ST 3000
Surgical Technologist
Work alongside and assist surgeons, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team throughout a surgical operation. This program has additional enrollment requirements.
Program Overview
Certifications earned
The role of a Surgical Technologist is to prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, prepare patients, and assist doctors during surgeries. They have the unique opportunity to interact with patients prior to (pre), during (intra), and after (post) surgical procedures. Before surgery, a techs assemble the necessary surgical equipment and ensures all devices are in working order. Techs prepare patients for surgery by positioning, draping, washing and disinfecting the incision site. During an operation, they will pass sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons. They maintain asepsis during surgery, anticipating the surgeon’s needs while remaining attentive to all aspects of the surgical procedure to ensure a safe environment for the patient. They might hold retractors or set up robotic surgical equipment. After surgery, techs often dress the incision site, transport patients to their recovery rooms, and restock the operating room with supplies and equipment.
- Maintain sterile operative fields
- Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipments
- Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery
- Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis
- Sterilize medical equipment or instruments
What You’ll Learn – ST 3000 Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technologists, also called Operating Room Technicians, work alongside, and assist surgeons, nurses, and other members of the health care team throughout a surgical operation. This high-earning job is a great opportunity to enter the healthcare industry and work in a fast-paced, stimulating environment. But, this role is not for the faint of heart. Surgical Techs are exposed to intense sights, smells and sounds, and must remain calm in high-stress, life-or-death scenarios. Individuals interested in this program must be prepared to work in these non-traditional environments.
The MedCerts Surgical Technologist program provides students with immersive and virtual hands-on learning experiences. Surgical procedures are demonstrated using virtual tools or live-recorded video and are simulated – allowing the student to immerse him/herself into a virtual experience that is engaging, safe, and repeatable.
This program prepares students to become Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Professionals who earn the NCCT designation have the clinical skills and knowledge for maintaining asepsis during surgery, anticipating the surgeon’s needs, and remaining attentive to all aspects of the surgical procedure to ensure a safe environment for the patient.
This program contains a clinical requirement to complete national certification. This clinical requirement consists of case documentation which requires a minimum of 125 surgical cases including a minimum of 30 scrubs in general surgery (with a maximum of 50) and a minimum of 75 scrubs in at least 3 (three) of the following areas [Gynecology; Obstetrics; Otorhinolaryngology 5; Genitourinary; Thoracic; Plastic/Reconstructive; Cardiovascular; Ophthalmology; Other; Neurosurgery; Peripheral Vascular]. At least 90 of the 125 cases must be 1st scrub cases. MedCerts students must complete these clinical hours before attempting to take the Tech in Surgery – Certified national certification exam issued through the NCCT. Students enrolling through an Employer or Academic Sponsored program are not required to complete clinical elements before attempting the certification exam.
While MedCerts does not guarantee clinical placement, we offer resources and a clinical team is available to support students from the very beginning of your program.
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Find your next careerSome MedCerts programs are restricted in certain states or regions. Please review our State Restriction page to view what restrictions there may be in your state/region or residence of employment and ensure you are eligible for enrollment.
These restrictions may not apply to students taking programs through an employer, academic or government-sponsored model – including MyCAA and Army, Air Force or Coast Guard. Credentialing Assistance. To determine eligibility, please confirm with your sponsor or review our military spouse MyCAA-approved or Military Credentialing Assistance-approved programs
Program Details
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
- Employer/Clinical Sponsorship – Applicants to these programs MUST provide verification that an Employer or Clinical Site has agreed to accept the applicant in efforts to fulfill “surgical case” requirements required for Tech in Surgery (TS-C) certification before enrollment. With this Sponsorship, the student must be guaranteed to perform a minimum of required surgical cases during the term of enrollment or immediately upon completion of their Medcerts program.
- Your MedCerts Student Clinical Site Form must be submitted to MedCerts prior to enrollment.
- Expert-led video based training
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
*The cost of all materials needed for this program are covered by MedCerts. They are not included in the tuition costs and the student is not liable for any costs or fees related to the above materials.
- Dedicated Student Success Advisors
- Tailored support based on performance & behavior
- Exam preparation process
- Career Services Advisor
- Completed Case Documentation including a minimum of 125 surgical cases, required for full TS-C national certification, issued through the NCCT
- Students not enrolled in an employer or academic sponsored program must complete this clinical requirement before attempting the TS-C national certification exam.
Career Outlook
Surgical Technologist
Job Opportunities
openings in the US
potential
Tuition Cost
Certified Surgical Technologist Training Online
- Interest rates from 0-12%
Active Duty Military Grants
MedCerts accepts education benefits from the Department of Defense for Active Duty Army, Coast Guard and Air Force.
Military Spouse Grants
Spouses of Active Duty Service Members in certain ranks may be eligible for assistance up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Workforce Grants
MedCerts partners with American Job Centers in 30+ states and accepts Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other workforce grant funding.
FAQs
FAQs for MedCerts’ Online Surgical Technologist Training Program
A Surgical Technologist, also known as a Surgical Technician or Operating Room Technician, plays a crucial role in the medical field. They are responsible for preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, sterilizing instruments, and assisting surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures. Their role is vital in ensuring surgeries are conducted safely and efficiently.
The career outlook for Surgical Technologists is positive. According to industry data, there is an expected growth of 5% over the next ten years in this field, faster than average. This growth is driven by the expanding healthcare industry and the increasing need for surgical services.
The salary for a Surgical Technologist varies based on location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility. On average, the starting salary is around $39,589. However, salaries can range significantly, with experienced technologists earning a median pay of $56,350 per year.
To start your career journey as a Tech-in Surgery (TS-C), you need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a formal training program such as MedCerts, pass the Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) exam offered by the National Center for Competency Testing, and complete a minimum of 125 scrub cases in the following disciplines within two years of passing the NCCT exam.
- Gynecology
- Genitourinary
- Cardiovascular
- Neurosurgery
- Obstetrics
- Thoracic
- Peripheral Vascular
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Plastic/Reconstructive
- Other (please specify)
- Orthopedic
- Diagnostic Scopes (Maximum of 15)
In the MedCerts online Surgical Technologist training program, you will learn a range of skills, including:
- Operating Room Preparation
- Surgical Equipment Handling
- Patient Preparation
- Aseptic Techniques
- Assisting Surgeons During Operations
To enroll in the MedCerts Surgical Technologist training program, you need a high school diploma or GED, a web browser with an internet connection, and to complete the course registration and payment process. Additionally, you must also meet ONE of the following requirements:
- Have an associate’s degree or higher.
- Be enrolled in a university-level degree program related to the medical field.
- Hold current certification in Sterile Processing, or related field.
- Have a minimum of two (2) years related experience (Surgical technology experience not required, but must be within a healthcare environment. Direct patient care experience required).
- Sponsorship Acknowledgement form signed by prospective employer agreeing to host the graduate for post-program surgical cases (scrubs) as a full-time/part-time employee, extern, or apprentice (required to attain TS-C certification).
The total cost of the MedCerts online Surgical Technologist certification training program is $4,000. This cost includes the cost of materials and examination fees.
MedCerts offers various payment plans for the Surgical Technologist certification training program in order to make education accessible for all. These include options for monthly payment plans as low as $346 and several government grant funding options.
While MedCerts does not offer financial aid, students may be eligible for options through government grant-funded programs like:
The MedCerts online Surgical Technologist is an 18-week program if committing 15-20 hrs of coursework per week.
The MedCerts Surgical Technologist certification training program is structured with a blend of expert-led video training, interactive simulations and hands-on learning experiences. The course is designed to cater to different learning styles, ensuring a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of surgical technology.
MedCerts includes exam fees and preparation materials in the program cost. The course is tailored to prepare students for the NCCT TS-C exam. Additionally, MedCerts students are provided access to a Student Success Advisor team, Subject Matter Experts and Career Coaches to assist with exam prep.
The MedCerts online Surgical Technologist training includes expert-led video training, competency assessments, and MedCerts-covered materials including the national certification exam fee. Students also receive support from dedicated Student Success Advisors and Career Services Advisors on behalf of Student Services.
Some MedCerts programs are restricted in certain states or regions. Please review our State Restriction page to view what restrictions there may be in your state/region or residence of employment and ensure you are eligible for enrollment.
We’re not institutionally accredited as a training provider, but the certification you’ll earn in this program is accredited through the exam-issuing authority, the National Center for Competency Training (NCCT). So while our school itself doesn’t hold accreditation, you’ll earn an accredited certification upon passing your national exam.
At least 90 of the 125 cases must be 1st scrub cases.
The TS-C Surgical Technologist certification contains a clinical requirement to complete national certification. This clinical requirement consists of case documentation which requires a minimum of 125 surgical cases including a minimum of 30 scrubs in general surgery (with a maximum of 50) and a minimum of 75 scrubs in at least 3 (three) of the following areas [Gynecology; Obstetrics; Otorhinolaryngology 5; Genitourinary; Thoracic; Plastic/Reconstructive; Cardiovascular; Ophthalmology; Other; Neurosurgery; Peripheral Vascular]. At least 90 of the 125 cases must be 1st scrub cases. Applicants to this programs MUST provide verification that an Employer or Clinical Site has agreed to accept the applicant in efforts to fulfill “surgical case” requirements required for Tech in Surgery (TS-C) certification before enrollment. With this Sponsorship, the student must be guaranteed to perform a minimum of required surgical cases during the term of enrollment or immediately upon completion of their Medcerts program. While career services and clinical support are offered, MedCerts does not guarantee and is not responsible for securing clinical sites. This is the student’s responsibility.
Disclaimers
- While MedCerts training and related target certifications may be accepted and/or approved by your state of residency, employers reserve the right to dictate prerequisite education, experience, or certification/licensure requirements for their positions. We strongly advise students to research target job posts from area employers and relevant state requirements, barriers, or restrictions before enrollment to ensure eligibility upon graduation.
