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You may know them as surgical technologists, surgical technicians, or surgical techs, but they all perform similar support tasks in the operating room. Surgical tech jobs require only a certificate or associate degree and offer a short route to a rewarding profession in the medical field.
In surgical tech programs, you acquire the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to handle surgical equipment and assist surgeons. Here, we highlight the best surgical tech programs and what to look for when choosing a school to attend.
Are There Any Surgical Tech Programs Online?
While surgical technologists need too much clinical training for fully online surgical tech programs, you still have some online learning options available to you.
In Herzing University's surgical technology program and Rasmussen University's surgical technologist program, for example, you can complete all your general education coursework online.
You'll then need to go to campus or a placement site with a surgical lab for the clinical and field components.
The good news is that these hybrid programs give you flexibility in your schedule. The not-so-good news is that you need to consider travel and in-person requirements when choosing a school and program.
Did You Know?
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth in surgical tech jobs between 2021 and 2031 — that's more than 6,500 new jobs. -
Top industries for surgical techs include general and medical hospitals, doctor's offices, and outpatient care centers. -
The U.S. is currently experiencing a severe shortage of surgical techs, according to the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Explore Our Featured Healthcare Programs
Why Accreditation Matters for Surgical Tech Programs
Accreditation works as a quality check and verification tool for students, employers, scholarship programs, and educational institutions.
You need to consider both institutional and programmatic accreditation when looking for a surgical technologist program. Attending a school without accreditation can prevent you from accessing adequate financial aid or employment opportunities.
Institutional accreditation should come from an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
On the programmatic side, check for accredited programs with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Top 10 Surgical Tech Programs
Read About Our Methodology Here
These rankings include
#1 Best Surgical Tech Programs
Itawamba Community College
Fulton, MS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $1,450
Out of State | $2,550
Credits to Graduate: 68-72
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP
ICC's surgical tech program prepares you for a career in the operating room in just three semesters. At about eight students each, the small classes let you maximize your learning.
In the first year, you'll complete general education courses such as anatomy and algebra. In the second year, you'll study the principles of surgical techniques, surgical anatomy, surgical microbiology, and specialized surgical procedures.
To apply to ICC, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. You'll also need a minimum 15 score on the ACT.
#2 Best Surgical Tech Programs
CUNY Kingsborough Community College
Brooklyn, NY - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $133
Out of State | $320
Credits to Graduate: 64
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP
KCC's surgical technology associate degree trains you to work side by side with surgeons through classroom learning, mock surgeries in labs, and clinical rotations. The 13 courses cover human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, aseptic techniques, ethics and mortality, and surgical tools.
You can get your clinical experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NYU Langone Brooklyn, or NY Presbyterian Methodist Brooklyn. You'll leave the program with at least 450 hours of operating room time. At graduation, you can sit for the national exam.
You must submit official transcripts or be a KCC student with a minimum 2.5 GPA to apply.
#3 Best Surgical Tech Programs
North Central Missouri College
Trenton, MO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $92
Out of State | $195
Credits to Graduate: 66
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP
NCMC's AAS in surgical technology equips you with entry-level surgical technologist skills in 11 months or just three semesters.
After completing all prerequisites and general education courses, you must complete 10 courses in subjects like healthcare communication, aseptic care and practices, the surgical code of ethics, and surgical procedures. You'll also complete clinical experiences.
To get into the associate program, you must have completed a job shadowing experience. You must also have a TEAS score of at least 45 and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
#4 Best Surgical Tech Programs
Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson, KS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $120
Out of State | $151
Credits to Graduate: 64.5
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP
HutchCC's surgical technology associate degree uses a hybrid learning format that combines online learning and practical clinical experiences.
The 14 required courses train you in pharmacology, human anatomy and physiology, cardiac care, medical terminology, and surgical procedures. At the end of the program, you'll take three clinical courses and a surgical technology certification review course.
HutchCC admission requirements include high school or college transcripts with a minimum 2.0 GPA. You'll also need to complete all curriculum prerequisites.
#5 Best Surgical Tech Programs
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Senatobia, MS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $106
Out of State | $1,306
Credits to Graduate: 64
Programmatic Accreditation: None
Northwest's AAS in surgical technology provides classes at its Oxford and DeSoto, Mississippi campuses.
You'll learn the fundamentals of surgical technology at the start of the program, with courses in surgical technology history, legal and ethical responsibilities, terminology, and aseptic techniques. In your second year, you'll learn specialized surgical procedures, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatrics, and plastic.
The program requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
#6 Best Surgical Tech Programs
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $63
Out of State | $318
Credits to Graduate: 62
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP
CNM's surgical technology associate degree trains you in campus labs and classrooms, as well as through clinical experiences at local hospitals, surgery centers, and doctor's offices.
Over five terms, you'll take courses that combine basic patient care skills, human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and anatomy, and biomedical ethics. The program also includes two clinical experiences. Before you graduate, you'll sit for the national exam.
To get into the program, you need a high school diploma or GED certificate. You must also meet math, reading and writing, and biology skill levels through exams or prior coursework.
#7 Best Surgical Tech Programs
College of Eastern Idaho
Idaho Falls, ID - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $140
Out of State | $280
Credits to Graduate: 63
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP
CEI's associate in surgical technology degree prepares you to take the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting exam.
The program entails two semesters of prerequisites and two semesters of major requirements. Lessons cover key subjects such as human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, surgical procedures and techniques, and surgical clinics.
To apply, you must complete an application and submit high school or college transcripts. You also need to complete all prerequisites with a minimum C+ grade to get admitted.
#8 Best Surgical Tech Programs
Shawnee Community College
Ullin, IL - 2 years
- Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $125
Out of State | $210
Credits to Graduate: 62.5
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP
SCC offers an associate in surgical technology degree that takes two years to complete, with labs offered off campus. Lessons blend medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, surgical technology principles and practices, surgical procedures, and clinical rotations. When you graduate, you can take the national exam.
The program requires a high school diploma or GED certificate to get accepted. You'll also need CPR and basic life support certification to enroll.
#9 Best Surgical Tech Programs
Owensboro Community and Technical College
Owensboro, KY - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $182
Out of State | $364-$637
Credits to Graduate: 61-65
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP
OCTC's surgical technology program can be completed in as little as 10 months.
After earning 16-20 general education credits, you'll begin your surgical technology training with courses in medical terminology, pathophysiology, and surgical technology fundamentals. You must meet for classes Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To round out your studies, you'll also complete 10 credits in clinical practicums.
OCTC requires that you finish all prerequisites with a minimum C grade and maintain a 2.0 GPA to get admitted.
#10 Best Surgical Tech Programs
Elgin Community College
Elgin, IL - 2 years
- Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $132
Out of State | $297
Credits to Graduate: 60
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP
ECC's surgical technology associate degree prepares for a healthcare career with labs and clinical rotations at local hospitals.
The curriculum incorporates coursework in sterile processing and distribution, intercultural communication, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and ethics. You'll also learn about patient rights, basic patient care concepts, the principles of asepsis, surgical instruments, and sterilization methods.
Admission requirements include a minimum C grade for prerequisites, proof of a high school diploma or GED certificate, and standardized test scores or a minimum 3.0 GPA.
How Much Does a Surgical Tech Program Cost?
You'll likely come across a wide range of surgical tech program tuition costs.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, two-year programs cost an average of $3,900 at public schools and $18,000 at private nonprofit schools in 2020-2021.
Other factors that can influence surgical tech program costs include the type and length of the program and whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition rates.
No matter how much you expect to pay, apply for financial aid by submitting the FAFSA. Many schools and organizations offer scholarships as well, which can further minimize college costs.
How Much Do Surgical Techs Make?
As with most jobs, surgical tech salaries can vary depending on your location, credentials, experience, and employer.
In May 2021, surgical techs earned a median annual salary of $48,530, according to the BLS. Techs in California earned a mean annual wage of $68,410, whereas those in Mississippi earned an average of just $40,250 per year.
One way to increase your earning potential is to earn a certification, such as that offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Certification verifies your field qualifications and expertise, emphasizing to employers that you meet or exceed a high professional standard.
How to Become a Surgical Tech: 3 Steps
The road to a surgical tech job can look a little different for everyone, but the following steps outline the most direct path you can take.
Step 1: Choose a Surgical Tech Program
Choosing the right surgical tech program starts with finding accredited schools and programs. Take care to prioritize CAAHEP-accredited programs.
Next, you need to decide between a certificate and an associate degree, as well as between an online and on-campus program. This decision will depend on your goals and learning style.
Common Courses in Surgical Tech Programs
- Anatomy
- Foundations of Surgical Technology
- Medical Ethics
- Medical Terminology
- Microbiology
- Physiology
- Surgical Procedures
- Surgical Technology Practicum
- Surgical Theory
Step 2: Complete All Clinical Requirements
All surgical tech programs feature practical components, such as surgical lab simulations and internships.
Hands-on skills, such as learning how to use surgical instruments and understand surgical procedures, must be taught in person, either on campus or at a local site. So be prepared to travel to campus or a nearby facility to complete your clinical requirements.
Note that online surgical tech programs typically offer general education classes online.
Step 3: Get Certification
Though not usually mandatory, certification can improve your employment chances and earning potential as a surgical tech.
Some states and employers may require certification. Check your state's and potential employers' requirements to determine whether you need certification — and which one.
Top surgical tech certifications include NBSTSA's certified surgical technologist and the certified tech in surgery from the National Center for Competency Testing.
Other options are the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants' certified surgical assistant and the American Board of Surgical Assistants' certified surgical assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Technology
Surgical technologists, or surgical technicians, help surgeons with various procedures. They prepare operating rooms, including arranging the equipment and getting patients ready for surgery.
They also sterilize the site and the instruments, hand the surgeon any required supplies, and transfer specimens to the laboratory.
Surgical tech programs vary in length but typically last 1-2 years. Some certificate programs take less than one year. Most associate degree programs take about two years to complete, with accelerated options available.
Immediately after completing an accredited surgical tech program, you may pursue certification or state registration without adding any substantial time.
No, surgical technicians generally do not earn more than nurses.
According to the BLS, nurses made a median annual salary of $77,600 in May 2021 — that's nearly $30,000 higher than the median salary for surgical techs.
It's possible for surgical techs to make more than some nurses, though. For example, in May 2021, the top 10% of surgical techs made more than $75,940, while the lowest 10% of registered nurses made under $59,450.
While many surgical technologist programs feature foundational math courses as part of the general education component, you rarely use math in the field. Aside from some basic unit conversion calculations, surgical tech jobs do not require math skills.
For some programs, high school math may be required as a prerequisite for admission.
Surgical tech jobs can be challenging, as they require you to stay on your feet for long periods of time. You may find your shift length exceeds the typical eight-hour workday. The job also requires you to carry medical equipment, which can be heavy and laborious.
As a surgical tech, you may encounter challenging sights and smells as well. The job can take an emotional toll, so it's important to maintain a healthy work-life balance.