Online Surgical Tech Programs: Finding the Right School
Before you begin a new career in one of today’s most in-demand health professions, you may have questions. How does a surgical tech program work online? Can I afford it? How much will I make once I graduate? Let EduMed guide you through the entire process from start to finish, with key information, FAQs, and free resources.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
Healthcare Education Nursing Pre-Nursing Nursing Nursing Ed.
Nursing Healthcare AdminWhat to Consider When Choosing a Surgical Tech Program, from Nurses Who’ve Been There
Surgical technology training is highly specialized, and the programs featured in this guide all meet the rigorous standards required for certification and entry into the OR. What they can’t tell you is which school’s clinical environment, schedule, and program culture will actually work for you. Our healthcare professionals share what they’d look for when evaluating surgical tech programs beyond the basics.
Ask About Simulation Case Volume
Surgeons can be notoriously unforgiving of students who aren’t ready to perform in the OR. The best way to prepare is through simulation, so ask any program you’re interested in how many simulated cases you’ll complete before your first live rotation.
Engage Fully During Every Rotation
Every surgical specialty has its own pace and culture, and you’ll likely find some areas you enjoy more than others. Stay engaged during your training, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take advantage of every opportunity to observe procedures, review surgical videos before clinical days, and learn from the surgeons, nurses, and preceptors.
How They Work: Online Surgical Tech Degree Profiles
Online programs have many benefits, including allowing surgical tech students to complete part of the curriculum online. Classes like anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and surgical principles can be virtually completed, while the rest of the required training is provided at hospitals and on campus.
Online programs typically conduct classes in one of two ways:
- Synchronous: students are expected to attend virtual classes at a certain day and time
- Asynchronous: students may watch virtual lectures and attend other online learning activities at a time that is convenient for them
Regardless of the way an online program is set up, professionals need to earn a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree from their online surgical tech program to become a surgical technologist. Programs might include:
- Associate degree: for people who want to spend more time in school in order to get an in-depth education
- Certificate/diploma: for individuals who do not mind fast-paced, intensive programs that quickly train students on fundamental information
In many states, people are not able to enter the field without an associate’s degree, but in other cases, prospective surgical techs are able to get a job with a certificate or diploma.
Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Surgical Technology – American Career College
American Career College’s Surgical Technology Program provides the skills you need in the surgical field, honing in on the mental and physical approaches students will need in assisting doctors and nurses during operating procedures.
ACC’s courses demonstrate how to:
- Equip and manage operating rooms
- Handle instruments safely
- Prep patients for their surgery
There are three Southern California campuses for prospective students to choose from, including Los Angeles, Ontario, and Anaheim.
The degree program is Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredited, ultimately enabling students to be eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting certification exam.
Duration: 20 months
Mode: Blended
Cost: $44,810 for the entire educational program
Admissions Requirements:
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Visiting the college prior to enrollment to familiarize with the institution, its facilities, and staff members
- Meet with an admissions advisor
- Take and pass a standardized entrance exam
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Lab
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
- College Mathematics I
- Written Communications I
- Introduction to Psychology
- Career Advantage
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Surgical Technology
- Surgical Techniques I
- Surgical Techniques I Lab
- Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
- Surgical Techniques II Lab
- Pathophysiology I and II
- Surgical Procedures I and II
- General Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Orientation
- Clinical Orientation Lab
- National Certification Review I and II
- Clinical Practicum I and II
Best For: Students who reside in Southern California who want a more involved staff for their studies.
Programs that might interest you:
Associate of Occupational Science Degree (AOS) – Nevada Career Institute
The online Surgical Technology Career Training offered at Nevada Career Institute gives students the chance to learn about the procedures, instruments, and medical laws and ethics in place for this field.
Accredited by ABHES, this program includes courses that won’t just cover the medical knowledge you’ll need, but the soft skills that will help you serve your communities most efficiently.
The program prepares students in the necessary clinical settings, understanding how to set up operating rooms and proper sterilization techniques.
Completion of this program will allow students the chance to become many types of members of an operating room team, including but not limited to surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses.
Duration: 76 weeks, or 3,494 hours (including course and outside hours)
Mode: Residential, Blended
Cost: $40,780.00 (estimating 3 academic years of tuition, books, supplies, and off-campus housing)
Admissions Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED
Curriculum:
- Introductory Courses (including Seminar for Success, Interpersonal Relations, College English, and History of Nevada and the Constitution)
- Medical Ethics
- The Human Body I and II
- Asepsis
- Mock Lab
- Surgical Procedures I and II
- Surgical Procedures Lab I and II
- Sterile Processing
- Clinical Externship I and II
- CST Exam Review
Best For: Students who are residents of Nevada looking for a well-rounded education.
Associate Degree of Applied Science in Surgical Technology – Silicon Valley Surgi-Tech Institute (SVSTI)
Silicon Valley Surgi-Tech Institute aims to prepare entry-level surgical techs with their cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. Emphasizing the need for proficiency in interpersonal work, critical thinking, and professionalism, the Bay Area program focuses on:
- Principles of asepsis
- Medical terminology
- Surgical conscience
This Northern California school is one of the premier surgical tech schools of the region. Along with the two programs above, this degree program is also ABHES accredited.
Completion of this program will allow students the comprehensive preparation they need to being efficient, productive members in operating rooms.
Duration: ~16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $29,800
Admissions Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Submit an essay about your motivation and information
- Complete the SVSTI Applicant Reference Release Form
- Submit Two (2) Professional References via the form on their website or through this link
- Schedule a campus tour and possibly complete a timed entrance exam
- Interview with the program director
Curriculum:
- Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2
- Medical Terminology 1 and 2
- Surgical Instruments 1 and 2
- Ethics
- AST Surgical Procedures 1 and 2
- Microbiology
- Surgical Technology Lab
- Human Behavior
- Pharmacology
Best For: Students of the Bay Area that want a more reputable school to provide them with the skills they will need.
Your Questions, Answered
Which certification is best for a surgical technologist?
For surgical technologists, the most common certification is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This certification is accepted by most American states and employers, as it is nationally-recognized.
To obtain CST certification:
- Complete an accredited formal education program
- Pass the CST exam
Can I take the CST exam online?
Yes, you can. Upon registration for the exam, you can choose to complete it virtually with an online proctor. Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) is offered through PSI Exams, which partners with NBSTSA. In choosing this format, make sure that you have the necessary equipment that complies with the technical requirements needed for LRP.
What kind of surgical tech makes the most money?
Those in this field that have specialized training and particular experience make the most money. According to ZipRecruiter, some examples of those making the most in this industry include:
- Surgical neurophysiologists
- Cardiovascular surgical techs
- Surgical techs with backgrounds in orthopedics, neurosurgery, cardiovascular, and organ transplant
Overall, however, don’t forget that there are several other factors like location that can influence a surgical tech’s salary.
What is the shortest surgical tech program?
A surgical tech certificate training program or diploma will be your best bet at 12 months or less. If you’re willing to stretch your studies a bit longer for a combined associate degree with specialized training, you’re looking at around two years maximum, or 18-24 months.
Is the Surgical Tech exam hard?
Although it can be quite the challenge, the right preparation and resources will help you ace the test. Consisting of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics like ancillary duties, perioperative care, and aseptic techniques, you’ll have four hours to complete the exam.
Here’s how to successfully complete the exam:
- Study the relevant topics
- Attend certification exam review classes
- Read the examination content outline
- Implement the right study skills and time management techniques
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Surgical Tech? (Video)
This overview covers the education paths available, including diplomas, associate degrees, and certification routes.
Tuition & Fees for Surgical Tech Programs
The cost of these partially online surgical tech programs may be more affordable than other types of degrees because oftentimes students are charged by the credit hour, which can drastically cut down costs.
Examples of funding sources include:
- Federal aid, including scholarships and grants—merit-based or need-based
- Institution-based scholarships—offered to students enrolled in the school’s surgical technology degree programs
- Scholarships sponsored by professional organizations
For example, some professional organizations, like the Foundation for Surgical Technology, offer scholarships in order to support the field and ensure that highly-skilled people enter the workforce.
In some cases, students may take out loans in order to pay their tuition and fees. For more details on how to pay for your surgical tech program or other health care related training, visit our comprehensive guide to financial aid.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
School Name | Program Type Associate of Occupational Science Degree | Tuition & Fees $44,810 |
School Name | Program Type Associate of Occupational Science Degree | Tuition & Fees $40,780 |
School Name | Program Type Associate Degree of Applied Science | Tuition & Fees $29,800 |
School Name | Program Type Associate Degree of Applied Science | Tuition & Fees $9,600 |
School Name | Program Type Associate Degree of Applied Science | Tuition & Fees ~$9,674.75 (NV) ~$13,724.25 (non-NV) |
School Name | Program Type Certificate Program and optional advancement to an Associate Degree | Tuition & Fees Can be calculated here |
Certification Requirements for Surgical Techs
In order to find a job in the field, professionals are required to earn a Certified Surgical Tech (CST) or Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) credential. For the best opportunity to get the rigorous training needed to pass their licensing examinations, students should enroll in programs that have been accredited by one of two accrediting bodies:
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
This section provides a close look at the credentials graduates of online surgical tech schools are able to earn, as well as the organizations that provide accreditation for surgical tech programs.
[Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Certification – The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)]
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)’s mission is to ultimately encourage quality patient care in surgical settings through providing professional certification of surgical technologists (CST) and surgical first assistants (CSFA).
Earning this certification proves an individual:
- Meets a national standard
- Has the required knowledge needed for a surgical technologist; OR
- Has a thorough understanding of the surgical first assistant role
For professionals who have never been certified before, the cost of the examination will depend upon whether or not you are a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), with $190 and $290, respectively. Furthermore, those who are simply looking to renew will be $399 for AST members and $499 for non-members.
[Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) Certification – National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)]
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) offers TS-C Certification, which teaches the ins and outs of surgical prep work, including:
- Maintenance of sterilization
- Technical assistance to other operating room members
- Patient preparation for surgery
- Observation of patient vital signs
Eligibility criteria covers a broad range of candidates, including:
- Current high school and non-high school students
- Recent graduates of an NCCT-authorized school
- Individuals with three years of surgical tech practitioner experience
- People with military surgical tech experience during service
This certification provides instrumental knowledge; when applied to the workforce, allied health professionals will be able to handle operations safely and adequately. The exam fee is $199 according to the NCCT website.
Surgical Tech Salary & Career Advancements
Surgical Technologists
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 115,600 | 120,800 | 5,200 | 4.5% | 7,000 |
| Alabama | 2,760 | 2,970 | 220 | 7.9% | 180 |
| Alaska | 230 | 250 | 20 | 11% | 20 |
| Arizona | 2,430 | 2,900 | 470 | 19.2% | 190 |
| Arkansas | 1,640 | 1,860 | 220 | 13.6% | 120 |
| California | 12,100 | 13,500 | 1,400 | 11.6% | 840 |
| Colorado | 2,330 | 2,810 | 480 | 20.4% | 190 |
| Connecticut | 1,310 | 1,420 | 100 | 7.7% | 80 |
| Delaware | 370 | 430 | 60 | 15.1% | 30 |
| District of Columbia | 260 | 270 | 20 | 6.2% | 20 |
| Florida | 8,610 | 9,670 | 1,050 | 12.2% | 610 |
| Georgia | 3,960 | 4,430 | 470 | 11.8% | 280 |
| Hawaii | 350 | 380 | 30 | 9.1% | 20 |
| Idaho | 1,050 | 1,300 | 250 | 23.5% | 90 |
| Illinois | 3,940 | 4,360 | 420 | 10.6% | 270 |
| Indiana | 2,650 | 2,760 | 110 | 4.3% | 160 |
| Iowa | 820 | 900 | 70 | 8.5% | 50 |
| Kansas | 1,310 | 1,360 | 50 | 4% | 80 |
| Kentucky | 2,000 | 2,180 | 180 | 9.2% | 130 |
| Louisiana | 2,150 | 2,180 | 30 | 1.4% | 120 |
| Maine | 400 | 440 | 40 | 8.9% | 30 |
| Maryland | 1,840 | 1,940 | 100 | 5.5% | 110 |
| Massachusetts | 2,310 | 2,360 | 40 | 1.9% | 130 |
| Michigan | 4,060 | 4,390 | 340 | 8.3% | 270 |
| Minnesota | 1,560 | 1,680 | 110 | 7.3% | 100 |
| Mississippi | 1,200 | 1,350 | 150 | 12.4% | 80 |
| Missouri | 2,160 | 2,300 | 140 | 6.5% | 140 |
| Montana | 450 | 490 | 40 | 9.6% | 30 |
| Nebraska | 800 | 850 | 40 | 5.5% | 50 |
| Nevada | 1,130 | 1,400 | 270 | 24% | 100 |
| New Hampshire | 400 | 440 | 40 | 10.1% | 30 |
| New Jersey | 2,860 | 3,130 | 260 | 9.2% | 190 |
| New Mexico | 660 | 710 | 50 | 7.8% | 40 |
| New York | 5,840 | 6,220 | 380 | 6.6% | 370 |
| North Carolina | 3,800 | 4,170 | 380 | 9.9% | 260 |
| North Dakota | 270 | 310 | 30 | 11.7% | 20 |
| Ohio | 3,820 | 3,860 | 40 | 1.2% | 220 |
| Oklahoma | 2,420 | 2,490 | 80 | 3.2% | 140 |
| Oregon | 1,400 | 1,540 | 140 | 9.9% | 100 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,960 | 5,120 | 160 | 3.2% | 290 |
| Rhode Island | 240 | 240 | 0 | 2.1% | 10 |
| South Carolina | 2,490 | 2,660 | 160 | 6.6% | 160 |
| South Dakota | 590 | 680 | 90 | 15.5% | 40 |
| Tennessee | 2,030 | 2,100 | 60 | 3.1% | 120 |
| Texas | 9,880 | 11,390 | 1,510 | 15.3% | 740 |
| Utah | 1,130 | 1,430 | 300 | 26.2% | 100 |
| Vermont | 70 | 70 | 0 | 1.5% | 0 |
| Virginia | 2,260 | 2,310 | 50 | 2.2% | 140 |
| Washington | 2,530 | 2,970 | 450 | 17.7% | 240 |
| West Virginia | 620 | 730 | 110 | 17.6% | 50 |
| Wisconsin | 2,830 | 3,030 | 200 | 7.1% | 180 |
| Wyoming | 180 | 210 | 20 | 12% | 10 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
Surgical Technologists
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $45,940 | $64,650 | $96,940 |
| Alabama | $36,490 | $49,420 | $64,360 |
| Alaska | $54,840 | $80,380 | $101,060 |
| Arizona | $50,030 | $72,260 | $96,840 |
| Arkansas | $38,750 | $57,400 | $75,460 |
| California | $49,140 | $81,310 | $115,740 |
| Colorado | $51,040 | $75,740 | $92,580 |
| Connecticut | $45,980 | $79,890 | $104,920 |
| Delaware | $48,150 | $62,250 | $79,310 |
| District of Columbia | $37,800 | $77,520 | $101,180 |
| Florida | $41,270 | $62,440 | $85,620 |
| Georgia | $40,390 | $64,010 | $84,040 |
| Hawaii | $39,370 | $82,640 | $94,010 |
| Idaho | $48,430 | $72,550 | $87,210 |
| Illinois | $48,560 | $64,650 | $91,890 |
| Indiana | $51,350 | $64,240 | $80,600 |
| Iowa | $47,280 | $60,540 | $75,100 |
| Kansas | $44,720 | $60,600 | $76,880 |
| Kentucky | $41,440 | $60,490 | $79,980 |
| Louisiana | $36,580 | $57,370 | $74,650 |
| Maine | $48,330 | $62,860 | $80,380 |
| Maryland | $45,590 | $68,970 | $85,820 |
| Massachusetts | $60,350 | $80,870 | $109,550 |
| Michigan | $43,690 | $63,320 | $79,550 |
| Minnesota | $62,820 | $80,210 | $98,470 |
| Mississippi | $38,800 | $49,810 | $66,300 |
| Missouri | $44,930 | $61,120 | $78,410 |
| Montana | $37,690 | $60,970 | $79,330 |
| Nebraska | $49,870 | $63,880 | $79,350 |
| Nevada | $48,330 | $75,480 | $102,430 |
| New Hampshire | $56,760 | $75,040 | $87,560 |
| New Jersey | $48,270 | $77,200 | $100,490 |
| New Mexico | $42,430 | $51,780 | $78,650 |
| New York | $53,680 | $79,550 | $105,330 |
| North Carolina | $45,990 | $60,920 | $78,650 |
| North Dakota | $50,440 | $61,640 | $72,120 |
| Ohio | $48,110 | $62,420 | $80,640 |
| Oklahoma | $49,200 | $61,190 | $77,320 |
| Oregon | $59,930 | $81,390 | $97,330 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,130 | $62,680 | $77,760 |
| Rhode Island | $49,910 | $74,130 | $101,850 |
| South Carolina | $38,830 | $62,160 | $75,210 |
| South Dakota | $38,450 | $59,870 | $75,470 |
| Tennessee | $47,620 | $60,530 | $75,920 |
| Texas | $39,950 | $65,220 | $92,580 |
| Utah | $45,760 | $62,720 | $87,430 |
| Vermont | $49,510 | $60,660 | $88,460 |
| Virginia | $47,980 | $67,580 | $102,020 |
| Washington | $55,270 | $77,270 | $103,690 |
| West Virginia | $38,010 | $49,110 | $72,010 |
| Wisconsin | $59,410 | $74,120 | $86,670 |
| Wyoming | $45,080 | $58,850 | $79,920 |
Source: Surgical Technologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
