Online Surgical Technician Schools

Although an occasional surgical technician, also known as a scrub and surgical or operating room technician, can get by with on-the-job training, most employers prefer to hire surgical technicians who have completed anywhere from 9 to 24 months of formal training and additional certification. To obtain a degree and certification, you might start your career with high school coursework that includes anatomy, microbiology, physiology, chemistry and other related life sciences if possible. This foundation will enable you to begin your college education with confidence.

In 2005, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied health education programs (CAAHEP) recognized more than 400 accredited programs throughout the country that offer training for surgical technicians. Programs are typically offered by community and junior colleges as well as Universities and Hospitals. Your training in college may include courses in working with patients, sterilizing equipment and other hospital-related duties as well as training in medical terms and equipment as well as advanced studies in life sciences.

Accredited programs in surgical technology typically last from nine to twenty-four months and lead to associate degrees, diplomas or certificates. This minimal education is required in most cases for certification. Technologists may obtain voluntary professional certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) by graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) and passing a national certification examination. You may then use the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) designation. Continuing education or reexamination is required to maintain certification, which must be renewed every 4 years.

Certification also may be obtained from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To qualify to take the exam, candidates follow one of three paths: complete an accredited training program; undergo a 2-year hospital on-the-job training program; or acquire 7 years of experience working in the field. After passing the exam, individuals may use the designation Tech in Surgery-Certified, TS-C (NCCT). This certification must be renewed every 5 years through either continuing education or reexamination.

While a minimal college degree may help you to achieve certification and begin work, you may want more education later to help advance your career. Technologists advance by specializing in a particular area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or open heart surgery. You also may work as a circulating technologist. With additional training, some technologists advance to first assistant. Some surgical technologists manage central supply departments in hospitals, or take positions with insurance companies, sterile supply services, and operating equipment firms.

However, some hospitals now are seeking to keep their surgical technicians happy by developing a clinical ladder [PDF] as an incentive for sugical technologists to continually improve skills, knowledge and competency. You can ask about this incentive when you interview for jobs, as the program begins at entry level. Level I is a practitioner who has recently graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited program and has been employed for one year or less. Certification, however, can provide more impetus for this program…Level II is a certified surgical technologist who has been employed for one year or more and takes on greater responsibility in providing patient care.

Top Online Surgical Technician Degree Programs

Like many other technician and assistant fields, few schools offer distance learning programs specifically for becoming a Surgical Technician. In many cases though, students start with an undergraduate degree in healthcare and receive on-the-job training later. Click through the following links to request more information on the programs from each school.

AAS in Medical Assisting AAS in Health IT AAS in Human Services	Kaplan University — Apply for this school's associate degree in Medical Assisting to achieve a strong foundation in surgical technology. This course is ideal for a fast and flexible solution to your online degree as you earn an entry-level education that concentrates on helping students acquire knowledge and develop skills in performing laboratory, clinical, and medical office procedures. Kaplan also offers degrees in human services and health information technology.
AS in Medical Assisting AA in Health Services	Keiser University — For working adults who need a flexible class schedule, Keiser's associate's degree in medical assisting may be the ideal program for aspiring surgical techs. In most cases, this program can be completed within one year and should provide all the training needed to begin a career as a healthcare professional. Kesier also offers an AA degree in health services administration.
AS in Health IT BS in Health IT	DeVry University — For aspiring surgical technicians who want a bigger role in patient data management, DeVry University's associate's degree in health information technology prepares students to learn application systems and work with managing electronic health information databases. (A bachelor's degree in this subject is also available.) HIT professsionals work with nurse, doctors, and other health care providers.
BS in Health Care Mgmt	Harrison College — Harrison College has an online program for students interested in becoming surgical technicians for a Bachelors of Science in Health Care Management; both of which are accredited. These programs are a perfect choice for students seeking to jump-start their careers and enter the workforce with the knowledge needed to succeed.
AS in Allied Health Science	South University — Try on South University's associate degree in Allied Health Science for size. This online program provides students with the information and training needed to begin a career in surgical technology, as it is designed to expose students to a broad education in general studies combined with an emphasis on life science subjects such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, nutrition, and pathophysiology.
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