Herzing Expands Surgical Technology Offering

Herzing University

Jun 29, 2026

Herzing Surgical technology students in lab

What is Herzing University's new hybrid Surgical Technology program?

Herzing University now offers a hybrid Associate of Science in Surgical Technology (AS) program with structured, hands-on training for a career in the operating room, along with the flexibility of online coursework.

Quick Facts

Field	Detail
Program name	Associate of Science in Surgical Technology
Credential	Associate of Science (AS)
Format	Hybrid: online coursework + on-campus labs + clinical rotations
Location	New Orleans, Louisiana campus (on-campus labs and clinicals)
Time to complete	Direct Entry (no prior experience required): 20 months (7 semesters)
Total credits	60
Start date	May 11, 2026
Pathways	Direct Entry: Applicants must complete the HESI A2 entrance exam and hold a minimum 2.50 GPA.
Accreditation	Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), on the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA); Institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Best for	Career-changers entering the operating room; sterile processing professionals advancing into a surgical tech role

Who this program is for

Adults entering healthcare for the first time who want a structured path into the operating room
Working sterile processing technicians ready to move from instrument decontamination into the OR
Students who want hands-on lab training without giving up the flexibility of online coursework
Future allied health professionals preparing for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam

What you'll learn and what you can do

Graduates are prepared to work as entry-level surgical technologists in hospital operating rooms (ORs), ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical practices. Core skills include sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, intraoperative pharmacology, case setup and breakdown and sterile field management across specialties including general surgery, orthopedics, OB/GYN, ENT and minimally invasive surgery.

Graduates are prepared to sit for the CST exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Passing the CST is the highest level of professional credentialing in the field.

Common job titles for graduates:

Surgical Technologist
Scrub Tech
Operating Room Technician

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herzing's Surgical Technology program take?

Direct Entry students complete the program in 20 months over seven semesters. Because this is an accelerated program, coursework and clinical experiences may occur concurrently. As a result, students should be prepared to effectively manage their time and prioritize responsibilities.

Is the program online, hybrid or in person?

The program is hybrid. Online coursework is combined with on-campus labs and clinical rotations at partner healthcare facilities. It cannot be completed 100% online.

What are the admission requirements?

Direct Entry applicants must complete the HESI A2 entrance exam and hold a minimum 2.50 GPA.

Is the program accredited?

Yes. The Surgical Technology program at Herzing is accredited by CAAHEP on the recommendation of the ARC/STSA. Herzing University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

What can I do with this degree?

Graduates work as entry-level surgical technologists in hospital ORs, ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical practices. The degree also prepares students to sit for the CST certification exam.

The bottom line

Herzing's hybrid Surgical Technology program is the right fit for students who want structured, hands-on training for a career in the operating room with the flexibility of online coursework.

Related Herzing programs and resources

- Surgical Technology program page

- Healthcare programs at Herzing