Inside Look at Online Surgical Tech Programs

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. In some cases, programs are conducted in a synchronous manner, where students are expected to attend classes at a certain day and time, while asynchronous programs allow them to watch lectures at a time that is convenient for them.

In order to become a surgical technologist, professionals need to earn a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree from their online surgical tech program. The associate level is for people who want to spend more time in school in order to get an in-depth education, while a certificate/diploma program are fast-paced, intensive programs designed to train students quickly 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.

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, it’s typically required that students will need to have completed an accredited formal education program as well as successfully passing 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, and those with Orthopedics, neurosurgery, cardiovascular, and organ transplant backgrounds. 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. As long as you study the relevant topics, attend certification exam review classes, read the examination content outline, and implement the right study skills and time management techniques, you will be on the way to successfully completing the exam.

Cost Comparisons: 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. In some cases, students may take out loans in order to pay their tuition and fees. In addition, they may be able to win grants and scholarships to help defray the cost of their studies. 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. Also, specific schools may offer scholarships to the students in their surgical technology degree programs. 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.

Ranking Today’s Best Online Surgical Tech Programs

In order to help future professionals get the training they need, EduMed.org has created the Best in Class initiative, which spotlights the best online surgical tech programs available today. To create this list, we researched more than 7,700 regionally accredited schools from across the country to find the programs that provide the best education at the best value. For your reference, an extensive explanation of the rankings methodology is provided to give you further insight into how we chose the best of the best. Review and compare the online surgical tech schools that made their way onto our list as the top choices for students like you by continuing on below.

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 the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the 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). Completion of this certification is evidence that the individual meets a national standard, having the required knowledge needed for a surgical technologist or surgical first assistance practice. 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, and more. Eligibility criteria covers a broad range of candidates, including current high school students, current non-high school students, recent graduates of an NCCT-authorized school, individuals with three years of surgical tech practitioner experience, or those with military surgical tech experience during service. The exam fee is $199 according to the NCCT website. This certification provides instrumental knowledge; when applied to the workforce, allied health professionals will be able to handle operations safely and adequately.

Surgical Tech Salary & Career Advancements

If you are considering becoming a surgical technician, now is a great time to enroll in a training program. Why? Because the field has an above-average growth rate and offers promising salaries as a healthcare career. Nationwide, surgical technicians face a 5.5% growth rate, which is above the national average for all jobs. This means it should be easier to apply for roles and achieve promotions at work. Additionally, salaries range from $40,640 to $83,150, with certain states offering even higher pay. In Connecticut, for example, surgical technicians can earn over $100,000 annually. The same is true for California and Nevada. Other states combine healthy salaries with an even faster growth rate. Take New York, for example, where the field is growing by 27.3%, and surgical technicians can earn over $98,000 a year. Alongside geography, your experience and specialization in a specific area of surgery can also influence your ability to secure a job and determine your salary.