Online Surgical Tech classes

Online surgical tech programs offer a flexible path into healthcare, allowing you to train for the operating room without relocating or pausing your life. Here's what surgical technicians do, how online programs work, and where to find the right classes.

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Key Points

Surgical technicians support surgeons in operating rooms.
Online surgical tech classes offer flexibility with in-person clinicals.
Certificate programs take 9–12 months; associate degrees take 2 years.
The average surgical tech salary is $62,830 per year (BLS).
Dreambound helps you find accredited programs near you or online.

What is a Surgical Technician?

A surgical technician, also known as a surgical technologist, prepares the operating room and assists during procedures.

What Does a Surgical Technician Do?

Sterilize and arrange surgical instruments
Set up and maintain a sterile field
Pass tools to surgeons
Handle specimens for lab testing
Prepare patients for surgery

Certificate/Diploma vs Associate Degree

Certificate or Diploma Programs

Duration: 9–12 months
Focus: Surgical tools, sterile technique, patient prep
Format: Often vocational or technical schools
Outcome: Fast entry into the job market

Associate Degree Programs

Duration: 2 years
Includes general education courses
Offers broader healthcare knowledge and upward mobility
May help with long-term advancement

Requirements to Enroll in a Surgical Tech Program

To enroll in a surgical tech program, whether a certificate/diploma or an associate degree, students typically need to meet the following admission requirements:

High school diploma or GED equivalent
Satisfactory scores on entrance exams (if required by the program)
Completion of prerequisite courses, such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics
Up-to-date immunization records
CPR certification
Background check and drug screening (required by most programs)

Some programs may also require students to have completed certain healthcare-related courses or to have prior experience in a medical setting.

What You’ll Learn in Surgical Tech Classes

Courses cover clinical skills and medical knowledge. Most online programs include:

Medical terminology and anatomy
Surgical procedures and instrumentation
Infection control and sterilization
Surgical pharmacology
Ethics and operating room protocols
Clinical externship or in-person practicum

Where to Find Online Surgical Tech Classes

Dreambound makes it easy to compare online surgical tech programs and find one that fits your goals.

Search by:

Zip code
City
Cost and program length

You can explore the following resources and find surgical technician classes near you. If your city isn't listed, our platform allows you to search by zip code.

Learn more about becoming a Surgical Technician

Do surgical techs need a license?

Licensing varies by state. Some require it; others only require certification.

Where can I get certified as a surgical tech?

Top certifying bodies include NBSTSA and NCCT, after completing an accredited program.

How long does online surgical tech training take?

Certificate programs take 9–12 months; associate degrees take 2 years.

How much do surgical techs earn?

The national average salary is $62,830 per year, according to the BLS.

Can I become a surgical tech 100% online?

Most programs offer online coursework but require in-person clinicals or externships.

Where do surgical techs work?

Hospitals, outpatient centers, physician offices, and dental surgery clinics.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a surgical tech online is a flexible, fast, and high-impact career path. You can train in under a year, gain in-demand surgical skills, and earn over $60K annually.

Find your program today with Dreambound.

Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help with the different parts of the certification process across the country:

Exploring diverse professional options? Dreambound has comprehensive guides to assist you in making well-informed decisions. Take a look at these resources:

Written by

Justine Tacmo

Justine Tacmo is part of the Growth team at Dreambound. He assists the organization by updating critical information so students receive the most up-to-date information for their desired trade schools. Besides, he has a passion for writing and expresses it through poetry, covering themes of life, love, and mental health, which is also his advocacy.

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