Surgical technologist: Education, professional certification & career guide

What is a surgical technologist? 

Surgical technologists are key members of the surgical team. They work alongside surgeons and nurses to ensure surgeries are successful. Their duties include preparing and sterilizing the operating room (OR) for surgery, transporting patients to and from the OR and passing instruments to the attending surgeon. Surgical techs need a cool head, a quick mind and an iron stomach to perform their job. Because contamination in the OR can be life-threatening for the patient on the table, the importance of the surgical tech cannot be underestimated. 

Key takeaways

• Surgical technologists assist with operations by sterilizing and preparing surgical instruments, transporting patients to and from the OR, passing instruments to surgeons and nurses during a procedure and preparing rooms for the next surgery.
• Most surgical technologists must complete a surgical technology program to be eligible for employment, and some states require certain education and certification by law.
• Surgical technology programs typically award an associate degree or certificate, and usually take about two years to complete.

What does a surgical tech do?

Surgical technologists help with the general functions in and around the operating room. First and foremost, they prepare the operating room for procedures. This can range from sterilizing the equipment to making sure that all of the necessary supplies are present and well stocked. When it’s time for the operation, they help transfer the patient and get them ready for surgery by setting them up on the operating table and cleaning the incision site. 

During the procedure, surgical techs pass nurses and surgeons the proper tools and ensure that everything stays sanitized. They might also connect drains and tubing, operate suction machines or prepare specimens for analysis. When the surgery is over, they may dress the incision site, transfer the patient back to their room and set up the OR for the next surgery. 

With the length of life increasing and the advancement in medical equipment and procedures, surgical operations are happening more frequently than ever before. At an overall 10-year growth rate of 4.5% , the field of surgical technology can look forward to seeing increased opportunities for employment. 

Where do most surgical technologists work?

Hospitals

Outpatient care centers

Physician offices

Finding surgical technologist jobs 

As you read above, the majority of surgical technologists work in hospitals. But while that may be the most popular place of employment, it’s not the only work environment available. Physician offices, outpatient care centers and even dental offices employ surgical technologists.

When you begin your job search, you can check the openings for these various settings in your area. Organizations designed for surgical technologists can also help. Both the National Board of Surgical Technology and the Association of Surgical Technologists have online career resources for job opportunities. 

Learn how to become a surgical tech: Education requirements

While many medical careers require a specific degree to join the field, surgical technologists have three options for their level of education: a certificate, diploma or associate degree. Associate degrees are the most common.

For those interested in joining the field as quickly as possible, certificates and diplomas are typically earned in as little as one year, thanks to coursework that focuses specifically on surgical technology without courses on general knowledge or electives. These programs are often completed through technical or vocational schools.

Associate degrees typically take students two years to complete. Unlike with certificates and diplomas, an associate degree in surgical technology will include coursework in general science, English and math. These are often completed at community colleges, but can also be found at technical and vocational schools and even some universities. 

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Accreditation

No matter what program you choose, it must be accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) if you want to be eligible to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Some states require CST certification for the employment of surgical technologists, but even if your state doesn’t, you’ll likely come across employers who expect you to be a CST. 

Admission requirements 

Surgical technologist programs require candidates to hold a high school diploma or GED at minimum. Some schools might require prerequisite courses ranging from biology to English, and it’s likely that you’ll need to complete a course in CPR as well. Because your education also includes hands-on experience with patients, many schools require students to complete a criminal background check before beginning the program. 

What you’ll study 

Surgical technologist programs involve courses that give you practical, hands-on experience. Many programs even go a step further by including a practicum or internship in which you’ll utilize your learned skills in a hospital setting. Accredited programs generally cover the same basic courses: 

• Anatomy and physiology
• Sterilization techniques
• Intro to surgical technologies 
• Pharmacology for surgical techs
• Patient care
• Surgical procedures

Are there surgical tech programs online?

If this is your first step into the field of surgical tech, then online opportunities aren’t an option as courses are extremely hands-on. That said, with more and more programs trying to meet students where they are, you may find flexible options that offer nighttime or weekend classes. 

However, if you already have experience with surgical technology, then online options may be available. These are designed for students who have received on-the-job training as surgical technologists or who graduated from a non-accredited program. Because candidates of this nature have previous experience, these programs can often be offered at an accelerated rate.

Traits and skills of successful surgical technologists

How much do surgical technologists make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), surgical technologists earn a median annual salary of $62,830 per year. While this is a good number to consider, keep in mind that potential wages vary by state, work environment and seniority. This information is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

Advancing through professional certification

Gaining certification is a great way to distinguish that you have the practical skills and knowledge necessary to perform entry-level job duties. Earning a surgical tech certification is a two-step process: 

Some states are now requiring surgical technologists to earn their certification before becoming eligible for employment. As of 2026, the following states have laws pertaining to education/certification or registration with educational/certification standards: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. With the list projected to grow, you’ll want to consider earning your CST no matter which state you call home. 

In addition, these states require surgical techs to register in order to work in the state: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, North Dakota and Washington.

The CST exam 

So, what exactly is the CST exam? Administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), the exam consists of 175 questions, out of which 150 are scored. You need to answer 98 of the scored questions in order to pass. To do so, your surgical tech program should have prepared you with knowledge in three key content areas: 

Certification renewal 

You must renew your certification every two years in order to keep it active. You have two options for renewal: Complete 30 continuing education (CE) credits during each renewal cycle OR take and pass the CST exam. You must also pay the appropriate fees in order to complete your renewal.