A Surgical Technologist plays a vital role in the operating room. These professionals support surgeons by preparing instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, and assisting during surgical procedures. If you are detail-oriented, calm under pressure, and want to join the healthcare field quickly, an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Surgical Technology may be the right choice.
Program Overview: 20 Months to an In-Demand Career
A Surgical Technologist AOS program typically takes about 20 months to complete. These programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in hospitals, outpatient centers, and surgical facilities.
Students in this program receive training in:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology and infection control
- Sterilization and surgical asepsis
- Surgical instrumentation and robotics
- Operating room procedures and protocols
- Pharmacology for surgical environments
- Patient care and surgical prep
In addition to classroom instruction, students complete clinical externships to gain hands-on experience in real surgical settings. Clinicals are typically scheduled during the daytime.
What You’ll Learn: Surgical Skills and Medical Knowledge
A comprehensive Surgical Technology AOS program includes a mix of general education, medical theory, lab work, and clinical practice. Below is a breakdown of the subjects covered:
Core Surgical Technology Courses
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II – Learn about body systems, organ functions, and surgical terminology.
- Surgical Asepsis & Microbiology – Understand infection control, sterilization practices, and surgical site safety.
- Surgical Instrumentation & Environment – Study the tools and setup of modern surgical suites, including robotics.
- Patient Care and Surgical Procedures – Cover preoperative and postoperative care, basic procedures, and patient safety.
- Pharmacology – Learn about surgical medications, dosages, and safety protocols.
- Surgical Procedures I & II – Focus on general, laparoscopic, neurological, cardiovascular, and orthopedic surgeries.
- Clinical Practicums I, II, and III – Gain hands-on experience in real OR settings under professional supervision.
General Education Courses
- English Writing and Communication
- Psychology and Emotional Intelligence
- Public Speaking
These courses build essential soft skills like communication, professionalism, and teamwork—critical for high-stress environments like the OR.
Clinical Externships
Students typically complete over 400 hours of supervised clinical training. These externships take place in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, or specialty clinics. During clinicals, students perform tasks like:
- Setting up sterile fields
- Assisting surgeons with instruments
- Practicing surgical hand scrubs and gowning
- Managing post-procedure cleanup
By the end of the program, students are prepared to take the certification exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Typical Admissions Requirements
To enroll in a Surgical Technologist AOS program, applicants usually need to meet the following requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Transcripts from any previous colleges (if applicable)
- Minimum GPA requirements (often 2.5 or higher)
- Entrance exam or placement test
- Interview with admissions or program coordinator
Many programs require students to maintain a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.5) throughout the program and achieve at least a C grade in all core courses to remain in good standing.
Some schools offer hybrid learning models, combining online coursework with in-person lab sessions and clinical experiences.
Cost of a Surgical Tech AOS Program
The cost of a 20-month surgical technology program can vary based on the school and location. On average:
- Tuition ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 for the entire program.
- Additional costs may include textbooks, lab fees, uniforms, background checks, immunizations, and certification exam fees.
- Financial aid, grants, and scholarship opportunities are available at most accredited institutions.
Before enrolling, speak with a financial aid advisor to explore your options and understand your total cost.
Job Outlook and Salary
Surgical Technologists are in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for surgical techs is expected to rise by 5% between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average for most occupations.
Graduates of this program can expect starting salaries around $42,000 per year, with opportunities to earn more through experience, specialization, or certification.
Is a Surgical Technologist AOS Program Right for You?
This program is ideal for:
- Individuals who want to start working in healthcare in under two years
- People who are calm under pressure and work well in teams
- Students looking for a mix of online and in-person instruction
- Career changers seeking job stability and growth in healthcare
If you have a strong desire to help others, follow procedures carefully, and learn practical skills for a fast-paced medical setting, a surgical technology AOS degree can provide the foundation for a long and rewarding career.
Top Schools
Below are some of the top Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree programs in Surgical Technology, based on certification exam elgibility.
These programs are accredited, include hands-on clinical training, and prepare graduates to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Whether you prefer flexible online options or campus-based instruction, the schools featured below offer paths designed to help students succeed in this high-demand field.
Explore each program’s structure, curriculum, admission requirements, costs, and career outcomes to help you make an informed decision about your future in surgical technology.
| School | Location | Program Length | Format | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concorde Career Colleges | Overland Park, KS (Online) | As few as 8 months (completion) | Fully Online | Institutional |
| Durham Tech | Durham, NC | More than 12 months | Hybrid | CAAHEP |
| ECPI University | Northern VA, Richmond, VA | As few as 18 months | Accelerated | ABHES, SACSCOC |
| Rasmussen University | Odessa, FL | As few as 21 months | Hybrid | CAAHEP |
| Lone Star College | The Woodlands, TX | 2 years | Campus-Based | CAAHEP |
| Dallas College | Dallas, TX | 2 years | Campus-Based | CAAHEP |
| Good Samaritan College | Cincinnati, OH | 5 semesters | Hybrid | CAAHEP |
| San Juan College | Farmington, NM | 2.5 years | Campus-Based | CAAHEP |
| CHCP | Texas (multiple campuses) | Under 2 years | Hybrid | CAAHEP / ABHES |
| Gateway Community College | Phoenix, AZ | 2+ years | Campus-Based | CAAHEP |
Concorde Career Colleges
https://www.concorde.edu/patient-care-programs/surgical-technology/online
Overland Park, KS 66202
Summary
Concorde’s Surgical Technology Online Degree Completion Program is designed for Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) who currently hold a diploma and wish to earn their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology. The program can be completed fully online in as few as 8 months, allowing busy professionals to work around their schedules. This flexible format makes it possible for CSTs to advance their education and career without interrupting their current work. The curriculum includes general education, health sciences coursework, and two professional development classes in surgical technology. Students must transfer in their diploma credits from an accredited program to be eligible.
This program emphasizes career advancement, helping CSTs strengthen their professional skills and qualifications for higher-level roles in the operating room. Students receive career services support, including resume help and job placement assistance, from the start. Concorde also offers financial aid to those who qualify. While the AAS degree typically takes up to 18 months to complete, eligible students in this completion program can graduate in significantly less time. The outcome is a well-rounded associate degree that opens up greater opportunities in hospitals, outpatient centers, and surgical teams.
Durham Technical Community College
https://www.durhamtech.edu/programs-pathways/surgical-technology
Durham, NC 27703
Program Overview: Surgical Technology AAS
Durham Tech offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology that prepares students to assist in surgeries and operate as an essential part of the surgical team. The program combines online and on-campus learning, emphasizing the application of theoretical knowledge in real surgical settings. Students learn to manage equipment, maintain aseptic conditions, and directly assist in surgical procedures. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and students are required to take the national certification exam (NBSTSA) within four weeks of graduation.
Admissions, Outcomes, and Costs
Program applications are accepted from November 1 to June 1 for fall semester enrollment. The estimated tuition and fees are $6,139, and the curriculum totals 68 credit hours. The long-term program typically spans more than 12 months, and prepares graduates to work in diverse settings like emergency departments, outpatient centers, and physicians’ offices. The average starting salary for surgical technologists in this program is around $42,151, with a median wage of $54,964 and a positive job outlook of +6% growth.
ECPI University
Northern Virginia, VA, Richmond, VA
Program Overview: Surgical Technology AAS
ECPI University offers an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology, providing students with the skills and knowledge to enter the surgical field quickly and confidently. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level surgical technologist roles, and includes courses in surgical anatomy, aseptic techniques, instrumentation, and procedure sequencing. Students gain hands-on experience in maintaining sterile fields and managing equipment during surgery. The program is offered in an accelerated format, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as 18 months.
Accreditation and Skill Development
Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the program is offered at ECPI’s Northern Virginia and Richmond campuses, and the university itself is institutionally accredited by SACSCOC. The curriculum provides graduates with a solid foundation in clinical skills, surgical procedures, and anatomy, enabling them to function as critical support personnel in the operating room. Students are trained to assist surgeons, maintain equipment, and contribute to safe, efficient surgical environments in hospitals and clinics.
Rasmussen University
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/surgical-technologist/associates
Central Pasco Campus: Odessa, FL
Flexible Learning with Real-World Training
Rasmussen University’s Associate’s Degree in Surgical Technology combines on-campus learning with online coursework, offering flexibility and hands-on experience through field practicums. This program can be completed in as few as 21 months and includes 92 credit hours across 22 courses. Designed to prepare students for high-pressure environments in the operating room, the curriculum covers fundamentals like surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and real-time surgical assistance. Students gain practical experience in surgical suite labs and clinical settings to ensure job readiness upon graduation.
Career Outcomes and Advancement Opportunities
Graduates of this CAAHEP-accredited program are eligible to sit for the CST National Certification Exam at no additional cost. For students attending non-accredited campuses, the NCCT Tech in Surgery – Certified TS-C exam is also available. Rasmussen’s approach supports both immediate employment and continued academic growth, offering seamless credit transfer into its Health and Wellness Bachelor’s Degree program. With a 6% job growth rate projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the program positions students for success in a steadily growing healthcare sector.
Lone Star College
https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/surgical-technology-aas.htm
The Woodlands, Texas
Comprehensive Curriculum with Industry-Relevant Skills
The Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) at Lone Star College is a two-year program that emphasizes hands-on clinical and theoretical instruction. The curriculum includes 60 credits, integrating anatomy, sterile techniques, perioperative concepts, and operating room procedures. Students learn in a fully equipped lab and participate in real-world simulations, preparing them for a wide variety of surgical specialties including cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, and pediatric surgery. The program is CAAHEP-accredited, ensuring educational standards meet industry requirements.
Strong Employment Outlook and Career Versatility
Graduates are prepared to take the national certification exam required for employment and enjoy access to diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and even medical sales. With a median salary of $64,011 and expanding roles in robotics and minimally invasive surgery, graduates of Lone Star’s program gain a competitive edge in a high-demand profession. Students also benefit from credit transfer options to Texas public institutions, allowing for future academic advancement.
Dallas College
https://www.dallascollege.edu/cd/gps/pages/gpsmap.aspx?gpsId=1481
1601 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215
Program Structure and Curriculum
Dallas College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Surgical Technology through its El Centro campus. This five-semester program is designed to train students to provide surgical services in various clinical settings under the supervision of operating room staff. The curriculum begins with a foundational Health Occupations Core Curriculum that must be completed before admission into the main program. Following that, students engage in rigorous didactic learning and hands-on clinical training. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 60 semester credit hours, maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and complete all courses with a minimum grade of “C.” The program also prepares students to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, which is mandatory for employment as a surgical technologist in Texas.
Outcomes, Admissions, and Transfer Options
This A.A.S. program equips students to function as critical members of the surgical team, where they will manage surgical instruments, maintain sterile fields, and ensure patient safety throughout procedures. Admission is competitive and requires either completion of readiness coursework or relevant healthcare experience. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue employment in hospitals, ambulatory centers, or other surgical environments. Additionally, Dallas College supports student mobility by offering transferable general education credits to Texas public and many private institutions. Students are encouraged to consult with success coaches for guidance on transfer pathways or further education opportunities.
Good Samaritan College
Cincinnati, Ohio
https://gscollege.edu/programs/associate-of-applied-science-surgical-technology-aas-st/
Program Overview and Curriculum Design
Good Samaritan College’s A.A.S. in Surgical Technology is a five-semester, 65-credit-hour program beginning in Fall 2025. It is designed to prepare students for entry-level surgical technologist roles in hospitals, outpatient centers, physician or dental offices, and more. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, skills labs, and clinical experience, aligning with the AST Core Curriculum (7th ed.). Students must complete a minimum of 120 surgical cases in scrub roles and maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all SUR courses. Classes and clinicals are held during weekdays, and coursework is delivered both on-campus and through the Brightspace LMS platform. While the program itself does not provide certification, it prepares students for the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
Outcomes and Career Advancement
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the program emphasizes cognitive, psychomotor, and affective development. Students gain a solid foundation in anatomy, pharmacology, surgical procedures, and aseptic techniques. The program promotes professionalism, ethical behavior, and the ability to work with diverse patient populations. Additionally, graduates may continue their education through GSC’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program, as many credits overlap. With high national demand for skilled surgical technologists, graduates are well-equipped for employment in a growing healthcare field.
San Juan College
https://www.sanjuancollege.edu/education-training/programs/surgical-technology-aas
Farmington, NM
Hands-On Training and Affordable Education
San Juan College offers a two-and-a-half-year Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology that prepares students for a fast-paced role in the operating room. The program emphasizes hands-on training through clinical rotations and use of state-of-the-art simulation labs, which include laparoscopic trainers and a full operating suite. Students learn critical skills such as aseptic technique, patient positioning, and surgical instrumentation. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification exam, with the 2024 class achieving an 83% pass rate. With financial aid options such as the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, students may even qualify for tuition-free education.
Career Readiness and High Demand
SJC’s program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring a high-quality curriculum aligned with industry standards. Program outcomes include entry-level surgical tech readiness, and students often gain employment locally or regionally at facilities like San Juan Regional Medical Center and Presbyterian Rust Medical Center. The growing demand for surgical technologists nationwide, projected at 6% growth through 2031, makes this program a practical and accessible path to a healthcare career.
The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP)
https://www.chcp.edu/degrees-certificates/on-campus/surgical-technology-aas-degree
Surgical Tech Programs Houston-Austin Campus ,Surgical Tech Programs San Antonio-Dallas Campus , Surgical Tech Programs Dallas Houston – Northwest Campus ,Surgical Tech Programs Austin San Antonio – North Campus
Flexible Learning with Clinical Experience
CHCP’s Surgical Technology AAS Degree Program can be completed in under two years and is available at campuses across Texas. The program blends flexible online coursework with immersive, hands-on clinical training. Students gain comprehensive instruction in aseptic technique, surgical procedures, instrumentation, and professional ethics. The curriculum prepares students to support surgical teams during preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. CHCP’s campuses are located in healthcare-rich environments, increasing students’ access to job opportunities and clinical experience.
Certifications and Accreditations for Career Mobility
Depending on location, CHCP’s program is accredited by either CAAHEP or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), fulfilling the Texas requirements for surgical technologist certification. Students are prepared to sit for certifications from NBSTSA, the National Center for Competency Testing, or other approved bodies. Graduates typically work in hospitals, outpatient centers, and dental offices, with roles that span a wide range of surgical procedures including endoscopies, pacemaker implants, and dermatological surgeries.
Gateway Community College
https://www.gatewaycc.edu/degrees-certificates/health-sciences/surgical-technology-3673-aas
Phoenix, AZ
Comprehensive Curriculum with Dual Certification Options
Gateway Community College offers a rigorous Surgical Technology AAS program requiring 70.5–97 credits. The program provides in-depth training in scrubbing techniques, aseptic procedures, and surgical technology skills. Students also complete shared core coursework with the Hospital Central Services program and can opt to pursue an additional 400-hour practicum for eligibility to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam. This dual pathway increases career flexibility and opens doors to sterile processing roles in addition to surgical tech positions.Selective
Admissions and High Standards
Entry into the program is competitive, with prerequisites including a fingerprint clearance, background checks, and completion of foundational coursework in biology, math, and English. Accredited by CAAHEP, the program ensures students are prepared for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) national exam. Upon completion, graduates are qualified to work in hospitals, surgical centers, or outpatient facilities, with Arizona-based surgical technologists earning an average of $55,610 annually.
Conclusion: A High-Value Career Path in Healthcare
Pursuing an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology offers strong value when comparing educational investment to potential income.
With tuition costs typically ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 and program lengths of around 18 to 24 months, many students can enter the workforce in less than two years.
Graduates often begin their careers with starting salaries around $42,000, and median wages can reach $55,000 to $64,000 depending on region and experience.
Loan Payoff Timeframe
If you dedicate 10% of a $50,000 salary to loan repayment, you could pay off a $30,000 loan in about 6 years. At 20%, that time drops to just 3 years, and at 30%, it’s about 2 years. This makes the financial return on investment especially strong for motivated students.
When paired with growing job demand and national certification opportunities, this makes surgical technology a cost-effective path into healthcare. For individuals looking to enter a respected, hands-on medical profession without the time or cost of a four-year degree, becoming a surgical technologist offers a strong return on investment and long-term career stability.