Surgical Technology Degrees
Looking to get a degree in surgical technology? Researching your options will be an important step in deciding on which path is right for you. There are over 450 accredited training programs that will lead to either a diploma or an associate’s degree. With the right education and further training, you can go from a surgical technologist to a surgical first assistant or a circulator.
Surgical technology degrees include:
- Diploma – Typically obtained within a year, the diploma can be acquired through junior colleges or vocational schools. Students will take classes in basic anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and sterilizing techniques. Upon completion of the diploma, the graduate will be ready for certification and entry-level positions.
- Associate’s – The associate’s degree is earned within two years and focuses on much of the same as the diploma, but goes further with the classes and may include clinicals. The associate’s degree is offered at community colleges or technical schools.
- Certification – Though certification isn’t required, many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified. You can gain the certified surgical technologist designation by passing a national certification examination given by the Liaison Council of Certification for the Surgical Technologist. To maintain certification, certified surgical technologists will have to earn sixty hours of approved continuing education over a four-year period or retake the examination at the end of the four-year period.