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The medical industry continues to grow, and the demand for the role of surgical technicians is expanding with the industry’s growth.
While there is high demand for this role, the path to earning a position is not easy and straightforward.
Many aspiring technicians are concerned with selecting the wrong training program, thus wasting money and time on a credential that doesn’t lead to the best job.
This is certainly an important decision that needs to be made correctly from the beginning.
To ensure you select the right school, you must consider the following educational options.
Keep reading to learn more!
Best Online Surgical Technician Programs
Nine: Santa Fe College
Rounding out the top is Santa Fe College, which offers a Surgical Technology Certificate.
This four-semester certificate program features a rigorous curriculum but is one of the best options in the U.S.
Students build extensive knowledge through lecture, then apply it to a clinical internship at local hospitals, while aligned to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) standards.
As such, the program is accredited by CAAHEP.
Tuition costs $3,383 for in-state students and $12,907 for out-of-state learners.
Eight: Dignity College of Healthcare
The Dignity College of Healthcare has a four-month online Surgical Technician Program that includes EKG technician training as an add-on.
Although the coursework is online, students must arrange an externship to fulfill the clinical hours required to sit for the national examination.
This is a great option for students who live far from a school that offers a similar degree or those who want the flexibility of an online experience.
The total tuition cost, including books, materials, and fees, is $4,998.
Seven: MedCerts
MedCerts offers an immersive virtual learning experience with its 18-week Surgical Technologist program.
The curriculum covers the core duties of the position and emphasizes preparation for the Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) examination.
Although the program is online, it includes the 125 documented surgical case clinical requirement to sit for the exam.
The total tuition, including all materials, is $4,000.
Six: Health Tech Academy
Comprised of a 16-week intensive Surgical Technologist bootcamp, the Health Tech Academy online training combines theoretical knowledge with a mandatory practical externship to provide students with firsthand surgical experience.
The externship fulfills the 125 surgical cases needed to sit for the NCCT TS-C certification examination.
The total tuition for this 16-week intensive training program is $3,950.
Five: Hofstra University
The well-known Hofstra University also offers an online bootcamp that is self-paced and created to prepare students for the operating room quickly.
Despite the self-paced structure of the program, the school offers individual coaching with instructors and includes a voucher for the NCCT TS-C certification examination after completing the coursework.
The 18-week program costs $4,000.
Hofstra is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Four: Adams State University
Adams State University offers a Surgical Technologist online training program that’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The program takes between four and six months to complete, and costs $1,599.
Students can expect to graduate with a strong foundation in operating room knowledge, along with the development of essential skills like communication and teamwork.
The coursework prepares students to sit several certification exams offered by the NWCA, NHCWA, and AAH.
Three: Adventist Colleges and Universities
Learners in Adventist Colleges and Universities’ entirely online Surgical Technologist program will understand the core duties and concepts of a surgical technologist by the time they graduate.
The curriculum was developed to prepare students for the top national certification exams, which are required for entry-level employment.
This program takes between four and six months to complete and costs $4,000.
Also, the National Healthcareer Association accredits the school.
Two: Emory University
With a curriculum heavily focused on developing the most essential skills of a surgical technologist, Emory University’s Surgical Technologist online program provides students with the core concepts needed for entry-level work.
The coursework also prepares learners for several leading national certification exams.
Most require work or clinical experience to take, so students must find an externship to gain the required number of cases.
The program time commitment ranges from four to six months, not including the externship, and the tuition costs $2,095.
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
One: San Francisco State University
Developed for budding surgical technicians, San Francisco State University’s online program is a blend of practical knowledge of the roles and responsibilities with foundational skills training.
The goal of this top-rated program is to prepare students for the TSC Certification exam.
The program includes a supervised volunteer externship to provide learners with applicable, hands-on experience.
The program takes between four and six months and has a cost of $2,000, including all books, materials, and fees.
Also, the surgical technician program is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
What Courses Are in an Online Surgical Technician Program?
An online surgical technician program is demanding.
Most are under six months but are crammed with information you must retain to pass the national certification exam.
Most curricula are designed to provide academic and hands-on practical knowledge.
The online aspect of a surgical technician program only covers the theoretical framework.
The in-person training is the aspect that legitimizes the program.
Most quality online programs require clinical hours and help you find an externship.
Therefore, a fully online surgical technician program does not exist.
Most curricula cover foundational knowledge required for entry-level work.
These classes include:
Medical Terminology
Hospitals and medical facilities employ a specialized language to describe various situations they encounter throughout the day.
Therefore, surgical technicians need to learn, understand, and memorize the precise language of medicine to ensure clear communication within their team.
Microbiology
Given that surgeries are so prone to infection, surgical techs need to understand infection control and the principles of maintaining a sterile environment and equipment.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology courses study the medications used in surgical settings.
This can be before, during, and after surgeries.
Physiology and Anatomy
This coursework takes a deeper dive into the human body’s various systems and structures.
This is crucial for technicians to understand for effective surgery preparation and to provide surgeons with the proper tools during operations.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical procedure courses are the heart of the program.
Surgical technicians need to understand the wide range of surgical interventions.
The information learned through a training program and in a clinical setting replicates the operating room.
The surgical technician curriculum is so demanding because of the high-stakes environment where graduates will work.
The coursework is carefully crafted to meet future employer needs, regardless of the location.
Since the majority of surgical technicians work in hospitals, the training must prepare students for the demanding reality of high-pressure and high-stress situations.
Each course ensures patient satisfaction and safety in a complicated and ever-changing environment.
Can You Earn an Online Surgical Technician Certification Completely Online?
Due to state and federal licensing requirements, it’s not possible to earn a surgical technician certification online.
All surgical technician programs require clinical and hands-on experience to graduate.
Many programs offer some online coursework for theoretical coursework; students must complete supervised clinical hours to gain the required skills to qualify for certification.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an Online Surgical Technician Certification?
Most surgical technician certification programs can be completed between nine and 15 months.
An associate’s degree takes around 24 months to complete.
The timeline for certificate and associate degree paths is determined by the in-person clinical hours required by accredited programs.
This ensures graduates are prepared to enter the operating room on the first day.
The timeline is determined based on the following factors:
Curriculum Pace
Since some students learn faster than others, schools have created self-paced programs, which allow students to learn at the pace that suits them.
Having a more relaxed course load allows students to maximize the retained information in preparation for the certification exam and entry-level work in an operating room.
Degree Level
Due to core classes, an associate degree takes longer than a certificate.
However, an associate degree better prepares students for future management positions and makes them more well-rounded learners.
Certificate programs only focus on covering the basics of a surgical technician’s role.
Program Structure
Self-paced programs are typically completed faster than live instruction courses.
Those who wish to dedicate the time to finish their education faster should opt for self-paced training.
However, those with busy schedules may perform better with a weekly class routine via a virtual live instructor.
It’s important to understand the difference between enrolling in a program.
All online programs still have an in-person aspect via an externship, which is required to sit for the certification exam.
Many budding surgical technicians have trouble deciding between a certificate and an associate degree, which is a strategic choice.
Although the certificate is the fastest way to employment, the associate degree also includes general education credits.
These are typically required for future advancement into specialized roles like Certified Surgical First Assistant or into management positions.
Earning an associate’s degree creates a stronger foundation that is relevant to long-term career growth.
Since the amount of time spent earning a degree or certificate is commensurate with cost, many opt for the fastest option, with the ability to develop their career later and with the hospital paying the tuition.
The choice comes down to the student’s immediate needs versus their future career goals.
How Much Does an Online Surgical Technician Certification Cost?
The cost of an online surgical technician certification varies greatly by school and location.
Even for online programs, some schools charge less for in-state students compared to out-of-state—the typical in-state tuition costs around $4,000.
Remember, tuition is never the final price, as there are other expenses required.
When developing a budget, make sure to include certification exam fees, health screenings and background checks, proper footwear and scrubs, supplies and textbooks, and technology fees.
While these costs can quickly compound, it’s important to view them as an investment in the future.
Compared to the excellent earning potential of the role, the return on investment for this medical career is exceptional.
Also, financial aid is available for those enrolled in an accredited program, so you aren’t limited to paying the entire tuition out of pocket.
Completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid will determine if you qualify for Scholarships, Federal Student Loans, and Pell Grants.
For those who plan to enroll in a non-accredited program, there are plenty of other grants and scholarships to help you finance your future.
Summary
As the medical industry continues to expand, surgical technicians have a bright future assisting in the operating room.
While there are plenty of online training programs that cover theoretical knowledge, applied knowledge is required through an externship or other form of work experience to sit for the national certification exam.
The time commitment for an online surgical technician training program ranges from a few months to two years.
Many students decide to surpass the certificate program and earn an associate degree, which gives them a broader range of knowledge and a more in-depth understanding of their craft.
Students must expect to pay tuition costs ranging from several thousand dollars to the tens of thousands of dollars.
This is heavily impacted by in-state versus out-of-state tuition, program length, the school’s reputation and competition for entrance, and program structure.
Students enrolled in a program will learn textbook knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, and surgical procedures.
