Best Surgical Tech Programs for a Career in Healthcare of 2024
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.
Best Surgical Tech Programs for a Career in Healthcare
Roane State Community College
Harriman, TN- 2 year
- 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.
- In-State$4,326
- Out-of-state$17,230
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,775
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Mt Hood Community College
- Gresham, OR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$4,248
- Out-of-state$8,604
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate53%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,893
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Madisonville Community College
- Madisonville, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$4,296
- Out-of-state$15,048
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,239
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma City Community College
- Oklahoma City, OK
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$3,025
- Out-of-state$8,776
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,388
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
Did You Know…
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth in surgical technologist jobs between 2023 and 2033 — that’s 6,500 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.
| 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.
