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Surgical Technology
Online Associate Degree Program

In less than 2 years you can earn an associate degree in surgical technology and begin an exciting new career path in healthcare.

Program Length

16 Mo.

Credits

60

Format

Hybrid

Accredited by1

CAAHEP
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Your new career as a surgical technologist IS possible.

AccreditationCAAHEP accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditTransfer up to 45 approved credits
Hybrid formatOnline didactic courses + on-campus labs at our New Orleans Campus and clinical experiences at local clinical sites
EligibilityStudents must have first completed the Herzing Diploma in Sterile Processing Program or equivalent
QuickPathsDiscover pathways to continue advancing your education (BS, MS)

Learn More Today!

Explore a career in surgical technology.
Residents of Louisiana are eligible to apply.

A second home near you

Join a vibrant class of students and faculty eager to help you find your way to a new career path.

Herzing University
New Orleans Campus

 

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3900 North Causeway Blvd
Suite 800
Metairie, LA 70002

 

Overview: Associate of Science in Surgical Technology

The Associate of Science in Surgical Technology is a 60-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a career as a surgical technologist. The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in surgical pharmacology, surgical principles and practice, surgical procedures, and much more. Students will complete their lab experiences at our New Orleans Campus and clinicals at a local clinical site.

Surgical technology student in scrubs and a mask holding a clipboard in an operating room setting with other students practicing procedures in the background.

  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Find your balance

    Hybrid delivery helps you maintain school-life balance, designed to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

Curriculum

Classes, program length and curriculum details

As a student in Herzing's Surgical Technology program, you'll be prepared with the skills needed to work effectively as an integral part of a surgical team.

The coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical terminology, in addition to core surgical technology classes. 

At the end of the core classes you will complete 450 hours of hands-on practice at clinical sites for 24 weeks and sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist exam. 

Upon successful completion of the program, you'll be prepared for entry-level surgical technology positions in the operating room or other surgical healthcare settings.

ProgramMonths iSemester Credits
Associate of Science in Surgical Technology1660

i. Average number of months for students to complete program

Required Courses

All courses, 33.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course introduces common medical terms through the analysis of word components. Emphasis will be placed on the structure of terms-Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes. A medical vocabulary will be developed through the study of the anatomical structures, physiological functions, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and pathologies of the body systems. Terminology will be practiced through the use of common abbreviations, spelling, pronunciation and definitions.

This course provides a broad study of the operative environment, professional roles, moral/legal/ethical responsibilities and medical communications used in surgical technology. Overview of the roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist in the operating room and team. Discussion and learning around the patient center care and Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. Understanding the connection of all departments within the healthcare facility, and the professionalism required to maintain a surgical services department to include the roles and connection with the sterile processing department. Aseptic technique and concepts around what surgical consciousness is and how it is applied in this patient center healthcare job.

This course will introduce the job description, responsibilities, and physical demands required for this technical career path in sterile processing. An introduction to a wide variety of sterilization processes, machinery, and chemical uses. This course will discuss and describe the processes and importance of decontamination, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of common equipment, supplies, and instrumentation used in the surgical services department. This course will examine, demonstrate, and define proper wrapping and packaging procedures and protocols for proper sterilization of instrumentation, equipment, devices, and surgical supplies. Overview and discussion around distribution of equipment and supplies from the Sterile Processing Department throughout a typical healthcare facility. An overview of these responsibilities as it relates to the sterile processing employee will be covered. Concepts of teamwork, communication and professional development in this career path will also be discussed.

This course introduces the student to a wide variety of surgical instruments used in the modern operating room. This extensive course offers a focus on learning proper names, correct spelling, function, and classifications of these instruments.  Discussion will occur around assembly and disassembly of complex instrumentation as it relates to inspection and troubleshooting associated with sterile processing. Specialized instrumentation such as robotics and endoscopic instrumentation will be explored. Complex surgical instruments and devices will be researched.

This course introduces pharmacology principles and practices as they relate to the role of the surgical technologist.  Class, action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of common intraoperative medications will be described.  Basic mathematic calculations will be reviewed and further developed around fractions, percentages, decimals, and conversions.  Medications used during surgical procedures will be introduced, such as antibiotics for irrigation, diuretics, antineoplastic chemotherapy medications, hemostatic agents, local pain medications, agents used in diagnostic procedures and during emergency situations.  Preparing, labeling, identifying, and safe delivery of medications to and on the operative field safely and accurately while maintaining sterile technique will be demonstrated.  The student will gain knowledge and describe an anesthesia preoperative assessment, intraoperative anesthesia, and patient monitoring.  Lastly, the student will summarize the role of the surgical technologist during emergency situations.

This interactive multimedia course offers an introduction to a variety of specialized equipment commonly used in the operating room and how working knowledge of these items tie directly to the roles and responsibilities of the Surgical Technologist. Surgical site prepping, wound healing, dressings, drains, and sutures commonly used in surgical procedures will be explored. The course is designed to enhance and integrate the information learned here, with the hands-on practice experienced in the operating room skills lab sequence.

This course is intended to give the student exploration on a variety of surgical procedures and their pathologies specific to general surgery, minimally invasive, robotics, orthopedics, otorhinolaryngology, obstetrics and gynecology, plastics, ophthalmology, neurology, spine, oral maxillary face, trauma, peripheral vascular, thoracic, and cardiac areas. Students will practice and utilize specific specialty area medical terminology, anatomy and physiology through discussion groups, homework assignments and exams. This course helps prepare the student with standards and expectations of the surgical technologist in the professional setting, as it relates to critical thinking, preparation, and procedural steps for a variety of surgical procedures. This course uses a variety of methods to facilitate an immersive learning experience through multimedia, projects, and groups discussions.

This immersive and experiential course introduces the student to the foundational aseptic technique specific to the operating room and the roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist. The course utilizes multimedia resources that allow for structured repetitive learning regarding all skills taught for this lab.  The skills lab is a practice arena guided by certified surgical technologist instructors that will always provide professional guidance and safety monitoring.  This lab focuses on hands-on practice utilizing a real operating room, basic equipment, supplies and instruments commonly used for a basic general surgery procedure. Student practice to proficiency a variety of skills specific to the surgical technology role to include selecting and wearing proper PPE and attire, surgical hand scrub, gowning and gloving of self and others, setting up and maintaining a sterile field.  Additionally, students practice surgical consciousness and professionalism in communication while working within a surgical team. Through guided practice, students recognize and correct contamination of self, and the sterile field.  Students learn to practice receiving and correctly labeling medications and fluids, sutures, and other sterile supplies while maintaining sterile technique. Students also practice sterile draping, the surgical time out, passing instruments, sharps, and medications correctly and safely.  This course provides a practice environment for applying dressings, and post procedure care of the patient.  This course is designed to lead into the next more advanced OR skills lab course in the skills sequence for the surgical technology program.  

This skills lab is designed to build upon the basic foundations learned and practiced in the previous skills lab ST205. All aspects of learned sterile technique will continue into this course. The student will be exposed to more advanced draping techniques specific to surgical specialties such as orthopedics, OBGYN, ENT and laparoscopic surgical cases.  Multimedia resources will be utilized for repetitive learning when not in the skills lab. This skills lab is designed to focus on practice in the areas of reading preference cards, supply selection, setting up all instruments and supplies aseptically, draping, passing instruments, passing any medications, all closing procedures and application of dressings specific to 5 different surgical procedures. Practice of the setups and all nuances specific to these types of surgical procedures will be to proficiency and demonstrated through competencies and a final exam. Safety and professionalism are the hallmarks of this profession. Students practice working effectively, professionally, and safely within a surgical team and department for safe delivery of patient care.  Students are introduced to instruments specific to the specialty they are setting up. Through immersive and experiential learning this lab provides an environment for repetitive practice and guidance for certified surgical technologist instructors in fully functioning operating rooms.

The student will begin their clinical externship in this course. While under the supervision of the surgical team, the student will observe cases and begin to scrub and assist team members when directed. Students become familiar with the operating room, procedures, and practices of the working surgical environment. They will expand their entry-level functions in perioperative management while beginning to articulate the role and responsibilities of a patient focused surgical technologist. The student will experience and demonstrate operating room communication and learn how to interact effectively.

The student continues their clinical externship in this course. While under the supervision of the surgical team, the student will expand their role in scrubbing and assisting team members when directed. Students will continue to become familiar with the operating room, procedures, and practices of the working surgical environment. They will expand their entry-level functions in perioperative management while continuing to articulate the role and responsibilities of a patient focused surgical technologist. The student will demonstrate operating room communication and interact effectively within their role.

The student continues their clinical externship in this course. While under the supervision of the surgical team, the student will expand their role in scrubbing and assisting team members when directed. Students will continue to become familiar with the operating room, procedures, and practices of the working surgical environment. They will expand their entry-level functions in perioperative management while continuing to articulate the role and responsibilities of a patient focused surgical technologist. The student will demonstrate operating room communication and interact effectively within their role.

This course will provide the surgical technology student with the needed preparation to complete the certification exam process. It reinforces academic knowledge, professional accountability, independent decision-making, and the critical nature of self- assessment. The students will demonstrate knowledge through completion of assessments in multiple categories (anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, etc.) that align with the national certification examination for surgical technologists (CST).

Special Grading Requirements for Surgical Technology Courses

All Surgical Technology courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (76%) or better for a student to be continued in the Surgical Technology program.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in this associate degree must complete a minimum of 25.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. The Herzing University General Education offerings are listed below. Refer to the General Education section of this catalog for Herzing University courses that would satisfy these requirements. 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications EN 104 English Composition I EN 111 Information Literacy EN 116 Speech 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities HU 140 Cultural Diversity 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics MA 109 College Algebra 7.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science SC 144 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology SC 166 Microbiology 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social and Behavioral Sciences PS 101 Psychology   Special general education grading requirements for surgical technology support courses The following general education courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to be continued in the Surgical Technology program: SC 144 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology MA 109 College Algebra All other general education courses must be passed with a grade of "D" (60%) or better to be continued in the Surgical Technology program. A student who is dropped from the program for failing to achieve the minimum grade specified in the general education courses, but who otherwise meets the academic standards of the University, may transfer to another Herzing degree program and/or may reapply to the Surgical Technology program in a future semester.

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success.  Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Tuition & Cost 

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program is $530 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That's why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

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  • Scholarships & Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

    Find scholarships and grants  

  • Military/Veteran Discounts

    Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

    VA/Military benefits  

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Requirements 

How to become a surgical technologist

Earning an associate degree in surgical technology is considered the preferred educational model for entry-level positions by the Associate of Surgical Technologists (AST).

  • Earn your high school diploma, GED or equivalent
  • Complete the Herzing Diploma in Sterile Processing Program or equivalent
  • Enroll in the Surgical Technology program and earn your degree
  • Get certified by passing the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination
  • Find your first job as a surgical technologist!

By successfully completing Herzing's online CAAHEP-accredited1 surgical technologist degree program, you'll be prepared to work in this growing profession and be an essential part of the healthcare team. You will also be required to take the certified surgical technologist (CST) examination offered by The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Accreditation

Our accredited Surgical Technology program

We strive to earn rank as one of the top private, nonprofit universities in the United States. Just as you work every day to become the best version of yourself, so do we as a university.

We are proud to have attained institutional accreditation, as well as programmatic accreditation for our Surgical Technology program.

  • CAAHEP Dark Blue Logo

    ✝The Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program at Herzing University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin..

  • Herzing University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    View all Herzing University Accreditations and Approvals.

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Surgical Procedures Lab in New Orleans, LA

We asked Latoya to give us a quick overview of the Surgical Procedures Lab at our New Orleans Campus! Check it out!

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Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

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Here is the primary general distinction:

  • Sterile Processing Technicians are responsible for sterilizing equipment needed for medical procedures. Their duties are primarily outside of the operating room; however, their job function is critical to the operating room.
  • Surgical Technologists are responsible for aseptic technique, understanding surgical procedures and instruments, maintaining the sterile field, passing instruments during the sequence of the procedure, as well as many other duties. They function as the masters of aseptic technique in the operating room.

Job titles, duties and responsibilities can vary between different healthcare institutions. Different states might have their own unique restrictions for who is qualified to handle what responsibilities. Some states require that the surgical technologist have a current certification for employment. Some surgical technologists handle the sterilization of equipment as well.

Earning your associate degree and becoming a certified surgical technologist is your ticket to becoming an indispensable member of a surgical team, handle many different types of tasks and become highly valuable to employers.

Our program features online coursework with some required on-campus labs. The program cannot be completed 100% online, but online coursework is a significant part of the program. Becoming a certified surgical technologist requires hands-on training to be able to excel in the day-to-day requirements of the job.

 

Complex math isn’t part of the day-to-day for the typical surgical technologist. Simple calculations or unit conversion may be required, but no further advanced math skills will be commonly needed.

There is a 3 credit hour general education requirement for mathematics as part of the Herzing surgical technology program.

With an associate degree in surgical technology, you can expect to work in a hospital, outpatient care center, privately for a surgeon, or ambulatory surgical facility. Typically, surgical technologists work a regular 40-hour week, although you could be on call or work nights, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

As a graduate of our program, you will be prepared for an entry-level career as a surgical tech in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for surgical technologists in Louisiana is $53,990 per year ($25.96 per hour).* Pay depends largely on where you work, the type of healthcare institution you work for, your education and level of experience. Keep in mind this is not an entry-level salary; you will need to work towards this level of pay.

Surgical Technologists are also cross trained for several different departments related to surgery, and also have the option of over-time pay, and shift differential. Additionally, many of our affiliate hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for employees, enabling the surgical technologist to advance their education.

Are surgical techs in high demand?

As the number of surgeries increases to meet the needs of our aging population, so will the career opportunities for surgical technologists. The BLS projects a 6% increase in demand nationwide for surgical technologists from 2023-2033.*

Before an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. They also get patients ready for surgery as well as pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants during surgery.

Surgical technologists advance by specializing in a specific area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or open-heart surgery.

  • Certified surgical technologists with additional specialized education or training also may act in the role of the surgical first assistant or circulator. The surgical first assistant, as defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), provides aid in exposure, hemostasis (controlling blood flow and stopping or preventing hemorrhage), and other technical functions under the surgeon’s direct supervision, assisting with a safe operation.
  • A circulating technologist is the “unsterile” member of the surgical team who interviews the patient before surgery, prepares the patient, helps with anesthesia, obtains and opens packages for the “sterile” people to remove the sterile contents during the procedure, keeps a written account of the surgical procedure, and answers the surgeon’s questions about the patient during the surgery.
  • Some surgical technologists manage central supply departments and sterile processing instrument departments in hospitals, work as private scrubs for surgeons, work in tissue retrieval and procurement, are employed as sales representatives for medical device manufacturers, teach and direct in surgical technology programs in colleges and universities, or take positions with insurance companies.

Get a preview of the career and walk through the day in the life of a surgical tech.

The surgical technology associate degree program takes about 16 months to complete on average, meaning you can earn your degree and start your new career in less than 2 years.

There are many unique job titles within surgical technology. Going back to school and earning your associate degree gives you further opportunity to climb the career ladder in the operating room. Potential job titles could include:

  • Surgical Technologist
  • Surgical Technician
  • Scrub Tech
  • Operating Room Technician
  • Operating Room Assistant

Note: Becoming a “Surgical Assistant” requires additional education and is not within the surgical technology scope of practice. A surgical tech program does not offer surgical assistant training.

Healthcare institutions may have their own conventions for how positions are titled, the education/certification they require, and the specific roles and responsibilities assigned to each.

Earning your associate degree in surgical technology from Herzing University provides the education you need to thrive as a surgical technologist and carve your own unique career path in the OR.

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Careers

Go back to school and start a new career in healthcare

Surgical Technician laying out sterile equipment Image
Image

Also called surg techs, scrubs, and surgical or operating room technicians, surgical technologists work under the supervision of registered nurses, creating and maintaining the sterile field, passing instruments, holding retractors, cutting sutures and help count sponges, needles, supplies, instruments and more. A career as a surgical technologist could be right for you if you:

  • Are well organized and detail oriented
  • Are not squeamish about watching surgery and being expose to blood and other bodily fluids, as well as smells
  • Have good hand-eye coordination
  • Work well in a team
  • Work well under pressure
  • Can quickly respond to multiple requests
  • Can communicate clearly and concisely
  • Have discipline, concentration and stamina

Graduates from surgical technology programs like Herzing’s are members of operating room teams, consisting of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. Potential job titles include Surgical Technologist, Lead Surgical Technologist, Travel Surgical Technologist and Material Manager.

The Student Experience at Herzing

I initially chose to get my degree in Surgical Technology because I’ve always watched and enjoyed surgical shows. I knew they were different from working in real life, but they gave me the initiative to try. After the first surgery I scrubbed in on, I knew that I had made the right decision coming here. I was so comfortable and felt like I was exactly where I wanted to be.

Dakota Stamant
Healthcare Student | New Orleans Campus

Herzing’s surgical technology program prepares you for entry-level positions in the operating room. That was exactly what I was looking for in a healthcare career – the chance to help save and change lives.

Trisha Warner
Healthcare Student

My advice: Be patient with yourself and don’t get discouraged.

Stephanie Reeck
Healthcare Student | Online Campus

If you have an interest in changing careers, the time is never too late. Being prepared is the key and Herzing can help you achieve that.

Michelle Wilton
Healthcare Student | Orlando Campus

"The economy started to tank and I lost my job. My son had some extensive medical bills as well. You can either go sideways, down or up. I chose to go up and enrolled at Herzing."

James Nevel
Healthcare Student

Disclosures

* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.

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