Surgical technicians, also called surgical technologists or operating room technicians, are in charge of managing the surgical technology during surgery and assisting the surgeon.
To become a surgical tech, you'll need to graduate from a surgical technology program. These are usually offered as surgical tech associate degree programs.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the top surgical technician training programs in the United States and what they require.
Top Surgical Technician Training Programs
Surgical technology training programs are most often offered by community and technical colleges but are sometimes offered by larger colleges and universities as well.
Below, we've some of the top surgical technology training programs in the United States in alphabetical order.
All programs listed are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
1. Keiser University
Keiser University is a private university based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and with campuses throughout the state.
It offers an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology through its Clearwater campus.
The program provides students with the technical ability, knowledge, and skills required for entry-level employment as a surgical technician.
The program requires 74 total credits. Courses in this curriculum include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Surgical Specialties in Anatomy and Physiology
- Surgical Techniques and Procedures
Four surgical externships are also required to complete the program. Over the past five years, graduates have had a 70% pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
2. Nebraska Methodist College
Nebraska Methodist College is a private Methodist college in Omaha, NE. It offers primarily healthcare programs, like an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology.
Graduates of this program are prepared to take on many critical roles in the operating room before, during, and after surgery.
This program uses a combination of classroom studies, hands-on learning in a surgical suite laboratory, and clinical-based practice. Courses offered in the program include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: Principles and Practice
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Pharmacology for the Surgical Technologist
- Surgical Instrumentation and Equipment
The program takes 21 months to complete. The five-year pass rate for the CST exam for graduates in this program is just shy of 90%.
3. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public technical college based in Green Bay, WI, and with campuses throughout the state.
Its Green Bay campus offers a surgical technologist associate degree program. This program takes five semesters to complete and includes courses like:
- Exploring Surgical Issues
- Surgical Interventions
- Surgical Pharmacology
- Surgical Skills Application
Students are also required to fulfill clinical experience and may be able to take advantage of study-abroad opportunities.
72% of graduates from this program passed the CST exam on their first attempt.
4. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is a private, healthcare-focused university in Lancaster, PA. It offers an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology.
This program exposes students to a wide variety of surgical specialties in the acute care setting. It takes two years and offers courses such as:
- Ethical and Legal Dimensions in the Health Sciences
- Methods of Patient Care
- Professionalism in Surgical Technology
- Surgical Procedures & Pathophysiology
The program also requires labs and clinical experiences. Over the last five years, the program has had an 89% pass rate on the certification exam.
5. St. Philip's College
St. Philip's College is a public community college in San Antonio, TX. It's a historically black college and a member of the Alamo Colleges District.
The college offers an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology that teaches theory, surgical procedures, instrumentation, aseptic technique, and surgical equipment and supplies.
The degree takes two years to complete and includes courses like:
- Fundamentals of Perioperative Concepts and Techniques
- Microbiology for Nursing and Allied Health
- Surgical Procedures
- Technological Sciences for the Surgical Technologist
Students are required to fulfill clinical experiences, which include 120 cases of combined general surgery and surgical specialties.
This program has an 86.5% pass rate on the CST exam over the last five years.
FAQs About Surgical Technician Training Programs and Requirements
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about surgical technician training programs and requirements.
How Long are Surgical Technician Training Programs?
Most surgical technician training programs are associate degree programs and typically take about two years.
Can I Complete a Surgical Technician Training Program Online?
Due to the nature of surgical technology training, these programs aren't available fully online. However, you may be able to take a portion of your coursework online.
Do I Need a Certification to Work as a Surgical Technician?
Certification isn't a requirement to enter the field of surgical technology. However, many employers require a surgical tech certification and it can help you get hired.
Find Surgical Technician Training Programs
Surgical technology training programs are available through many schools throughout the country and typically require coursework, labs, and clinical experiences.
Check out the programs listed above to start your journey toward a career in surgical technology today!
