Surgical Technologist

Join the fast-paced, rewarding medical field as a surgical technologist. By supporting surgeons in the operating room, you’ll support positive patient outcomes and gain skills needed to launch your career in healthcare — without years of schooling.

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a women wearing scrubs working on a medical equipment.

a women wearing scrubs getting tools ready for surgery

This Surgical Technologist Program Is A Great Fit For:

Individuals interested in a career in healthcare
Recent high school graduates
Any student, healthcare professional, or aspiring healthcare worker who’s looking to join a booming field with opportunities for growth

About the Online Surgical Technologist Certificate Program

Course Length

4-6 Months

Time Commitments

16 Hours Per Week

Certifications

How Much Does a Surgical Technologist Certificate Cost?

We believe higher education should be accessible to everyone. You can choose to pay in full or enroll in a convenient payment plan. Connect with an admissions counselor to explore the payment options available to you.

Total cost of program

$4,000*

*Payment Plan Details: Enrollment requires a minimum deposit of $500. Installment payments will begin 30 days after the course start date.

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Surgical Technologist Program Requirements

This course assists learners in preparing for a nationally recognized (NCCT and/or AAH) certification. To obtain this credential, learners must pass a certification exam and document a specified amount of relevant work experience.

Disclaimer: This is not an associate degree and/or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) - approved program, which requires a 1 to 2-year associate degree credit program. However, there are multiple employment opportunities available for students who earn a certificate and nationally recognized credentials.

Prospective students are advised that St. Ambrose University cannot guarantee that an employer will accept NCCT or AAH certification for employment purposes.

Before enrolling, students should determine if NCCT and/or AAH certification is sufficient for the type of employment (and/or the employer) the prospective student seeks.

Surgical technologists are members of the surgical team working under the supervision and authority of the surgeon within the scope of practice of state law and hospital policy. These surgical team members help prepare the operating room by setting up sterile surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, and medications.

They must know medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology as well as the many different types of surgical instruments and equipment, proper infection control procedure, and effective communication strategies used with team members and the patient prior to and after the surgical procedure. This course provides an introduction to the surgical technologist career, role in the operating room, and other foundational concepts.

This course prepares learners for the American Allied Health (AAH) Surgical Technologist certification exam.

Surgical Technologist Fast Facts

9,600

NUMBER OF SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST JOB OPENINGS PER YEAR

Surgical Technologist Career Paths

Sterile Processing Technician
Central Service Technician
Medical Equipment Preparer
Surgical Assistant
Surgical Technologist
Certified Nursing Assistant
Registered Nurse

Surgical technologists in the 90th percentile of earners in their field make more than $30 per hour.

- Bureau of Labor Statistics

Interested In A Healthcare Career, But Not Sure Where To Start?

Download our FREE Finding My Career Path Guide. This PDF (5-min read) is packed with all the resources you need to make an informed decision about your future:

A sample profile of a healthcare job, including salary and job outlook through 2031.
A “Day in the Life” job description to help you picture yourself working your new healthcare career.
The 10 questions you need to ask yourself to determine if healthcare is right for you.

an illustration of a male doctor and male nurse talking in a surgery room.

Related Certificate Programs at St. Ambrose University

A man wearing scrubs and with a stethoscope around his neck looks at the camera for a portait. His arms are folded.

Clinical Medical Assistant

a man and a women wearing personal protective equipment looking at medical equipment.

Sterile Processing Technician

Is this Surgical Technologist Certificate Program right for me?

If you have some or many of the following personality traits, abilities or desires, a career as a surgical technologist may be a great fit!

Are you a good communicator who can work well with a team?
Are you detail-oriented, precise and able to follow instructions carefully?
Are you dexterous and comfortable working with your hands to prepare medical areas for patients?
Do you have the physical stamina needed to be on your feet frequently?

Why Choose St. Ambrose University?

The Surgical Technologist Certificate Program at St. Ambrose University offers students:

Flexible scheduling options, which allow you to balance your studies with personal commitments.
A program with an emphasis on professionalism, ethics and patient-centered care.
Affordable tuition fees and financing options for those who qualify.
Convenient and accessible learning from anywhere in the U.S. — without geographical constraints.
Supportive online community and resources for networking and career development.

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