Top Schools for Surgical Technology (US)

In the field of healthcare, surgical technologists are integral members of the surgical team, providing support in various capacities before, during, and after surgery. These professionals assist surgeons and other medical staff by ensuring that the operating room is sterile, maintaining surgical instruments, and helping prepare patients for surgery. For those interested in pursuing a career in this field, selecting a high-quality educational institution that offers accredited surgical technology programs is crucial.

Several universities and colleges across the United States have earned a reputation for providing comprehensive training in surgical technology, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the healthcare field. Some of the top schools in the U.S. offering surgical technology programs include the University of Saint Francis, Keiser University, Robert Morris University, University of Cincinnati Clermont College, and The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.

The University of Saint Francis (USF) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is one of the leading institutions offering a highly respected Surgical Technology Program. The program has been accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee for Education in Surgical Technology (ARC/ST) in cooperation with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) since 1978. This long-standing accreditation attests to the high standards of education and clinical training that USF provides its students. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to sit for the National Certifying Examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This certification is essential for anyone wishing to work as a surgical technologist in most healthcare settings. USF’s surgical technology program is known for its comprehensive curriculum, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training in surgical environments. One of the unique features of this program is its participation in the NBSTSA's pre-graduation testing program, which allows students to take the certification examination immediately before graduation. This gives students a head start in securing their credentials and entering the workforce as certified professionals.

Another notable institution is Keiser University, which offers an Associate of Science degree in Surgical Technology. Keiser University’s program is designed to provide students with the technical expertise, knowledge, and skills needed for entry-level employment as surgical technologists. The program at the Port St. Lucie campus is accredited by CAAHEP, ensuring that it meets the rigorous standards required for a high-quality education in surgical technology. The curriculum at Keiser University covers essential topics such as anatomy, medical terminology, surgical procedures, and sterile techniques, alongside clinical training in a surgical setting. Students at Keiser University benefit from the institution’s small class sizes and personalized instruction, allowing them to receive more hands-on experience and direct interaction with faculty. This approach helps ensure that graduates are fully equipped to assist in surgeries, maintain sterile environments, and provide the best possible support to surgeons and patients alike.

Robert Morris University (RMU) in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, also offers a well-regarded Surgical Technology program. The program is delivered in collaboration with prominent healthcare providers, allowing students to gain valuable experience in real-world surgical environments. RMU’s Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare students for the National Certification Examination for Surgical Technologists, written and administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Like many other programs, RMU’s curriculum includes both theoretical coursework and clinical rotations, where students gain hands-on experience in surgical settings. The program is accredited by CAAHEP, upon recommendation of the ARC-ST, ensuring that it meets the educational standards necessary to provide students with a solid foundation for a career in surgical technology. RMU’s partnerships with healthcare providers also give students opportunities to network and establish connections within the medical field, enhancing their employment prospects upon graduation.

The University of Cincinnati Clermont College in Batavia, Ohio, is another institution that offers a top-tier surgical technology program. The Associate Degree in Surgical Technology can be completed in just two years of full-time study. The program is fully accredited by CAAHEP, ensuring that it meets the necessary standards to prepare students for certification and professional practice. The curriculum at UC Clermont College includes both classroom education and clinical rotations, giving students the chance to gain practical experience in real surgical settings. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for certification through the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and the Liaison Council on Certification for Surgical Technologists (LCC-ST). Upon passing the certification exam, graduates can become Certified Surgical Technologists (CST), a credential that is required for most surgical technologists working in hospitals and surgical centers. UC Clermont College’s program is known for its thorough preparation, which helps students develop the technical expertise, critical thinking, and patient care skills needed to succeed in the fast-paced and demanding environment of the operating room.

Lastly, The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith offers another excellent option for those looking to pursue a career in surgical technology. The program at the College of Health Sciences has been accredited since 1980, making it one of the long-standing programs in the field. The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith’s Surgical Technology program prepares students to become highly skilled professionals capable of assisting in a variety of surgical procedures. The program offers comprehensive training, including both theoretical coursework and hands-on experience in clinical settings. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination to become Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs). The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith’s program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled surgical technologists, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to work in a wide range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty clinics.

All of these schools offer high-quality surgical technology programs that combine academic instruction with practical experience. Accredited by CAAHEP, these programs meet the rigorous standards set by the field and ensure that students are prepared to succeed in the highly competitive healthcare environment. Certification as a surgical technologist, achieved through exams like the NBSTSA’s National Certifying Examination, is a critical component of these programs and is often required for employment in most healthcare facilities. Graduates who achieve certification can expect a positive job outlook, as surgical technologists are in high demand across the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing volume of surgeries and the aging population.

Moreover, the profession offers a competitive salary, with the median annual wage for surgical technologists being higher than many other healthcare support roles. As surgical technology continues to evolve with advancements in medical procedures and technology, there will be increasing opportunities for professional growth, specializations, and advancement within the field. Many surgical technologists go on to pursue additional certifications in specialties such as cardiovascular or orthopedic surgery, increasing their earning potential and career prospects.

In conclusion, pursuing a career in surgical technology can be both rewarding and fulfilling, offering the chance to work in one of the most dynamic areas of healthcare. Whether at the University of Saint Francis, Keiser University, Robert Morris University, University of Cincinnati Clermont College, or The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, students can receive top-tier education and training in this field. By earning certifications and gaining hands-on experience in surgical environments, graduates are well-equipped to join the healthcare workforce as highly skilled surgical technologists, ready to assist in critical procedures and contribute to the overall well-being of patients. With strong job prospects, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career advancement, surgical technology remains one of the most promising healthcare professions for aspiring students.