Surgical technologists play a vital role in the operating room, assisting surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure surgeries run smoothly. With the healthcare industry growing, the demand for skilled surgical techs is on the rise, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 6% job growth by 2031. If you’re looking to enter this rewarding field without committing to traditional on-campus classes, online surgical tech programs offer a flexible and accessible path. It explores the best accredited online surgical tech programs, their benefits, and what to consider when choosing the right one for your career goals.
Why Choose an Online Surgical Tech Program?
Online surgical tech programs provide a practical solution for students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. These programs combine virtual coursework with hands-on clinical training, allowing you to study at your own pace while gaining the skills needed to succeed in the operating room. Here’s why they’re a great choice:
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Flexibility: Learn from anywhere, fitting coursework around your schedule.
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Affordability: Many online programs cost less than traditional ones, with options for payment plans.
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Accreditation: Top programs are accredited by recognized bodies like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring quality education.
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Career Support: Many programs offer resume help, job placement assistance, and externship opportunities.
However, online programs often require in-person clinical training to meet certification requirements, so you’ll need to ensure access to local healthcare facilities for hands-on practice.
Top Accredited Online Surgical Tech Programs
Below, we highlight some of the best online surgical tech programs that are accredited, flexible, and designed to prepare you for certification and a successful career.
1. Preppy Surgical Tech Training Program
Preppy’s program, offered in partnership with Auburn University, stands out for its affordability and comprehensive curriculum. This fully online, self-paced program allows you to complete coursework in as little as 4-6 months. It prepares you for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Technologist in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) exam and includes an externship opportunity for real-world experience.
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Key Features:
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Accredited through Auburn University, a 150-year-old institution.
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Affordable tuition with payment plans and no student loan debt.
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Access to a career platform for job postings and resume support.
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Prepares students for NCCT TS-C and American Allied Health (AAH) certifications.
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Why Choose Preppy?Preppy’s program is ideal for students seeking a fast track to certification without sacrificing quality. The externship component ensures you gain practical skills, making you job-ready upon completion.
2. Stepful Surgical Technologist Program
Stepful’s 4-month online program is designed for those with prior healthcare experience, offering a quick path to certification. Approved by the NCCT, it covers essential skills like sterile techniques, surgical instrument handling, and operating room protocols. Stepful provides 1:1 career coaching, resume crafting, and job placement support.
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Key Features:
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Complete in just 4 months with evening class options.
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NCCT-approved curriculum for TS-C certification.
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Personalized career support from enrollment to employment.
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Flexible, part-time learning for busy schedules.
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Why Choose Stepful?
Stepful’s short duration and dedicated support make it a great choice for motivated individuals ready to jumpstart their surgical tech career.
3. MedCerts Surgical Technologist Training
MedCerts offers an 18-week online program that combines expert-led video training with virtual hands-on simulations. While not institutionally accredited, the program prepares you for the NCCT TS-C exam and includes support from career advisors. It’s ideal for students seeking immersive learning without traditional classroom settings.
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Key Features:
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Covers medical terminology, anatomy, and infection control.
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Includes virtual simulations for surgical procedures.
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Career services for job placement and resume building.
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Covers NCCT exam fees.
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Why Choose MedCerts?
MedCerts is perfect for students who thrive in interactive, tech-driven learning environments and want a program that balances theory with simulated practice.
4. Health Tech Academy Surgical Technologist Bootcamp
Health Tech Academy’s 16-week online bootcamp is CAAHEP-accredited and prepares students for the NCCT TS-C exam. The program offers self-paced learning, five mandatory coaching sessions, and clinical apprenticeship opportunities. It’s designed to get you into the workforce quickly with a competitive tuition of $2,900 or flexible payment plans.
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Key Features:
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CAAHEP accreditation ensures employer recognition.
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Includes career roadmap planning and LinkedIn profile building.
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Requires completion of 125 surgical cases for certification eligibility.
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Transparent pricing with a $250 deposit option.
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Why Choose Health Tech Academy?
This program’s accreditation and intensive format make it a top choice for students prioritizing employer-recognized credentials and hands-on training.
5. Concorde Career College Online Surgical Tech Degree
Concorde’s online Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology is designed for certified surgical technologists (CSTs) with a diploma who want to advance their education. This fully online program takes as little as 8 months and includes general education and professional development courses.
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Key Features:
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Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
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Block transfer of diploma credits for faster completion.
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Experienced instructors with online teaching expertise.
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Career search support from day one.
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Why Choose Concorde?
Concorde is ideal for practicing surgical techs looking to earn an associate degree to boost their career prospects while maintaining flexibility.
What to Look for in an Online Surgical Tech Program
Choosing th certification eligibility e right program requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure it aligns with your career goals and lifestyle. Here are key elements to evaluate:
Accreditation
Accreditation is critical for credibility and certification eligibility. Look for programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, as these meet industry standards and are recognized by employers. Programs like Health Tech Academy and Concorde are CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited, ensuring quality education.
Clinical Training Requirements
Surgical tech programs require hands-on clinical experience, typically 125 surgical cases, to qualify for certification exams like the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or NCCT TS-C. Ensure the program arranges or supports clinical placements, as some, like MedCerts, may require you to find your own site.
Certification Preparation
Top programs prepare you for national certification exams, such as the CST or TS-C, which enhance employability. Check pass rates— Ivy Tech’s program, for example, boasts an 88% first-attempt pass rate for the CST exam in 2023.
Flexibility and Support
Look for programs offering self-paced learning, evening classes, or career services. Stepful and Preppy excel in providing flexible schedules and dedicated career coaching, helping you transition from student to professional.
Cost and Financial Aid
Compare tuition and payment options. Health Tech Academy’s $2,900 tuition with a $250 deposit is budget-friendly, while Preppy offers no-loan payment plans. Some programs, like Concorde, provide financial aid for those who qualify.
Benefits of a Surgical Tech Career
Becoming a surgical technologist offers numerous advantages:
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High Demand: The BLS projects nearly 10,000 job openings annually through 2031.
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Competitive Salary: The median annual wage is $48,510, with top earners in states like New York making over $98,000.
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Rewarding Work: Assist in life-saving procedures and work closely with surgical teams.
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Quick Entry: Many programs take less than a year, allowing you to start your career sooner.
Challenges to Consider
While rewarding, the role has challenges:
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Physical Demands: Long hours on your feet and exposure to intense surgical environments.
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Clinical Requirements: Online programs still require in-person clinicals, which may be hard to arrange in some areas.
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Certification Needs: Most employers prefer certified techs, so passing the CST or TS-C exam is crucial.
How to Get Started
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Research Programs: Compare accredited programs like those listed above for fit, cost, and support.
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Check Prerequisites: Some programs, like Stepful, recommend prior healthcare experience, while others require a high school diploma or GED.
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Apply Early: Programs like North Central Texas College have specific application windows (e.g., January 1–June 15 for Fall 2025).
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Prepare for Clinicals: Ensure you have access to local healthcare facilities for hands-on training.
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Study for Certification: Focus on programs that prepare you for the CST or TS-C exams to boost employability.
Conclusion
Online surgical tech programs offer a flexible, affordable way to enter a high-demand healthcare career. Programs like Preppy, Stepful, MedCerts, Health Tech Academy, and Concorde provide accredited training, career support, and preparation for certifications like the CST and TS-C. By choosing a program that fits your schedule and career goals, you can gain the skills to thrive in the operating room. Research thoroughly, ensure clinical training access, and take the first step toward a rewarding career as a surgical technologist today.
