MCC program offers clinical experiences at area hospitals that build on coursework in aseptic techniques, basic sciences, patient care, and surgical procedures. Graduates can pursue positions in operating rooms, delivery rooms, and doctor's offices, assisting surgeons and other medical professionals.

Selective admission requires completion of prerequisite coursework, including biology and introduction to surgical technology, and professional CPR training. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,296
Out-of-state
$15,048
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,239
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Surgical Tech Programs for a Career in Healthcare of 2024

Oklahoma City Community College

  • Oklahoma City, OK
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $101
Out-of-State | $293

Credits to Graduate: 66

The associate degree program in surgical technology at Oklahoma City Community College prepares students to pursue jobs as surgical team members assisting physicians, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses. The curriculum includes courses in introduction to computers and applications, human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and success in college and life. Learners also take general education classes. 

OCCC features an open-door admissions policy. The surgical technology program accepts prior learning assessment credit.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,025
Out-of-state
$8,776
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
57%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,388
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
6% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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Did You Know...

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% growth in surgical technologist jobs between 2022 and 2032 — that's 5,900 new jobs.

Top industries for surgical techs include general and medical hospitals, doctor's offices, and outpatient care centers.

What is a Surgical Technologist?

Also known as operating room technicians, surgical technologists prepare operating rooms and assist surgeons during procedures. They mainly work in hospitals and outpatient care centers alongside surgeons, physicians, and nurses.

One way to understand their role is to consider what surgical technologists do before, during, and after surgeries:

A Surgical Tech's Role Before, During, and After Surgery
Before a Procedure During a Procedure After a Procedure
Sterilize the operating room Maintain sterile conditions in the operating room Perform a second equipment audit to ensure the integrity of all tools that were used
Perform an equipment audit to ensure all necessary tools are ready Hand required tools to the surgeon or medical assistants when requested Dispose of biohazardous waste and contaminated materials
Assist the patient as needed Aid the medical staff in removing and securing bodily tissues from patients Assist the medical staff in placing sterile dressings on the patient's surgical wounds

How to Choose A Surgical Tech Program

The best surgical tech programs emphasize the specialized knowledge and skills surgical technicians need to excel at their jobs. You may want to also prioritize these factors when weighing your program options:

Program Cost

Your program's cost plays a major role in determining the long-term returns on your educational investment. When assessing costs, note that lower does not always mean better. If you can land a higher-paying job by attending a higher-priced program with a better reputation, the extra investment will pay off.

Program Length

When assessing length, remember that shorter and longer programs both have unique advantages and drawbacks. Shorter programs may be cheaper, and they can get you into the workforce more quickly. On the down-side, they may move at a fast pace or cover certain topics in less detail.

Longer programs may cost more but require a greater time commitment. They may also provide deeper, more detailed coverage of essential skills and proficiencies. As a result, you could be better prepared for your job, qualify for better-paying roles, and perform at a higher level.

Program Format

Format options include online, face-to-face, and hybrid learning. Online programs offer convenience and scheduling flexibility, but traditional campus-based programs are more interactive touch and have easier access to instructors. Hybrid programs blend the two formats.

You should carefully consider if the program offers practical training. Hands-on lab work, internships, and field training can dramatically improve your development. These program features are only available in person.

Curriculum

When comparing curricula, look specifically at the technical skills and proficiencies each program develops. Some of the best surgical technician programs offer specialization opportunities in cardiology, neurosurgery, or orthopedics.

Admissions Requirements

Carefully review each program's admission requirements to ensure you are a good candidate.

Programs with stricter admission requirements tend to be more selective. Students often equate selectivity with higher program quality. However, remember that selective schools are not always better. In some cases, the school may simply have more applicants than slots for incoming students.

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AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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