Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
No cost info
$4,998 total
Dignity College of Healthcare online surgical technician training is far superior than other online Surgical Technician programs because it includes the training and exam review for the EKG technician and a comprehensive, but simple tailored program for the Surgical Technician. The fees for the EKG national certification exam is the responsibility of the student. In the same manner, the fees for the Surgical Tech exam (see fees schedule) is NOT included in the tuition. Students apply for the national certification exams and pay themselves at the completion of the course. Dignity College of Healthcare is an institution approved to offer courses in the United states, hence our certificate of completion is valid for work even without going for the outside exam certification. However for students who need the exam certifications, We highly recommend Healthcare Professionals Competency Testing HPCT for the EKG and Surgical Tech National Certification Exams. So a completion of our course enables the graduate to practice as an EKG Technician in any State of the United States, as well as practice as a Surgical Tech in any state.
No cost info
$130 total
$4,000 total
$600 total
Grab a front row seat to the life-and-death scenarios that play out in a typical operating room. If you have a cool head and a strong stomach, the fast-paced, stimulating - and highly lucrative - world of a surgical technician could be right for you.
Prepare to take the Tech in Surgery Certified (TS-C) national certification exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) by completing three courses, Professionalism in Allied Health, Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology, and Surgical Technology. With the NCCT designation, you'll have the clinical skills and knowledge for preserving asepsis during surgery, predicting the surgeon’s needs, and monitoring all aspects of the surgical procedure to create a safe environment for the patient.
No cost info
Anderson University in Indiana offers a comprehensive Surgical Technician certification program that prepares students for successful careers in healthcare. The program focuses on practical experiences and theoretical foundations, providing students with a well-rounded education. Through hands-on training, internships, and clinical rotations, students gain real-world experience and apply their theoretical knowledge. The faculty consists of dedicated professionals who bring their expertise and industry experience to the classroom, ensuring students develop a deep understanding of surgical techniques, patient care, and safety protocols. The curriculum aligns with industry standards and covers a broad range of topics. Interpersonal skills and effective communication are also emphasized. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to work independently or collaboratively in a fast-paced healthcare environment and are eligible to take the national certification examination. Anderson University's Surgical Technician certification program is a reputable and comprehensive option for those seeking a career in healthcare.
$4,000 total
$347.95 total
Surgical Technician is a basic entry level program for students to pursue a career in the healthcare field.
This program will give participants the knowledge of Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Understanding the Patient, Pediatric and Geriatric Patients, Physical, Chemical and Biological Hazards, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Disease Transmission Prevention (Perioperative), Emergency Situations, Pharmacology, Instrumentation and Equipment Basics, The Wound, Introduction to Case Management, The Diagnostic Procedures, Surgery: General, Surgery: Obstetric and Gynecologic, Surgery: Ophthalmic, Surgery: Otorhinolaryngologic, Surgery: Oral and Maxillofacial, Surgery: Plastic and Reconstructive, Surgery: Genitourinary, Surgery: Orthopedic, Surgery: Cardiothoracic, Surgery: Peripheral Vascular, Neurosurgery.
Various quizzes and assessment tools are available within each module to evaluate the learner’s outcome, these quizzes and tools will give the learner the feedback about their progress into the course as they proceed from one module to another.
At successful completion of the program the student will be awarded with a certificate of completion from the school.
No cost info
$2,799 total
Stockton’s hospitals and surgery centers need certified surgical technologists to keep operating rooms safe and efficient. You can train in as little as 9–12 months, earn around $80,220 per year ($38.57/hour) in the Stockton–Lodi metro area (BLS, May 2024), and join a profession projected to grow 6–8% nationally with 7,200 openings (O*NET).
Surgical technologists, often called scrub techs, prepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, maintain sterile fields, and pass tools during procedures (O*NET). They also manage specimens, handle surgical counts, and assist with dressings.
The OR can be high-pressure—Reddit users often ask if the work environment is stressful. It can be, but preparation and a solid support team help surgical techs thrive.
According to San Joaquin Valley College, surgical techs work in hospital ORs, outpatient centers, and birthing units. Shifts often include early mornings, evenings, or weekends.
Some students on Reddit asked: “What if I don’t drive?” Clinicals often require commuting, but many use buses or rideshares successfully.
To start your career in Stockton:
California doesn’t require a state license, but nearly all Stockton employers require CST certification.
Most programs take 9–24 months, depending on the credential. Certificate programs are the fastest at 9–12 months, while associate degrees take 18–24 months but may lead to career advancement.
Dreambound partners with schools across California so you can compare details side by side. Local options include:
Compare surgical tech schools near you instantly on Dreambound.
Fully online surgical tech programs don’t exist due to clinical requirements, but hybrid programs are available. For example, Carrington College lets students take general education courses online while completing labs and clinical rotations on campus.
There are no free programs in Stockton, but financial aid may be available for those who qualify. Options include FAFSA, Cal Grants, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement. Many Redditors asked if the investment is “worth it” — and with Stockton salaries 30% above the national average, the ROI is strong.
The CST exam, administered by the NBSTSA, is the national standard. It has 175 questions (150 scored), a passing score of 98, and costs $190–$290. Exams are offered at Pearson VUE centers year-round.
Preparation tips: review the NBSTSA content outline, use practice tests, and join study groups. Many candidates also use AST prep books. One common Quora question is: “Is the CST exam really hard?” — The answer: it’s rigorous but very passable with consistent study.
Surgical techs in Stockton–Lodi earn an average of $80,220/year, significantly higher than the national median of $62,830. Nationally, the role is projected to grow 6–8% through 2033 (O*NET).
Local employers include St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Dameron Hospital, Sutter Health, and Kaiser Permanente. Many offer sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement. On Reddit, new grads often ask: “Is it hard to get hired right away?” In Stockton, the demand is strong, so CST-certified graduates usually find work quickly.
How long does surgical tech school take?
Between 9 and 24 months, depending on the program.
Do I need CST certification in California?
Yes — while not state law, nearly all employers require it.
What does the CST exam cost?
$190 for AST members, $290 for non-members.
Can I study surgical tech online?
Not fully, but hybrid options exist.
Is surgical tech worth it compared to nursing?
If you want a faster path with less schooling, yes. Nursing offers higher long-term pay but requires longer training.
Is the work environment stressful?
Operating rooms are high-pressure, but supportive teams and preparation help you thrive.
Choosing surgical technology in Stockton gives you a career with strong pay, short training time, and high demand. In under two years, you can earn over $80K annually and play a hands-on role in patient care.
Are you thinking about a job change or wanting to learn more about different career paths? Feel free to check out these additional articles:
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