Choose your pathway to a career as a surgical technologist in Louisiana
| Accreditation | CAAHEP accredited,† Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Residents of Louisiana may apply |
| Format | Hybrid delivery: online didactic courses + on-campus labs and on-site clinicals in New Orleans1 |
| Pathways | Two entry pathways: a Direct Entry program for students with no prior healthcare experience, and a Bridge program designed for sterile processing technicians who have completed a Diploma in Sterile Processing, or equivalent |
| QuickPaths | Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University |
Learn More Today!
Satisfaction rate
Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2024 Herzing Graduate Survey.
Learn online, put it to practice, and prepare for the OR
Prepare to pursue a career in surgical technology through a hybrid learning experience focused on both skill development and confidence building.
Your training includes online coursework, hands-on lab practice, and clinical experience in real healthcare settings in Louisiana. With associate degree program options for those new to the field and for sterile processing professionals, you can choose the path that matches your background. Throughout the program, you’ll build practical skills designed to support your next steps toward the operating room.
Take the next step toward becoming part of a surgical team. We know you are possible.
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 progress through a structured learning experience that builds your knowledge, skills, and confidence in surgical technology.
You’ll start with academic coursework covering core surgical technology topics and general education, then apply hands-on techniques in on-campus labs at our New Orleans Campus.
Then you’ll complete 405 hours of supervised clinical training at one of our clinical partners in Louisiana, where you’ll observe procedures, assist surgical teams, and gain real-world experience 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.
40%
Lecture-style coursework
30%
Hands-on laboratory training
30%
Clinical practicum experience
| Program | Months i | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Science in Surgical Technology - Direct Entry/Traditional Option | 24 | 60 |
| Associate of Science in Surgical Technology - Bridge Option | 16 | 60 |
i. Average number of months for students to complete the program attending full-time
Full course list
The Surgical Technology clinical practicum experience
You’ll have the opportunity to put your academic learning into in-person practice during the clinical practicum component of the Surgical Technology program. This is where you really discover what it takes to succeed as a surgical tech—and fine-tune your skills to prepare for your first real job after graduation.
The program features 405 total clinical hours. Clinicals will occur near the conclusion of the program as part of the Clinical Practicum I and II courses, as well as a Clinical Capstone.
We work hard to place you with a clinical site as near to you in Louisiana as possible. We have partnerships with several institutions in locations such as Covington, Leesville, Metairie, and New Orleans.
Meet Our Leadership
“Choosing Herzing’s Surgical Technology program means stepping into a dynamic, career‑focused learning experience designed to elevate your future. Our interdisciplinary approach blends hands‑on surgical training with essential healthcare knowledge, giving students a competitive edge in today’s fast‑paced medical environments.
With dedicated faculty, personalized support, and real‑world preparation, Herzing empowers you to build confidence, master your skills, and launch a successful surgical technology career.”
Samantha Caldwell BSHM, CST
Program Chair - Surgical TechnologySamantha Caldwell is a distinguished leader in surgical technology with operating room experience spanning from trauma, multispecialty, as well as private‑sector surgical environments. She brings a strong foundation of clinical expertise, academic achievement, and leadership to her role as Program Chair for Herzing University’s Surgical Technology program.
In her current position, Ms. Caldwell oversees strategic initiatives that strengthen and expand the program across multiple campuses, including online delivery. Her work focuses on elevating academic excellence, enhancing hands‑on training, and ensuring students gain the practical competencies and professional readiness required in today’s surgical field.
Ms. Caldwell is deeply committed to supporting and empowering future surgical technologists. She is passionate about fostering student confidence, guiding academic growth, and preparing graduates to excel in high‑performing surgical teams and advanced healthcare environments.
Admissions requirements
The following general factors are considered prior to acceptance into the Herzing University Surgical Technology program:
- Prior education requirement. Completion of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Applicants for the Bridge Option must have earned a Diploma in Sterile Processing or program equivalent.
- State of residence. Applicants must reside in the state of Louisiana.
- 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.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition & Cost
The cost of tuition for the 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.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.
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.
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.
✝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), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!
Program FAQs
Didactic, lecture-style courses can be completed online. These courses comprise approximately 40% of the hours of the total 60-credit curriculum. Applicants who are either eligible for the Bridge option or have approved transfer credit from prior college coursework require less time to complete the online component.
The surgical technology associate degree program takes about 16-24 months to complete depending on the degree pathway you choose.
We design the program to be appropriately challenging in line with what is required for career success as a surgical technologist.
The program is designed for students of all educational backgrounds. You do not need any prior experience in healthcare to succeed—only the determination and desire to become the best healthcare provider you can be!
Yes—applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.50.
Yes. The curriculum is designed to emphasize topics foundational for success on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
Concepts are integrated throughout the course of the program to provide you with the comprehensive education needed to pass the exam. In addition, the curriculum includes a 2-credit course near the end of the program built to help you prepare for the certification exam.
If you are currently a healthcare professional, you may work for an organization we’ve partnered with. Contact our admissions team to learn more.
The Surgical Technology program starts every other semester at each location. There are no application deadlines; apply when you are ready and prepare for the next start (pending availability).
You’ll have access to a strong support system designed to help you stay on track and continue progressing toward your goals. A dedicated personal advisor is there to guide you, offering help with time management, connecting you to tutoring and library resources, and supporting communication with faculty.
You’ll also have access to career development services during your program and after graduation, including job search tools, resume support, interview preparation, and personalized coaching.
Financial aid options are available to help make your education more affordable—so you can stay focused on building the skills and confidence needed to take the next step in surgical care.
Surgical technology students are also supported by a dedicated Certification Coordinator who provides guidance and preparation to help you successfully pass the Certified Surgical Technology (CST) exam.
Career FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our hybrid program features online coursework with some required on-campus labs, as well as onsite clinicals to put academic learning and lab training into practice.
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.
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.
Related Programs
The Student Experience at Herzing
"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 StudentMy advice: Be patient with yourself and don’t get discouraged.
Stephanie Reeck
Healthcare Student | Online CampusIf 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 CampusI 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 CampusHerzing’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 | New Orleans 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.
** Projections Central, Long-Term Projections (2022-2032). Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work, and degree field will affect career outcomes. Herzing does not guarantee that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, or other career growth.
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.