- Learn about degree and certificate programs.
- Find top surgical technology schools.
- See what types of courses you’ll take.
Surgical Tech Certificate Programs
Completing a surgical tech certificate program is a great way to join the surgical technician career track for those who cannot commit to more than one year of study. Many surgical tech schools nationwide offer one-year surgical tech certificate programs, a great option for people who already hold a degree and want to move into a new profession without starting from scratch.
See what surgical tech certificate programs are available in your area and find out which program best suits you.
Surgical Tech Certificate Programs Enrolling Now
Carrington College
Welcome to Carrington College ®. With roots that date back nearly 35 years, Carrington College takes pride in having successfully shaped the careers of thousands of graduates who have entered allied health professions. Carrington College offers specialized certificate and associate degree programs that meet the needs of all students, regardless of educational background, age, skill level, ethnicity, or cultural orientation. Each Carrington certificate or associate degree program combines lecture and laboratory experiences to provide students with the appropriate education to pursue the health care profession of their choice. Our broad-based curricula help students develop effective critical-thinking and communication skills along with the key competencies needed for specialized employment. In addition, a Carrington College education instills students with a philosophy that values not only learning and professionalism, but also contribution and commitment to the community.
Campus
- Mesa
- Las Vegas
- Mesquite
- Phoenix
Programs
- Medical Assisting
Spencerian College
Spencerian College has been educating students since 1892 and is part of the Sullivan University system, which is Kentucky’s largest private college system with over 6,000 students. Spencerian offers career-focused curriculums in business, medical and technical fields. We are nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award certificates, diplomas, and Associate degree programs.
Campus
- Louisville
Programs
- Patient Care Assistant Certificate
The Salter School of Nursing and Allied Health
The Salter School of Nursing & Allied Health is a licensed, post-secondary vocational school with a primary purpose of training individuals for employment in health care. The Career Education courses being offered are designed to provide participants with knowledge and skills that will foster employment success on a career ladder. The Salter School of Nursing & Allied Health is dedicated to the provision and promotion of quality, career-oriented educational opportunities for Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and Laboratory Personnel, through classroom presentations, hands-on laboratory experience and applicable on-the-job training in externship opportunities.
The institution is accredited by ACICS. The LPN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
Campus
- Manchester
Programs
- Patient Care Technician
College of Westchester
The College of Westchester (CW) is a student-centered, academically and culturally diverse college, dedicated to meeting the educational needs of students and the requirements of employers through the delivery of a carefully constructed and distinctive curriculum. Our environment encourages personal excellence and provides students of all generations with a foundation of knowledge and skills highly transferable to the workplace and consistent with continuing education goals.
Campus
- White Plains
Programs
- Medical Assistant Specialist
Lincoln Technical Institute
Our in-depth training programs are designed to meet the changing needs of today’s tough job market, and cover a variety of fields, including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, Automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology.
Campus
- Edison
- Allentown
Programs
- Medical Assistant
About Surgical Technician Certificate Programs
The best aspect of earning a certificate in surgical technology is that it cuts the time needed for graduation nearly in half. It is possible to complete a program in around 9-12 months, making it an ideal choice for those who are ready to make the leap to a new career quickly.
Most certificate programs include much of the same coursework as degree programs, albeit more briskly paced with a focus on general health practices, rather than specific instruction. Many will also offer the same externship opportunities as two-year programs, which will provide you with the same kind of hands-on experience that your peers receive.
Applying to Certificate Programs
As with all careers, earning a certificate in surgical tech will require fundamental math and science skills. Unlike a diploma program, which may only require a high school diploma or equivalent, earning a certificate may require some college units in the above disciplines. Always check with the school before applying to be clear on the prerequisites for admission.
While previous healthcare experience is not always compulsory for some programs, it’s always strongly recommended that any applicant observe surgical tech in their duties to fully understand what the job entails.
After Graduation
After earning a certificate in surgical technology, you are eligible to begin working right away if desired. However, if you have graduated from a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), you may also choose to become certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Obtaining this voluntary national certification requires sitting for an exam administered by NBSTSA, which you can do in the last month of your program or within a year of graduation. Learn more about surgical tech certification.
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