CNA vs Surgical Technician: Which Career is Right for You?
Healthcare continues to be one of the most in-demand fields in the U.S., with career options ranging from patient care to operating room support. Two popular entry-level paths are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Surgical Technicians. This guide will help you understand their roles, training, and career outlook so you can choose the path that fits you best.
Key Points
- CNAs provide basic daily care; Surgical Technicians assist during surgeries.
- CNA training usually lasts 4–12 weeks; Surgical Technician programs take 12–24 months.
- CNA training typically costs $500–$1,500; Surgical Technician programs average $1,599 or more.
- The average CNA salary is $39,530/year or $19.01/hour (BLS, May 2024).
- The average Surgical Technician salary is $62,480 /year or $30.04/hour (BLS, May 2024).
- Job growth (2023–2033): CNA – 4%, Surgical Technician – 6%.
Certified Nursing Assistant
- The average CNA salary is $39,530 per year / $19.01 per hour (BLS, May 2024)
- Employment growth (2023–2033): 4%
Surgical Technician
- The average Surgical Technician salary is $62,480 per year / $30.04 per hour (BLS, May 2024)
- Employment growth (2023–2033): 6%
Key Differences at a Glance
- Scope of Work: CNAs help with personal care; Surgical Technicians assist in surgeries
- Work Setting: CNAs work in nursing homes, hospitals; Surgical Technicians work in operating rooms
- Patient Contact: CNAs have ongoing patient interaction; Surgical Technicians have minimal direct contact
- Training Time: CNA – ~4–12 weeks; Surgical Technician – 12–24 months
- Tuition Cost: CNA – ~$500–$1,500; Surgical Technician – starts at ~$1,599
- Pay & Growth: Surgical Technicians earn more and have slightly higher job growth
Choosing the Right Path: Which Career is Best for You?
If you're looking to begin working quickly in patient care, becoming a CNA is a cost-effective and fast option. If you prefer working behind the scenes in surgery and are willing to train longer, a career as a Surgical Technician may offer greater long-term rewards. Both career paths offer job stability, strong demand, and the ability to make a meaningful impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CNA or surgical technician?
It depends on your preferences. CNAs work closely with patients on a daily basis, while Surgical Technicians focus on procedural support during surgeries. Surgical Technicians typically earn more but require more schooling.
How to enroll in a CNA program?
You can become a CNA in 3 easy steps with help from Dreambound. Search programs, explore CNA classes, and access government funding options to get started.
How to enroll in a surgical technician program?
Start by learning what is a surgical technician and how long does it take to become a surgical technician (usually 1–2 years). Some students even become a surgical technician in high school through healthcare CTE programs. Start now and explore surgical technician classes via Dreambound.
Final Thoughts
Both CNAs and Surgical Technicians are essential members of the healthcare system, offering distinct paths for individuals seeking to make a difference in patient care. CNAs provide hands-on support with daily needs and can enter the workforce quickly with minimal training, while Surgical Technicians take a more technical role in the operating room after a longer training period. If you're deciding between these two careers, consider your interests, timeline, and long-term goals. No matter which path you choose, you'll be stepping into a stable, rewarding field that makes a lasting impact on patients' lives.
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Harold Roldan is a Growth team member at Dreambound. With a background in IT, he works with data and automation to improve team efficiency and workflows. He spends his free time playing musical instruments or studying data, computers, and technology.
