By: All Allied Health Staff
Updated: February 3, 2026
Also known by titles such as surgical technicians and operating room (OR) assistants, surgical technologists play a critical role within the healthcare industry. They work alongside surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and other OR staff to perform important duties before, during and after surgery.
Key takeaways
- You can’t become a surgical technologist entirely online, as the job requires extensive hands-on clinical practice to safely and effectively perform the required duties.
- Searching for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) can help ensure you qualify for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
- Certification is not required nationally, but many states do have laws pertaining to the education, certification and/or registration requirements for surgical technologists.
Can you or can’t you become a surgical tech online?
The quick answer: No.
With online options for education becoming increasingly popular, many wonder if they can learn to become a surgical tech solely from their own computer. Unfortunately, these professionals must complete in-person training. Students just starting out must attend classes on campus and participate in supervised clinical experience. If the flexibility of online programs is what you’re after, you might be able to find physical courses that take place in the evening or on weekends.
However, online surgical tech programs do exist under special circumstances. If you’ve already completed an accredited certificate or diploma program and currently hold certification as a surgical technologist (CST), for instance, you may be able to advance to an associate degree entirely online. If your previous program was unaccredited or you received training on the job, other programs can help you earn your associate degree and become eligible to take the CST exam.
Why aren’t there online surgical tech programs?
From sterilizing equipment to preparing patients for surgery, the duties of a surgical tech are incredibly hands-on. For this reason, online courses won’t prepare you to properly or safely perform the day-to-day responsibilities.
Is on-the-job training an option?
While surgical techs typically need a certificate or associate degree, some employers may offer on-the-job training to those with high school diplomas or GEDs. However, the more common path is typically to earn your Certified Surgical Technologist credential, from which you’ll need to graduate from an accredited surgical tech program.
Why accreditation matters
Accreditation is important. It confirms that your program meets the highest level of education standards set out for the field. For hopeful surgical technologists, the school you choose should be approved by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
Completing an accredited program is also a requirement for anyone looking to become a Certified Surgical Technologist. Regulated by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), the CST demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to quality care. The American College of Surgeons supports the certification of all surgical technologists and highly recommends that employers consider certification status when hiring.
What’s more, though certification isn’t required nationwide, there are some regulations in place or in consideration in some states. As of 2026, the following states have passed laws relating to the education, certification or registration of surgical techs: Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Even if you don’t see your state listed here, be sure to check and make sure there aren’t any other laws pertaining to surgical technologists that you should be aware of before starting a career.
What surgical techs do
Surgical techs provide a number of important services within medical facilities. These might include:
- Sterilizing, testing and organizing instruments
- Setting up the operating room
- Preparing patients for surgery
- Transporting patients to the OR
- Passing instruments to surgeons and nurses
- Handling patient specimens
- Cleaning and restocking the OR after surgery
Surgical technologist vs. surgical technician
In most cases, the terms surgical technologist and surgical technician are used interchangeably. It usually comes down to the preference of the medical facility where you work. You’ll likely see educational programs with both titles, and either should prepare you to pursue the same kinds of jobs.
Another term you may hear is surgical assistant, which is slightly different than a technologist. While assistants might perform many of the same duties as technologists, they have additional responsibilities when it comes to treating patients. They might help the medical team with more hands-on duties such as suturing, suctioning or stopping a patient’s bleeding.
Surgical tech program requirements
Your options for surgical tech programs consist of certificates, diplomas or associate degrees. To enter a program, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or GED. You may also need to undergo a background check and, since you’re working in the healthcare field, provide documentation of all necessary immunizations. Many programs also require you to have CPR certification.
What you’ll study
In a surgical tech program, you’ll learn the basics of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, professional ethics and medical terminology. Some of the areas of study may include:
Subjects you’ll study
- Safety of patients during surgery
- Sterilization techniques
- Prevention and control of infection
- Proper handling of equipment, drugs and specimens
- Preparation of the operating rooms
Along with classroom and laboratory work, you’ll gain clinical experience that’ll prepare you to work along other medical staff in the field. Many programs can be completed in around 18 months, during which time you might have the chance to participate in 100 or more surgical cases.
The CST exam
After completing your accredited certificate, diploma or associate degree, your next step should be applying to take the Certified Surgical Technologist exam. Though not required, holding this certification can greatly increase your chance of employment.
The exam consists of 175 questions, 150 of which are scored. The others are used solely for the purpose of statistical analysis. You must correctly answer at least 98 questions to achieve a passing score. The exam tests candidates on three key knowledge areas:
Certification renewal
Once you have your certification, you’ll be required to renew it every two years. You can renew your certification by submitting proof of completing 40 continuing education credits or by retaking the exam.
Finding a job as a surgical technologist
Surgical technologists can work in several different settings. While the majority work in hospitals, you might also find employment in medical clinics, outpatient surgery centers and doctors’ and dentists’ offices.
Surgical tech salary
There are more than 113,000 surgical technologists employed across the United States, says the BLS. According to their 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual salary for surgical technologists is $62,830. Your level of experience, certification, employer and location will influence what you can expect to make as conditions in your area may vary. Some of the top paying states for surgical techs include California, Connecticut, Oregon, Alaska and Massachusetts.