A public college located about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, UPJ is a satellite campus of the University of Pittsburgh. The school offers degrees exclusively at the bachelor's level, including a surgical tech program that enables candidates to earn an associate degree and a professional certificate. Recent graduates report a 95% pass rate on the national certified surgical technologist exam.

Surgical tech candidates complete a total of 74 credits, typically graduating in two years. The program covers topics including anatomy and physiology, medical microbiology, and operating room techniques. Candidates also complete a liberal arts core that includes topics such as composition, psychology, and algebra.

The final three semesters focus on experiential learning. Candidates complete 12 hours of orientation, 315 hours of classroom instruction in operating techniques, and 1,035 hours of a clinical practicum.

A fully accredited career college based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Southeast Tech hosts one of the state's top programs for surgical techs. Training students to serve as operating room technicians, the associate degree in surgical technology teaches students how to prep patients and operating rooms, handle instruments and equipment, and pass instruments to surgeons during procedures.

The 63-credit program covers topics such as medical language, surgical asepsis, patient care techniques, and healthcare/human relations. The curriculum prepares graduates to serve as primary scrubs in surgical environments, anticipating the needs of surgeons and facilitating effective patient care.

All candidates complete multiple semesters of clinical practice, gaining hands-on experience in various surgery environments. Southeast Tech assigns clinical placements through a lottery system, and candidates perform clinical hours at many different sites around South Dakota and the Midwest.

One of Nebraska's top surgical tech schools, Northeast operates a main campus in Norfolk. The school offers an associate of applied science in surgical technology in conjunction with Southeast Community College in Lincoln, combining online education with in-person clinical experiences. Program graduates can test for the national certified surgical technologist credential.

Candidates complete surgical technology courses online through Southeast Community College, building key skills in operating room techniques and asepsis. Northeast provides 30 credits of support courses on topics such as microbiology and comprehensive medical terminology. Enrollees also complete general education courses in behavioral science, math, oral communication, science or technology, and written communication.

Clinical experiences form another major section of the surgical technology curriculum, enabling candidates to build skills through hands-on learning. Northeast students complete clinical hours with Faith Regional Health Services and other Nebraska hospitals.

A public community college based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Western also operates several regional campuses in cities including Black River Falls, Independence, Mauston, Tomah, and Viroqua. The school hosts one of the Midwest's top surgical tech programs, training students to assist in operating rooms with diagnostic, therapeutic, and invasive surgical procedures. The associate of applied science in surgical technology also prepares graduates for national certification.

Surgical tech candidates complete a minimum of 68 credits, typically taking five academic terms to graduate. The curriculum features courses such as exploring surgical issues, surgical tech fundamentals, surgical skills applications, and surgical interventions. Candidates also perform four surgical tech clinical courses for a total of 12 credits.

Clinical and lab courses occur in person, but Western also offers some courses online through its regional campuses. Distance courses build general surgical and medical knowledge, preparing candidates for clinical courses in later semesters.

A private Florida college, Keiser operates a main campus in Fort Lauderdale along with several regional campuses throughout the state. The school's Clearwater campus hosts one of the state's top programs for surgical techs, giving students the technical skills and knowledge needed to serve as surgical technologists. The associate of science in surgical technology covers the use of surgical instruments and supplies, patient positions and preparation, and principles of asepsis in surgical operating room settings.

The 74-credit program includes general education courses, surgical tech major courses, and externship courses. General education courses build foundational knowledge in areas including behavioral science, communications, natural science, and mathematics.

The surgical tech major features 48 credits of courses on topics like surgical techniques and procedures, surgical specialties, and anatomy and physiology. Externship courses occur at the end of the program, building clinical experience in a surgery setting.

One of Maryland's major community colleges, FCC serves more than 6,100 students annually from its campus in Frederick. The school offers a surgical tech program with two enrollment options: an associate of science in arts and sciences with a pre-surgical technology concentration and an associate of applied science in surgical technology.

The pre-surgical tech concentration prepares candidates for the associate of applied science degree, building foundational knowledge and skills over three semesters. These three semesters serve as an admissions evaluation. Candidates can apply to the applied science program after completing all required courses.

The associate of applied science program includes 60-65 credits, with significant portions dedicated to lab and clinical work. The program typically takes six semesters to complete (including the three initial evaluation semesters).

Operating three campus locations in Bradenton, Florida, MTC offers a surgical technology certificate program that combines classroom learning, simulation exercises, and clinical operating room experiences. The program reports a 100% on-time completion rate and an 89% pass rate among graduates on the national surgical technologist certification exam.

Operating in accordance with the Florida Statutes for Surgical Technology, the program covers key topics including anatomy and physiology, aseptic techniques, use and care of equipment and supplies, patient care procedures, and surgical technology procedures. The curriculum also stresses the legal and ethical responsibilities of surgical technologists. The program requires a total of 1,330 clock hours and typically takes about 11 months to complete.

Course credit earned through the surgical tech program may transfer toward bachelor's programs at other Florida colleges. MTC maintains articulation agreements with many schools around the state. Transfer counselors can advise students on course selections and credit equivalencies.

One of 16 members of the Wisconsin Technical College System, CVTC operates a main campus in Eau Claire along with satellite campuses in Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, Neillsville, and River Falls. The school's surgical technologist technical diploma trains students to organize and handle equipment, prepare operating room suites, drape surgical patients, and assist surgeons with various procedures. The diploma prepares graduates for careers including surgical technologist, sterilization technician, and oral surgery technician.

The 35-credit program highlights the theory and application of surgical technology, covering topics such as human anatomy, sterile and aseptic techniques, and the implementation of tools and technologies in surgical procedures. All course content occurs in person, and most full-time enrollees complete the certificate in just one year. Program graduates are prepared to sit for the national surgical technologist certification examination.

Located on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the city of Marquette, NMU enrolls around 7,700 students annually. The school's surgical tech program builds the knowledge and abilities necessary to maintain sterile surgical environments and promote patient care. Recent program graduates report an 89% pass rate on the national certified surgical technologist exam.

The associate of applied science in surgical technology comprises 64 credits. Learners complete 16 credits of general education courses, 32 credits of major courses, and 16 credits of additional required courses. The core explores key topics including clinical assisting, clinical practice, and general surgical procedures. Other required courses include medical terminology and emergency medical care.

Graduates can enter professional practice or continue on to NMU's bachelor's in clinical health science program. The 120-credit bachelor's program builds on skills developed in the associate program, preparing graduates for supervisory positions.

A technical and career training center based in Enid, Oklahoma, Autry Technology Center offers a surgical tech program that serves students of all backgrounds. The program prepares candidates for a variety of professional certifications, including certified tech in surgery, central sterile processing technician, and Oklahoma's surgical technologist competency certification.

Candidates complete a total of 1,481 clock hours, divided between classroom courses and practicum hours. The curriculum covers topics like surgical asepsis, microbiology and wound healing, surgical patient care, and surgical case management. Candidates also complete three sections of a surgical tech practicum, building professional experience in a surgery setting.

The program takes full-time enrollees 11 months to complete, beginning in August and concluding the following July. Candidates attend regular weekday classroom sessions, moving into eight-hour clinical shifts later in the program. While most classes and clinical hours occur during the daytime, the program includes some evening assignments.

A major Wyoming community college based in Laramie, LCCC serves around 6,000 students annually. The school's associate of applied science in surgical technology focuses on the knowledge, skills, and behavior necessary for effective patient care and sterile conscience in surgical environments. Using classroom, laboratory, and clinical courses, the program trains students to serve as key members of surgical teams. Most full-time enrollees graduate in 11 months.

LCCC offers an accelerated/alternate delivery pathway for applicants with professional experience or previous training in surgical technology. These candidates can demonstrate mastery of program content through proficiency exams or a professional portfolio. Accelerated candidates skip over some required courses, enabling them to graduate faster.

Focusing on technical and professional education, New England Tech serves around 3,000 students from its campus in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. The school's associate of science in surgical technology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and trains students for the scrub role on surgical teams. Graduates can pursue positions in obstetrical departments, outpatient surgical centers, and hospital operating rooms.

The program lasts six academic terms and requires 101 quarter credits. Common course topics include medical ethics and bioethics, surgical procedures, and advanced applications of surgical technology.

All candidates complete surgical simulations and a comprehensive clinical externship. Lasting 160 hours, the surgical simulation occurs at two different surgical tech labs. The 20-week externship places students in a professional surgery environment, enabling them to work alongside other assistants and surgeons.

A public college based in Bismarck, North Dakota, BSC enrolls around 4,000 students annually. The school's associate of applied science in surgical technology highlights the application and theory of sterile techniques in surgical settings.

The program begins during the spring semester and offers two-year and three-year enrollment options. Candidates complete a minimum of 65 credits, including courses in specialty surgical procedures, operating room materials, and medical terminology for surgical technology.

The surgical tech program is highly selective. Many applicants hold a background in the biological sciences, including training in anatomy and physiology. Candidates must first complete one full-time semester at BSC with at least a 2.0 GPA. After satisfactory completion of the first semester, candidates can apply to the surgical tech program, which also requires an admissions interview.

A career and technology education center based in Oklahoma City, Metro Tech offers technical education to high school and traditional students. The school's surgical tech program trains enrollees to prepare instruments, equipment, and supplies for surgical procedures. The program prepares graduates for the national surgical tech certification examination.

The program combines classroom instruction, lab sessions, and clinical practice. The curriculum includes topics such as surgical case management, essentials of surgical asepsis, microbiology and wound healing, and surgical patient care.

Program applicants must be at least 18 and hold a high school or GED diploma. Metro Tech recommends prior training in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, though these courses are not required to enroll.

A community college based in Grayslake, Illinois, CLC offers one of the top surgical technology programs in the Midwest. Candidates can choose from a certificate or an associate of applied science in surgical technology, training for positions in hospital operating rooms, surgery centers, physicians' offices, and emergency rooms. The program prepares graduates for the national certified surgical technologist exam.

The certificate program typically lasts four semesters and includes 43-49 credits. The associate degree lasts six semesters and includes 62-68 credits. Both programs feature courses such as principles of biology, anatomy and physiology, and principles and practices of surgical procedures. The associate degree includes additional general education courses along with a course in advanced surgical procedures.

Candidates in both programs complete significant lab and clinical practice hours. All students complete three courses in surgical procedures and a three-credit surgical technology internship.