Start a new career path in surgical technology with Herzing University
| Accreditation | CAAHEP accredited,† Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Format | Hybrid delivery: online didactic courses + on-campus labs and on-site clinicals |
| Locations | Available in Louisiana; on-campus labs take place at our New Orleans, LA campus location |
| Eligibility | No prior experience in healthcare required; current sterile processing technicians may be eligible for the 16-month bridge option |
| Transfer credit | Transfer up to 45 approved credits from prior college coursework |
| QuickPaths | Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University |
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Satisfaction rate
Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2024 Herzing Graduate Survey.
Build your new future in the operating room
The Associate of Science in Surgical Technology – Direct Entry/Traditional program option is designed to help you build the knowledge and skills needed to pursue opportunities in the operating room. You’ll progress through a structured curriculum that moves from foundational academic coursework to hands-on practice.
Through a hybrid format, you’ll complete coursework online while developing technical skills in lab settings and applying them in real healthcare environments. You’ll learn sterile technique, instrumentation, and surgical procedures, while also strengthening communication and teamwork.
The direct entry version of the program is designed for individuals with no prior experience, offering a clear path to gain practical, job-relevant skills and take the next step toward a career as a surgical technologist.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving 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.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.
Courses & curriculum details
You’ll move through a structured learning experience designed to help you build knowledge, practice skills, and gain real-world experience. You’ll begin with academic coursework covering core surgical technology topics, as well as any needed gen eds.
Next, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in on-campus labs at the New Orleans Campus. These hands-on sessions introduce techniques in a controlled environment, helping you build confidence before entering a clinical environment.
The program culminates in 405 hours of supervised clinical training across three courses. You’ll observe procedures, assist surgical teams, and gradually take on more responsibility as you develop the skills needed to perform in a surgical setting.
Special gen ed grading requirements. You must achieve a “B” (80%) or better in no more than two attempts of Anatomy & Physiology I, A&P II, and Microbiology to continue in the program.
| Program | Months i | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Science in Surgical Technology - Direct Entry/Traditional Option | 24 | 60 |
i. Average number of months for students to complete the program attending full-time
Full course list
Location
State eligibility
The hybrid direct entry program option is offered through the Online Campus, with eligibility for students in Louisiana, home to our New Orleans Campus1:
Louisiana
Surgical Technology Direct Entry program
Louisiana residents may apply; labs take place at our New Orleans campus.
Herzing University - New Orleans
3900 North Causeway Blvd Suite 800
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 613-4295
Admissions requirements
The following general factors are considered prior to acceptance into the Herzing University Surgical Technology – Direct Entry/Traditional option:
- Prior education requirement. Completion of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Minimum GPA requirement. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.50.
- Entrance testing. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 65 on the HESI A2 entrance exam.
- Special criteria. Because the program includes direct patient contact in a clinical setting, you must complete drug testing, immunization and health checks, and accept and acknowledge select statements of policy – contact admissions for more details.
- Availability of time, personal commitment, and a professional attitude. We exist to help enthusiastic students fully committed to reaching their highest career goals. Our Surgical Technology faculty and leadership are dedicated to helping you reach them.
You will need to meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor and complete an enrollment application to be admitted into the program.
If you have any additional questions regarding admissions into the program, please contact our admissions team.
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.
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The Student Experience at Herzing
After graduating with my associate’s degree in medical office administration, I received several job offers. However, I decided to pursue a different passion and continue my education at Herzing with an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. Today, I’m the owner of Daden Investigative Services in St. Louis, where I work as a licensed private investigator. Thank you, Herzing, for helping me jumpstart my career!
Paris Morris
Healthcare, Public Safety | Online CampusHaving graduated almost 30 years ago from another university, I was completely unfamiliar with how to navigate online learning. Thankfully, Herzing mapped everything out for me.
Amber Callahan
Healthcare | Online CampusThe flexibility allowed me to take classes online because I work full-time during the day.
Randa Jane Wilberg
Healthcare | Madison CampusI found Medical Billing and Coding which allowed me to work in an ever-changing medical career – all without blood!
Ceara Arrington-Stutts
Healthcare | Online CampusI’m a very insecure person when it comes to learning something new, but Herzing University helped me believe in myself.
Sendy Jovel
Healthcare | Orlando CampusDisclosures
- Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
* 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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Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.