Top 10 Surgical Tech Programs

The Certified Surgical Tech programs trains the students to become surgical technologists who assist doctors and nurses during surgeries. The surgical techs, assistants, scrub techs, or operating room techs. They also practice setting up surgical tools and equipment and handling them during procedures.

Most programs take around 12 years to complete and offer a mix of classroom learning and hands-on training in hospitals or surgical centers. After completing the program, students can take a certification exam to become certified surgical technologists (CSTs).   

We’ve compiled the country’s top ten surgical tech programs to help you find the right one. Keep reading to learn more about these programs and how to become a surgical technologist.

What is Surgical Tech Programs?

Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical nurses work together with certified surgical technicians. However, they work on pre, intra, and postoperative duties. Among the responsibilities of a surgical tech programs are the following

• Preparing equipment
• Sterilizing instruments
• Providing an extra set of hands in surgery
• Dressing wounds post-procedure
• Maintaining a sterile environment throughout operations
• Managing tools and instrument inventory
• Ensuring no surgical equipment is left behind

Surgical technologists graduate from allowed surgical technology schools with associate degrees and formal training. These programs typically consist of 500 hours of clinical internship and last one and a half years.

After graduation, graduates can sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist or Tech in Surgery test. These examinations are provided by the National Center for Competency Testing and the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Top 10 Surgical Tech Programs

Johns Hopkins University (USA)

• Tuition: Approximately $28,000 for the entire program (subject to change; please verify with the university).
• Program length: 11 months (3 semesters).
• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Application deadline: Varies; typically, applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but it’s best to check the official website for specific dates.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completed application form
• Transcripts from previous education
• Recommendation letters
• The interview may be required.
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: +1 4109553182
• Are online options available?: The program primarily offers in-person training; however, some theoretical components may be accessible online.

University of Arkansas  Pulaski Tech  North Little Rock, Arkansas 

The University of Arkansas offers this program full-time, beginning each spring semester. It takes two semesters, consisting of 30 credits of prerequisite coursework and 30 credits in the surgical tech curriculum. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology degree at the end of the program.0

• Tuition: $138 per credit hour 
• Program length: Two semesters 
• Accreditation: CAAHEP
• Application deadline: September 15 

Requirements: 

• Submit application
• Provide relevant transcripts (high school and/or college)
• ACT reading score of 13 or higher OR
• Accuplacer reading score of 55 or higher
• Submit immunization records
• Complete admissions interview

Program Contact:

• Kacie Cummings, Director of Surgical Technology 
• Email: [email protected]  
• Are online options available? No

University of Toronto (Canada)

• Tuition: Approximately CAD 15,000  CAD 20,000 for Canadian residents (subject to change; please verify with the university). International students may have higher tuition fees.
• Program length: 2 years (full-time).
• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and is recognized by the Canadian Surgical Association (CSA).
• Application deadline: Applications are due in early January and will start in September.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of required prerequisite courses (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, English)
• Minimum overall average (varies by year)
• The interview may be required.

Program Contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: +1 4169780000 (main contact line for the university)
• Are online options available?: No 

University of Cincinnati Clermbont College Batavia, Ohio 

The UC Clermont’s program leads to an Associate in Surgical Technology degree. It offers both classroom learning and clinical experience, placing students in hospitals throughout Cincinnati to provide hands-on skills.

• Tuition: $3,182 per semester 
• Program length: Two years 
• Accreditation: CAAHEP
• Application deadline: July 1

Requirements: 

• High school diploma or GED
• 2.75 cumulative GPA
• C or higher in biology and chemistry prereqs
• Complete physical exam
• Submit immunization records
• Provide proof of health insurance
• Pass a background check and drug screening

Program Contact

• Email: [email protected] 
• Phone number: (513) 5588316 
• Are online options available? No

University of Sydney (Australia)

• Tuition: Approximately AUD 43,000 per year for international students; AUD 31,000 for domestic students (subject to change; please verify with the university).
• Program length: 1 year (full-time) for a Graduate Diploma in Surgical Technology.
• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and is recognized by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
• Application deadline: Typically, applications close in late September for a February intake, but checking the official website for specific dates is essential.

Requirements: 

• A relevant bachelor’s degree in health or a related field
• Work experience in a clinical setting may be preferred.
• English language proficiency (for international students) 

Program Contact

• Email: [email protected] (please verify through the university website) 
• Phone number: +61 2 9351 2222 (main contact line for the university)
• Are online options available?: No

University of Birmingham (UK) 

• Tuition: Approximately £25,000 per year for international students; £9,250 per year for UK and EU students (subject to change; please verify with the university).
• Program length: 3 years (full-time) for a Bachelor of Science in Surgical Technology.
• Accreditation: The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) accredited the program.
• Application deadline: Typically, applications for undergraduate courses are due by January 15 for the following September intake, but it’s essential to check the official website for specific dates.

Requirements: 

• A Levels or equivalent qualifications (usually including Biology and another science subject)
• GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above
• Additional requirements may apply depending on the program specifics

Program contact:  

• Email: [email protected] (please verify through the university website)  
• Are online options available?: No

Gateway Community College – New Haven, CT 

Students who graduate from the Gateway Community College CST program earn an associate in science degree. They are also eligible to take the CST-ERC exam.

Gateway’s program takes two years to complete, encompassing 62 total credits. The CST class 2022 had a 93% graduation rate, with 100% of graduates finding employment. The school also had a high CST student retention rate in 2022, at 74%.

• Tuition: $10,413 
• Program length: Two years 
• Accreditation: CAAHEP
• Application deadline: Admission is offered on a first-come, first-served basis 

Requirements: 

• High school transcript showing graduation date OR 
• Copy of high school diploma or GED
• $20 application fee
• Placement examinations in reading, English, and mathematics
• Proof of immunization status 

Program contact:

• Angel Pickett, Program Coordinator 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Phone number: (203) 285-2070 
• Are online options available? No

Rochester Community and Technical College – Rochester, Minnesota 

Rochester Community and Technical College CST graduates earn an associate of applied science degree. The program admits just 20 students each year. As part of the graduation requirements, students must pass the CST-ERC. The graduating class 2022 had an 86% pass rate on the NBSTSA certification test. That class had 100% graduate placement within one year of graduation.

• Tuition: $210.55 per credit 
• Program length: Two years 
• Accreditation: CAAHEP
• Application deadline: February 28 

Requirements: 

• C or higher grade in each prerequisite
• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Priority admission for those who finished all first-year classes by spring semester
• Basic life support (CPR and AED) certification
• Complete health assessment and immunizations
• Proof of health insurance
• Complete criminal background check
• Complete a national background study

Program contact:

• Jennifer Dahle, Program Advisor 
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: (507) 280-3535 
• Are online options available? No

NYU Langone – New York, NY 

NYU Langone Health offers a one-year surgical technology program in two six-month semesters. The first semester, which begins in spring, is devoted to the fundamentals of aseptic technique in operating room technology and basic surgical procedures. The second semester is primarily spent in clinical settings at locations throughout the NYU Langone facilities. 

Completion of the program qualifies graduates to take the national certifying examination. In 2019, graduates from this CST school had a 92% pass rate on the CST-ERC.  

• Tuition: $16,500 
• Program length: One year 
• Accreditation: CAAHEP
• Application deadline: Rolling 

Requirements: 

• Application with personal essay
• Application fee
• High school transcript or GED with scores
• Two references from employer or teacher, past or present

Program contact:

• Luba Ashurov, Program Director 
• Phone number: (212) 263-6644  
• Are online options available? No

Santa Fe College – Gainesville, FL 

The surgical tech certificate program offered at Santa Fe College prepares graduates to take the Certified Surgical Technologist exam. The CAT school spans four semesters, offering didactic coursework in person and online and clinical internships at local and regional hospitals. The 2021 program outcomes for this CST school were as follows:

• 75% completion
• 91.6% CST-ERC pass rate
• 91.6% graduate employment rate
• Tuition: $3,383.28 
• Program length: 4 semesters 
• Accreditation: CAAHEP 
• Application deadline: February 15 

Requirements: 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Immunization record signed by a physician
• Background check and drug screening
• Completion of all general education requirements
• 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA 

Program Contact

• Email: [email protected] 
• Phone number: (352) 395-7322 
• Are online options available? Yes

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Bottom line 

(Surgical Tech Programs) Surgical technologist is a rewarding career path that involves assisting in surgeries and ensuring a sterile environment. The top programs across the globe offer a mix of classroom learning and hands-on training, preparing students to become skilled professionals. With options ranging from Johns Hopkins University to Santa Fe College, aspiring surgical techs have access to high-quality education and certification opportunities. Whether you prefer a program in the USA, Canada, Australia, or the UK, plenty of choices fit your needs and help you succeed in this vital healthcare role.

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