The question of whether formal schooling is necessary to become a surgical technologist (ST) is common. While on-the-job training was once a pathway, the current landscape demands standardized, formal education. This shift reflects the increasing complexity of surgical procedures and the requirement for patient safety, making accredited training the standard route for entry. A professional career involves a structured progression through accredited education and national certification.
The Role of a Surgical Technologist
A surgical technologist is an allied health professional who functions as a member of the surgical team, working under the supervision of a surgeon and a registered nurse. The role is divided into three phases: pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative.
The pre-operative phase involves preparing the operating room environment and equipment. The technologist gathers, checks, and opens all sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment. A crucial task is performing the initial instrument, sponge, and sharps counts with the circulating nurse to establish a baseline for patient safety.
During the intra-operative phase, the technologist scrubs in and works directly beside the surgeon. They maintain a sterile field and anticipate the surgeon’s needs by passing instruments, supplies, and medications. This requires a deep understanding of the surgical procedure, human anatomy, and aseptic technique to prevent surgical site infections.
The post-operative phase involves assisting with wound dressings and preparing the room for the next patient. The technologist conducts the final instrument and sponge counts to ensure nothing remains inside the patient. They are also responsible for preparing specimens for laboratory analysis and processing instruments for sterilization.
Formal Educational Requirements
The most accepted path to becoming a surgical technologist is completing a postsecondary education program. Employers, especially in large hospital systems, prefer candidates who have graduated from a program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accreditation ensures the curriculum meets national standards and is a prerequisite for the national certification examination.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are the quickest route through formal education, typically taking nine to twelve months to complete. These programs focus on the core technical skills and clinical knowledge necessary for entry-level practice. The curriculum is intensive, blending classroom instruction in areas like microbiology and surgical pharmacology with extensive hands-on laboratory practice and supervised clinical rotations.
Graduates receive the didactic and practical training required to enter the workforce quickly and qualify for the national certification exam. They are prepared to step into the operating room with the specific skills needed to assist the surgical team. Many technical schools and community colleges offer this focused option.
Associate Degree Programs
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs in surgical technology generally take about two years to complete. This pathway includes the same core surgical technology training and clinical components as a certificate, but it also incorporates general education coursework. Courses in subjects such as English, math, and general sciences provide a more comprehensive academic background.
General education classes can make graduates more attractive to larger hospital systems that value a broader educational foundation. An Associate degree also provides a stepping stone for those who may wish to pursue advanced roles later, such such as a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. The added time investment offers greater long-term professional flexibility.
Certification and Licensure
After completing an accredited educational program, obtaining national certification is the next step for professional practice. The most recognized credential is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) designation, administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Certification demonstrates that an individual has met the national standard of knowledge and skill required to safely practice.
The CST examination consists of 175 multiple-choice questions, 150 of which are scored. Eligibility is primarily granted to graduates of CAAHEP or ABHES accredited programs. While not every state requires the CST credential, many states mandate certification or registration for legal practice. Most employers, including major hospitals, only hire certified technologists, making certification a functional requirement for a successful career.
Alternative Routes to Becoming a Surgical Tech
While formal schooling is the most common pathway, a few non-traditional routes can qualify an individual to sit for the national certification exam. The most established alternative is through military training programs, which the NBSTSA recognizes as equivalent to civilian accredited education.
The military offers intensive surgical technologist training through branches like the Army, Navy, and Air Force, often at facilities like the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC). These programs provide the necessary didactic and clinical experience to qualify graduates to take the CST examination. This is a viable option for individuals transitioning to a civilian healthcare career.
A third route, on-the-job training (OJT), is increasingly rare and should be viewed as an exception. Historically, some rural hospitals or specific facilities would hire and train individuals without formal schooling. However, this practice is becoming obsolete due to the industry-wide preference for certified personnel. The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) allows candidates with at least three years of verified work experience to challenge their Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C) examination. This OJT-based eligibility is an outlier, and most employers prioritize formal education and the CST credential.
Career Outlook and Advancement
The career outlook for surgical technologists is positive, driven by a growing and aging population requiring an increasing number of surgical procedures. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment will grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034, a rate faster than the average for all occupations. This growth translates to thousands of job openings each year.
The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $62,830 in May 2024, with the highest earners making over $90,700 annually. With experience and additional training, technologists have several avenues for professional advancement. The most common path is to pursue further education to become a Surgical First Assistant, a role involving greater responsibility in handling tissue and assisting with hemostasis. Other experienced technologists may transition into roles as educators, sterile processing managers, or surgical department supervisors.