SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST SCHOOLS
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Being a life-saving member of a surgical team is a noble goal, but completing the years of training that a surgeon must complete is a commitment that not many can stomach. Luckily, becoming a surgical technologist allows for those who are passionate about healthcare to participate in surgical procedures without becoming surgeons. Not only is this an exciting and rewarding job, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2019) projects that it is also one that’s growing quite quickly. Between 2018 and 2028, need in this area is expected to rise by 9 percent, which is nearly double that of all other fields (5 percent).
Still, even though becoming a surgical technologist does not require as much education as becoming a doctor or surgeon, it does require completion of a rigorous program that can take between one and a half and two years to complete. Students will learn basic anatomy and medical terminology, understand the differences between various surgical procedures, and learn how to best assist both doctors and patients in preparing for surgeries.
One of the main components of a surgical technology program is the practicum. The practicum is a hands-on clinical rotation that allows students to apply their academic learning in a real-world setting and is one of the vital requirements to become certified to practice as a surgical technologist.
Although there are many surgical technologist schools from which to choose, matriculation alone may not qualify graduates to enter the workforce, since some states require surgical techs to be board-certified through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). For this reason, it is safest and generally best to seek out appropriately accredited programs that help prepare students for board certification.
| SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST FAST FACTS | |
|---|---|
| Projected Jobs Created | 9,700 |
| Projected Job Growth | 9% |
| Average Salary | $47,300 |
| Low Salary | $32,870 |
| High Salary | $69,170 |
| Entry-Level EDU | Certification |
| Sourced from BLS, June 2018 |
DEGREE & CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Most surgical technologist schools culminate in an associate’s in science (AS) or associate in applied science (AAS) degree. There are, however, a handful of schools that offer a certificate program or a bachelor’s of science (BS) degree in health sciences with a surgical specialty. Associate degree programs usually take between one and two years, while an accelerated certificate program can be completed in nine months.
Students pursuing a BS in surgical technology can expect to spend between four and five years completing their degree, although they may be in a better position to continue health education or take on administrative responsibilities upon graduation.
- South Plains College (Certificate, AAS) – A very versatile program, South Plains College in Levelland, Texas provides options for both new healthcare students and seasoned healthcare professionals to study surgical technology with an AAS and a certificate of proficiency track. While both options allow the student to sit for the national board exam, only the AAS option includes a practicum as a part of the coursework. The certificate program, which includes a capstone experience in lieu of a practicum, is available to students who are already working as surgical technologists and want to qualify for board certification.
- New England Institute of Technology (AS) – Students who graduate from the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), located in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, have a reputation for finding jobs quickly, often in the New England area where they do their practicum experiences. Prior to completing the practicum, students at NEIT will complete 160 hours of intensive, surgical simulation. Graduates of this 18-month program finish their AS degree with the opportunity to be board certified.
- Carrington College (Certificate, AS) – With campuses in both CItrus Heights and San Jose, California, Carrington College offers both a certificate and associate’s degree program for surgical technologists. Students graduating from this school have the option to become board certified. The Carrington program requires students to complete 120 surgical cases before they graduate, to ensure its graduates are properly prepared to join the workforce right away.
- Southeast Community College (AAS) – Southeast Community College (SCC), with three campuses in Nebraska, offers a surgical technology program that is one of the most flexible as well, providing an excellent online cohort in conjunction with a local clinical practicum. In 2017, 88 percent of surgical technology graduates from SCC were employed locally upon graduation, which is certainly an encouraging statistic.
- Kingsborough Community College (AAS) – Located in the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, New York, Kingsborough Community College (KCC) offers a surgical technology program that requires 64 credits to complete. After the initial semester, students must register for practicum hours for every subsequent semester in order to gain the necessary clinical experience. But that experience pays off, with 100 percent of 2017 graduates passing the certified surgical technologist (CST) exam.
LIST OF SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST SCHOOLS
| SCHOOL | CITY | STATE | WEBSITE | GRADS (2018) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madisonville Community College | Madisonville | Kentucky | madisonville.kctcs.edu | 121 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis | Indiana | www.ivytech.edu | 117 |
| Baker College | Flint | Michigan | www.baker.edu | 102 |
| San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena | Texas | www.sanjac.edu | 97 |
| Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville | Georgia | www.gwinnetttech.edu | 70 |
| Wayne County Community College District | Detroit | Michigan | www.wcccd.edu | 69 |
| EDIC College | Caguas | Puerto Rico | www.ediccollege.edu | 66 |
| Glendale Career College | Glendale | California | www.success.edu | 66 |
| Antilles School of Technical Careers | San Juan | Puerto Rico | www.antillespr.edu | 55 |
| Berkeley College-Woodland Park | Woodland Park | New Jersey | www.berkeleycollege.edu | 53 |
HYBRID & ONLINE PROGRAMS
Because surgical technology is such a hands-on profession, there are very few online and hybrid options from which to choose. Surgical technology programs require an extensive practicum (typically between 300-1200 hours of hands-on practice) even when the coursework is delivered entirely online. That said, there are several hybrid (face-to-face combined with distance learning) and online surgical technologist programs, including the following:
- Baptist Health System School of Health Professionals (AAS) – At one time, the Baptist Health System School of Health Professionals was the only fully online surgical technology CAAHEP-accredited university program. The 100 percent online option is an accelerated program, and students must already be employed as a surgical technologist in order to qualify to complete the program. Fortunately, this college also offers a residential and online blended option, making it one of the most flexible colleges for surgical technology training.
- Great Falls College – Montana State University (AS) – Located in Great Falls, Montana, Great Falls College – Montana State University offers a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technologist program in a hybrid format. Although classroom work can be completed online, students are required to rotate through clinical sites in Montana and therefore must be local to the area.
| SCHOOL | CITY | STATE | WEBSITE | GRADS (2018) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting | Nashville | Tennessee | www.meridian-institute.edu | 346 |
| Rasmussen College-Minnesota | St. Cloud | Minnesota | rasmussen.edu | 28 |
| Holmes Community College | Goodman | Mississippi | www.holmescc.edu | 22 |
| Seward County Community College | Liberal | Kansas | www.sccc.edu | 20 |
| Vincennes University | Vincennes | Indiana | www.vinu.edu | 20 |
| Concorde Career College-Kansas City | Kansas City | Missouri | www.concorde.edu/campus/kansas-city-missouri | 19 |
| College of Southern Idaho | Twin Falls | Idaho | www.csi.edu | 18 |
| Siena Heights University | Adrian | Michigan | www.sienaheights.edu | 17 |
| Santa Fe College | Gainesville | Florida | www.sfcollege.edu | 16 |
| Rasmussen College-Illinois | Rockford | Illinois | rasmussen.edu | 11 |
| Baptist Health System School of Health Professions | San Antonio | Texas | www.bshp.edu | 6 |
| Rasmussen College-North Dakota | Fargo | North Dakota | rasmussen.edu | 3 |
| Linn-Benton Community College | Albany | Oregon | www.linnbenton.edu | 2 |
2017-2018 School Data from IPEDS (Sourced in November, 2019)
CORE & ELECTIVE COURSES
To complete most surgical tech programs, students must get a grade of B or higher in both core classes and specialty surgical tech courses. Many of these courses are shared with other health care degrees – like medical ethics and anatomy and physiology. Still, there are a few courses that are specific to surgical tech schools, and which are integral to those programs.
- Medical terminology – This is a vital course for many health care professionals, and is particularly important for surgical technologists. In this course, students will learn the root words, suffixes, and prefixes by which all other medical terms are created. In addition, they will learn the names of each part of the human body, in addition to the most common illnesses and physical impairments.
- Surgical procedures – The purpose of this course is to teach students the theory and practices that should be used with various types of surgeries. Typical surgeries covered include gynecological, orthopedic, genitourinary, and many others. The course emphasizes procedures, technology, and tools that should be used in each independent surgery.
- Pharmacology for surgical technology – In this course, students are introduced to different types of pharmaceuticals that may be used during the course of a surgical procedure. In addition, students learn specific drug interactions, systems and regulations for administration, and calculation of dosages. Drugs that might be used before and after a procedure are also introduced.
- Clinical practicum or externship – This is a vital course for all surgical technologists. In this course, students complete rotations in a working hospital or medical facility where surgeries are regularly performed. Under the tutelage of a senior surgical technologist, they are able to use the knowledge they have learned in hands-on practice to assist during surgical procedures.
ACCREDITATION
In order to practice as a surgical technologist, students need to complete a surgical technology program at a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP, in tandem with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), evaluates surgical technologist programs to ensure that the coursework and health education practices are in compliance with national standards. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is also qualified to accredit appropriate surgical tech schools.
During the ARC/STSA accreditation process, professional surgical technologists and healthcare educators look carefully at the program objectives and outcomes to determine whether a program is eligible for CAAHEP accreditation. Each clinical cohort is also evaluated to make sure that the technology and healthcare procedures used are at the current healthcare standard. Finally, the ARC/STSA does thorough investigations on all of the professors to ensure their professional abilities and background.
Additionally, colleges should be accredited by one of the regional or national accrediting bodies approved by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Typical regional accrediting bodies include the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS-WASC), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – Commission on Colleges (SACS/COC), and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
CAREER OUTLOOK
The aging baby boomer generation will lead to an increase in need for many health care operations and surgical technologists are no exception. General health care jobs are expected to increase by 14 percent by the year 2026 with surgical technology positions expected to increase by a similar 12 percent. The expected growth rate for surgical technology jobs is nearly double the national average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS (2017) reports that this increased need for surgical technologists is driven by two main factors. Firstly, as the baby boomer generation ages, they will require more surgeries to maintain their standard of living. Secondly, access to better healthcare will make day-to-day surgeries (like sports-related surgeries) more feasible for the general population.
Another reason surgical technologists will likely remain in such high demand is that they are a cost-effective investment for hospitals. Surgical technologists are much less expensive to hire than registered nurses, but often can assist in the same types of procedures.
According to the BLS (2017), a majority of surgical technologists work in hospitals and surgical centers. Still, the most highly-paid workers in this field work for medical and diagnostic laboratories. The state with the most surgical technologists is California, and the average wage in this state is over $61,000 – more than $10,000 over than the national average of $48,060. Other top-paying states include Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, DC, and Alaska.
| CAREER FACTS | SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST |
|---|---|
| Related Careers | Radiation Therapist, Endoscopy Technician, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Nuclear Medicine Technologist |
| Common Job Titles | Surgical Technologist, Certified Surgical Technologist |
| Technology & Equipment | Electrocautery Equipment, Surgical Saws And Drills, Surgical Vacuums, Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirators |
| Sourced from BLS, June 2018 |
LICENSING & CERTIFICATION
Surgical technologists who desire to be board certified must complete CAAHEP accredited program, with review by the ARC/STSA . A list of accredited surgical tech schools is available on the CAAHEP website.
In addition to completing a program at one of the accredited surgical tech schools, certified students must also complete a certification exam. This exam is provided through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Finally, students seeking board certification must have completed the appropriate coursework and clinical hours. Depending on the degree program, a student may complete between 300 and 1200 clinical hours to complete the university’s requirements. These clinical hours are necessary to be licensed as a surgical technologist.
Although it is not legally required for surgical technologists to be board certified at this time, it may be a better career decision. Completing a surgical tech degree from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited school is the only way to earn this designation and sit for the national test. This makes students who earn this designation much more employable and more likely to find positions in the highest-earning bracket for this field of study.
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Missouri
Before surgery begins, patients must be physically prepared for the operation. Surgical technologists help patients prepare by washing, shaving or disinfecting areas of the body where operating will take place, and by transporting patients from medical beds onto surgery tables. In addition to these responsibilities, surgical technologists need to be reassuring and compassionate toward patients who may be nervous or worried before an operation begins. Surgical technologists work alongside lead surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other members of the surgical team. As a surgical tech, you would sterilize important surgical equipment before and after operations and ensure the proper handling of medical instruments during an operation. [En Español]Find Schools in Missouri
Requirements for Becoming a Surgical Technologist in Missouri
Missouri is one of many U.S. states that do not currently have legislation governing the profession of surgical technology. This allows your employer to determine the necessary standards you must meet in order to be hired. While this may seem to make things easier, you will still want to take important initiatives to ensure you receive the best training possible, which will lead to a more fruitful career.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are two of the most trusted U.S. organizations accrediting medical schools across the country. If you find a surgical technology program from either of these lists, you will be eligible to take the voluntary national exam to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
Most likely, you will be required to provide proof of a high school diploma or GED before enrolling into one of these accredited training programs. If you are interested in challenging yourself to learn and grow within the trade, you should also seek out an internship at a medical facility that will provide you with real-world experience as a surgical tech. This experience will make you a top choice for potential employers and could possibly even lead to a full-time position upon graduation from your training program.Find Schools in Missouri
Missouri Schools for Surgical Technologists
Missouri has a list of schools accredited by the CAAHEP for surgical technology students. If you’re interested in taking classes in this state, one of the three listed below may be a fit for you.
- Franklin Technology Center offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology. This program is designed to be completed in three semesters and includes courses in political science and speech/communications in addition to medical coursework. The total cost for this program is $12,352.
- Midwest Institute offers an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology, which can be completed in two years. Students will gain hands-on experience in an unpaid externship, which includes training in an operating room with professional surgical teams. The program currently costs a total of $39,374.
- Ozarks Technical Community College offers both a certificate and an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology. The certificate program can be completed in about one year, while the AAS degree will take two years to complete. Tuition currently costs about $5,362 annually.
National Certification for Surgical Technologists in Missouri
Although there are no state-legislated requirements to become a surgical technologist in Missouri, it is still a great idea to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). This is a certification that most employers look for, and other employers will require this certification. Wherever you plan to work as a surgical technologist, you will benefit from being a CST as your job hunt will be easier, and you could receive higher compensation than those who do not have this credential.
The CST exam is offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Eligibility requirements include payment of a $290 exam fee, as well as proof that you’ve completed a surgical technology training program accredited by either the CAAHEP or the ABHES. Alternatively, you can show that you have successfully completed a military training program in surgical technology. It is important to note that every four years you will need to recertify as a CST by either retaking the exam or showing you have earned at least 60 credit hours of continued education in the field during the four-year period between exams.Find Schools in Missouri
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
The job market for surgical technologists in Missouri is expected to increase by 12.2 percent in the 10-year period from 2016 to 2026, according to data provided by the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP). In 2016, there were 1,890 surgical technologists working in the state of Missouri, and there are expected to be 2,120 people employed as surgical techs by 2026.
Those working as surgical techs made an average of $20.95 per hour or $43,580 annually in 2019, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. The highest paid surgical techs in the state made an annual income of $59,510 during the same year.
Working as a Surgical Technologist in Missouri
The surgical technologist job market is projected see 12 percent national growth by 2026, according to the BLS. Finding a specialty within the trade will be a good idea if you already have an idea of the type of surgical environment in which you would like to work. Some CSTs work specifically with heart surgeries, while others may work with OB/GYNs for example, helping obstetricians in labor and delivery rooms. You can also find work in the operating rooms of hospitals, surgical clinics or outpatient facilities. Any professional environment where important medical tools are handled could be a suitable place to work as a surgical technologist. In Missouri, surgical technologist positions in the cities of Saint Louis, Kansas City and Independence will likely pay the most. If you know this is the right field for you, make a plan to get started today.
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