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What is a Surgical Technologist?

Surgical technologist is a professional focus in an area of study that is responsible for assistance during surgeries. Surgical technologists will prepare operating rooms, arrange and organize equipment, and assist doctors and nurses during surgeries. Surgical technologists are present during surgeries, offering support and assistance, but not actually working with the patient. Technologists may also assist in the care and delivery of samples taken during surgery. All work performed by a surgical technologist will be under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$46,800

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

20.80%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

105,720

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Surgical Technologist Schools

Southeast Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers a twelve-month certificate program and a two-year Associate in Applied Science program in Surgical Technologist. Both of these programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as surgical technologists. These programs teach students how to assist surgeons by passing instruments and sutures, cutting sutures, and holding retractors. Students will learn how to work effectively in a team environment and function well even under intense and stressful situations.

Acceptance Rate

50

Student to Faculty Ratio

4:1

The Surgical Technology degree program at Rolla Technical Institute is a highly regarded program for those seeking entrance into a highly competitive field.  RTI has curated a curriculum that will help students learn aseptic techniques, sterilization, operating autoclaves, transporting patients, patient draping, and instrument identification.  The classes at Rolla Technical Institute will help prepare students for a broad-based future in healthcare with the goal to be able to pass the National Certification Examination for Surgical Techs.

Acceptance Rate

64

Tuition

$10,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Hillyard Technical Center offers a program for Surgical Technologist. The aim of this program is  to develop operating room technicians who can effectively assist in surgical operations. This program will teach students how to prepare operating rooms and arrange equipment. They will also be trained in helping doctors as they perform surgeries.

Acceptance Rate

53.85

Tuition

$12,630 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

4:1

You can earn an Associate degree in Surgical Technology in as few as 18 months at Concorde Career College – Aurora. Here, you will be privileged to work alongside physicians, surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals. You’ll learn how to prepare equipment, operating rooms, and assist medical professionals during surgeries. Graduates of this program have mastered the fundamentals and routines for procedures.

Acceptance Rate

61.58

Tuition

$15,955 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

41:1

An AAS degree in Surgical Technologist is available at Midwest Institute. They provide dedicated instructors that effectively train their students. They give their best in helping students pass the National Certified Surgical Technologist examination. Unpaid externship, where real-life training in an O.R. with a professional surgical team is also included.

Acceptance Rate

76.47

Tuition

$14,680 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Concorde Career College – San Diego offers a program for Surgical Technology. This program teaches students how Surgical technologists help to ensure that procedures are performed effectively and efficiently. It gives emphasis to learning skills like field maintenance, patient care, and sterile field preparation. Graduates of this program are proven to have a meaningful impact in their work.

Acceptance Rate

90.96

Tuition

$35,469 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

The Surgical Technology degree is offered at Concorde Career College – San Bernardino. This program is best suited for those who aspire to a career supporting nurses, physicians, and patients in a fast-paced work setting. This program provides real-world training in order to equip students as they pursue a career in surgical technology.  Their rigorous curriculum will put you in the center of the surgical tech field through coursework and hands-on learning experiences.

Acceptance Rate

92.57

Tuition

$16,010 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

29:1

Surgical Technology Program is available at Concorde Career College – Portland. The curriculum provided by this program is designed to challenge the students just like how they would be challenged in a real-world work setting in this field. They offer classroom-to-career skills training. Students who completed this program are prepared for a career in Surgical Technologist.

Acceptance Rate

96.23

Tuition

$16,516 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

34:1

Concorde Career College – North Hollywood offers a Surgical Technology Program. Students in this program develop skills and knowledge in surgical field maintenance and surgeon assistance. Taking the path to this career will be a good choice because surgical technology jobs are projected to grow at a faster-than-average of 7%. Advances in technology and an increase in surgical procedures are the main reasons why this field is forecast to continue its growth. 

Acceptance Rate

91.39

Tuition

$32,883 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Surgical Technology Program can be taken at Concorde Career Institute – Dallas. This program gives emphasis on critical skills and knowledge that are needed for a career in Surgical Technologist. Students will learn how to render patient care. They will develop skills in sterile field preparation and passing instruments, supplies and equipment to surgeons.

Acceptance Rate

88.09

Tuition

$16,875 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

44:1

Concorde Career Institute – San Antonio offers a program for Surgical Technology. Concorde have always been committed to their student’s success, in fact, they ensure that access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process are provided. This Associate degree program can be completed in as few as 18 months. Surgical Technology Program at the Campus of San Antonio is initially accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. 

Acceptance Rate

93.86

Tuition

$17,701 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

45:1

Surgical Technology continues to improve and advance that is why surgical procedures are increasingly common. To that end, a rigorous program in Surgical Technology is currently offered at Concorde Career Institute – Jacksonville. In this program you will be trained in working alongside nurses and surgeons in the operating room. Some of the skills you will surely develop are these; preparing patients for surgery, always ready whenever the surgical team needs an instrument, and ensuring that piece of equipment is sterilized and is working efficiently. 

Acceptance Rate

76.61

Tuition

$50,048 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

38:1

Alvernia University has an exclusive partnership with Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences so that their students can earn advanced degrees that are needed to excel in their pursued careers. One of the featured degree programs that they offer is the Surgical Technology Program with an Associate of Science Degree from Alvernia University. This 20-month dual enrollment program allows the students to complete the Surgical Technology program while simultaneously earning an Alvernia Associate of Science Degree. To further advance their career, graduates can consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Science or Healthcare Administration. 

Acceptance Rate

64.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Surgical Technology Program offered at Reading Hospital of Health Sciences is designed to provide fundamental abilities that are needed by students to assume their role in meeting the healthcare needs of the surgical patient. Their learning strategies involve integrating knowledge and application of principles into practice. Students will gain individualized learning experiences which promotes professional and personal growth. Completion of this program may lead to a certificate in robotic surgery.

Acceptance Rate

22.86

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

At Concorde Career Institute -- Orlando's Surgical Technology degree program, you will be at the forefront of new surgical techniques. They incorporated both real-world training and off-site clinical experiences in their programs. This program can be completed in at least 18 months. Graduates of this program are able to effectively work alongside surgeons, nurses and physicians. 

Acceptance Rate

84.8

Tuition

$17,005 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

45:1

At Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, you can prepare to serve in an intense health care environment as an important part of a lifesaving surgical team through the Surgical Technology Associate Degree program that they offer. They provide certified technologists with years of operating room experience to help students hone their skills for this high-intensity career. Students will have access to a variety of advanced technology which makes learning as close to real clinical situations as it can be. As students complete this program, they have performed at least 120 surgical procedures in real-life settings.

Acceptance Rate

78.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences offers a program for Surgical Technology. This program aims to prepare competent entry level surgical technologists in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. Students here will learn how to demonstrate the application of physiology and anatomy concepts in meeting current industry standards in the surgical setting. Their graduates developed sound surgical conscience when it comes to perioperative routines and procedures.

Acceptance Rate

27.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an undergraduate program for Surgical Technology. Students here will study about Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, and an introduction to Surgical Technology. They will also learn about Health Care Ethics, Microbiology and Wound Healing, and Pharmacology. The other courses (but is not limited to) that this program provides are Operating Room Principles, Operating Room Application, and Clinical Practicum.

Acceptance Rate

91.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Surgical Technology degree is available at Concorde Career College – Memphis. This program emphasizes the vital role that Surgical Technologists play during every surgery. They make sure that all of their students gain a deeper understanding of routines and fundamentals that guarantees efficient and effective procedures. Students are prepared to learn skills such as surgeon assistance and patient care.

Acceptance Rate

93.38

Tuition

$15,840 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

35:1

A degree in Surgical Technology is currently offered at Concorde Career College – Miramar. Some of the skills that students develop here are sterile field preparation and field maintenance. You can join Concorde’s family and be prepared for a career that supports physicians and patients. They guarantee to provide real-world training that will equip you to pursue a career in surgical technology.

Acceptance Rate

88.35

Tuition

$43,552 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

36:1

You can take a program in Surgical Technology at Concorde Career Institute – Tampa. The Associate degree program that is available here can be completed in as few as 18 months. Through coursework and hands-on learning experiences, their students are placed in the center of the surgical tech field. Students will benefit in the real-world work challenges that they will face in this program.

Acceptance Rate

91.67

Tuition

$16,395 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

40:1

A 74-credit program for AS in Surgical Technology is offered at the University of Pittsburgh – Johnstown. This allows the students to complete the required coursework so they can receive a Surgical Technologist Certificate and an associate degree. Once this degree is obtained, a student is qualified to take the Surgical Technologist National Certifying Examination. Students who completed this program can also continue at Pitt-Johnstown to receive a Bachelor of science in Healthcare.

Acceptance Rate

78.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Radford University offers a two-year/five-semester program for Associate’s Degree in Surgical Technology. This program helps students to become an integral part of the healthcare team. This program gives stress in providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. They also strive to provide a balanced approach of theoretical and practical application in the classroom, laboratory as well as in clinical settings.

Acceptance Rate

75.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

At New England Institute of Technology, you can prepare to fulfill the role and perform the Surgical Technologist duties that are crucial for the safety and care of surgical patients through their CAAHEP-accredited program in Surgical Technology. This program is the best choice if you want to prepare for an entry-level position in hospitals, obstetrical departments, Operating Room departments, or outpatient surgical centers. This intensive, experienced-based associate degree in Surgical Technology can be completed in as few as 18 months. This program is designed to teach all of the essential Surgical Technologist functions that are needed for the safety and care of surgical patients.

Acceptance Rate

63.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Riverside School of Health Careers, located in Newport News, Virginia, offers students opportunities to enter one of several health  care fields through their in depth programs. The school provides students with the education and skills necessary to competently perform duties for entry level positions.  RS of Health Careers offers an excellent curriculum and modern facilities in order to obtain classroom and practical educations.

Academics

Riverside School of Health Careers offers a small number of programs. These programs prepare individuals for careers in the health care field. Graduates of these programs tend to have high state licensure and certification rates, some programs reaching as high as 100%. Additionally, students can complete general education requirements and receive an associate of arts and science degree through an agreement with the nearby Eastern Shore Community College.

Programs offered at RSHC:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in applying to Riverside School of Health Careers should contact the school for an application and more information. Financial aid is available for eligible students. For more information regarding financial aid programs available, interested students should visit the school website's financial aid page.

Acceptance Rate

60

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

What is a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)?

A surgical tech or certified surgical tech performs a number of key tasks before, during, and after surgeries to ensure proper flow and patient care is met in the operating room. A surgical tech makes sure patients are greeted, prepped, and properly positioned in the operating room along with making sure all necessary medical instruments are readily available and sterile prior to any surgical procedure. During a surgical event, CSTs will work to optimize medical equipment and lighting for maximum utility for the surgical team. A surgical tech will work to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and make equipment readily available and actively assist in procedures by holding instruments, sponging, preparing specimens, and dressing wounds. At the completion of a medical procedure, a surgical tech cleans the operating room and works to sterilize the area and can be available as patients wake from the procedure to provide comfort and counsel.

How To Become a Surgical Tech?

In order to begin work as a certified surgical technologist or surgical tech you will need to follow a set of steps to get the most out of your Surgical Tech career. The steps to optimize your knowledge and vocational growth include:

  1. Earn a Degree or Certificate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited college or university
  2. Obtain your CST or Certified Surgical Technologist from a reputable organization like the NBSTSA
  3. Earn your TS-C or Tech in Surgery-Certified from an organization such as the NCCT
  4. Keep your certificates active by taking continuing education courses at an interval mandated by your state of residence and taking the CST recertification every four years.

The first step in the process is to earn a certification or degree from an accredited college or university. The two most common accreditation bodies for a CST program are the CAAHEP or the ABHES. The CAAHEP stands for the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is the largest accreditation body in the health sciences professional trade providing independent accreditation for 2,100 individual education programs and nearly three dozen different occupations. The ABHES is the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools is recognized by the United States Secretary of Education as a private, non-profit accrediting body since its inception in 1969.

Why choose an accredited surgical tech program? It is recommended to select a college or university that offers an accredited surgical technology program as it ensures employers the academic program provides students with a high educational standard in medical, surgical, and technical studies requisite to succeed in the operating room. Accredited colleges and universities must renew their accreditation perpetually which further adds credibility to the schools ability to meet or exceed academic standards necessary for such academic programs.

Next, you should consider earning your surgical tech certificate from a nationally recognized organization like the NBSTSA. As an example, the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting provides a certification for Surgical Techs that is an industry standard. Successfully taking and passing the NBSTSA examination qualifies you to become a Certified Surgical Technologist or CST that is sought after by employers and hiring managers across the nation.

Earning a designation of TS-C may be a valuable step in your education as the additional examination required to obtain the TS-C designation demonstrates to current and future employers a mastery in your trade. A testing organization such as the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) offers an industry leading credential for passing the TS-C exam for showing mastery in antiseptic procedures, medical terminology, equipment sterilization, and surgical care.

The final step in the process is for surgical techs to adopt a mentality of lifelong learning as you will be required to perform continuing education credits along with an intermittent recertification. Remaining curious and learning about your trade perpetually will make the continuing education and recertification process an easier item to fold into your existing schedule.

Educational Requirements for Surgical Technologists

Surgical technology requires study through either a community college or trade school, and typically takes between two months and two years to complete, and results in either a certificate or degree. These programs provide the education and information necessary in order to operate as professionals within a surgical environment, exposing individuals to the various equipment and tools they must be familiar with in order to perform their tasks without error. Additional certification is also available, providing additional training and proof of competency.

A curriculum may include:

  • Biology
  • Medical and Surgical Terminology
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Fundamentals of Surgical Technology & Sterilization
  • Pharmacology of Surgical Technology
  • Radiology
  • General & Peripheral Vascular Surgery
  • Obstetrics & Gynecological Surgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Surgical Safety

Difference Between a Surgical Tech and Surgical Assistant?

The best way to think about the difference between a surgical technologist and surgical assistant is by understanding the duties and responsibilities of each.  A surgical assistant will perform many, if not all, of the duties of a surgical tech plus additional surgical activities in the operation room.  The additional hands-on activities of a surgical assistant may include helping surgeon’s with suturing, suctioning, hemostasis, sponging, and similar medical procedures.

In order to become a surgical assistant, a surgical technologist or certified surgical technologist will need to complete additional training and academic work.  Both the National Surgical Assistant Association and the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting offers a certification examination targeted for surgical technologist practitioners a path to become a certified surgical assistant (CSA) or certified first surgical assistant (CSFA) for qualified candidates.  Progressing from a surgical tech to a surgical tech or first surgical assistant will allow you to further specialize in the field.  The areas of specialty are numerous for a surgical assistant that can include vascular, neurology, and cardiothoracic to name a few.

Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities for Surgical Techs

Individuals seeking employment must be patient, dexterous and have high stamina. Individuals in this field will stand for hours during surgery and must quickly provide whatever assistance is required by the surgeon or nurse. Employment will be pursued at the at hospitals, clinics, or any other locations where surgeries are typically performed. The need for surgery technicians is expected to increase as public healthcare becomes more widely available, the population ages, and the need for medical professionals increases across the board. As a result there should be a marked increase in available positions for surgical technicians in the future.

Most Popular Jobs of a Surgical Technologist

In order to best prepare you for the exciting field of a surgical tech, you will be best served to understand a common set of job titles across the industry. Job titles may vary from region to region or by employer, which is why having a working list of job titles and their variations is a useful tool. A list of the most common job titles of a surgical tech include:

  • Certified Surgical Tech/First Assistant
  • Surgical Scrub Technologist (Surgical Scrub Tech)
  • Surgical Technician
  • Certified Surgical Technician
  • Operating Room Technologist (OR Tech)
  • Surgical Scrub Technician
  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
  • Operating Room Surgical Technician (OR St)
  • Operating Room Technician (OR Tech)
  • Surgical Technologist (Surgical Tech)

Top Job Responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist

In a recent survey performed by the U.S. Department of Labor of surgical technologists, data reveals a number of key elements of the job. In addition to work styles, job titles, and attributes of surgical techs, the survey provided insight into daily activities of these professionals. The top 5 job responsibilities of a surgical tech include the following items:

  1. Extending technical assistance to surgical members such as surgical nurses, surgeons, and anesthesiologists
  2. Maintaining a sterile field during surgical procedures
  3. Properly preparing for surgery by scrubbing in and assisting other members of the surgical them with surgical clothing, masks, and gloves
  4. Accurately accounting for medical equipment and instruments before and after operation
  5. Helping patients prep for surgery, including positioning and applying sterile surgical drapes

Salary Outlook and Related Surgical Fields

The median annual income for a surgical technologists is $45,160 adding some 14,700 jobs in the coming decade. Increases in pay coming from working in more densely populated areas, having a higher level of education, or having demonstrable work experience. Certification will also assist in achieving higher wages. In addition, taking refresher courses is advised in order to keep pace with advances in surgical technology. The BLS forecasts a growth rate of 15% over the next decade which is more than twice the projected growth rate of all jobs during that time frame.

States with the Highest Employment of Surgical Technologists

  • Texas 10,800
  • California 9,750
  • Florida 6,940
  • New York 5,560
  • Ohio 4,050

States with the Highest Employment for Surgical Technologists

  1. Nevada $60,640
  2. California $59,490
  3. District of Columbia $55,240
  4. Alaska $55,200
  5. Washington $55,000

Individuals interested in surgical technology may also be interested in athletic training, medical assisting, or dental assisting.

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