Become a Surgical Technician
Play a vital role in the operating room and help save lives every day.
What Is a Surgical Technician?
Surgical Technicians are essential members of surgical teams. They prepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, position patients, and hand instruments to surgeons during operations. Their expertise helps maintain sterile environments and smooth procedures. If you're interested in a fast-paced, hands-on healthcare role where teamwork and precision matter, surgical technology offers a rewarding career path. Career-Bond partners with trusted training providers that teach anatomy, aseptic technique, and surgical instrumentation — all designed to prepare you for national certification and the operating room.
Hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, specialty clinics
What You'll Learn in Surgical Technician Training
Core Skills
- Human anatomy and medical terminology
- Surgical instrumentation and supplies
- Sterilization and aseptic technique
- Operating room setup and workflow
- Surgical procedures and specialties
- Infection prevention and patient safety
- Pre- and post-operative care
- Team communication and surgical ethics
Safety & Compliance
- Patient safety
- Infection prevention
- Privacy and HIPAA awareness
- Professional ethics
- Basic emergency response
Tools & Technology
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
- Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C)
Admissions Requirements for Surgical Technician Training
Most Surgical Technician programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.
Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.
Certifications for Surgical Technician
This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting)
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Professional practice
Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C)
NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing)
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Professional practice
Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.
Surgical Technician Salary & Job Outlook
Growing demand driven by ongoing surgical procedure volumes, advancements in medical technology, and continued need for skilled surgical support staff in operating rooms
Career Outlook for Surgical Technician
Work Settings
Hospitals, operating rooms, outpatient surgical centers, plastic surgery and orthopedic clinics
Advancement Path
Advance to related certifications; specialize in a care setting; progress to supervisory roles with experience and additional training.
What Is the Difference Between a Surgical Technician and a Sterile Processing Technician?
TL;DR: Surgical Technicians work directly in the operating room assisting with procedures, while Sterile Processing Technicians focus on instrument sterilization and infection control outside the OR.
Surgical Technician programs prepare students for hands-on roles in the operating room, where they assist surgeons by setting up sterile fields, passing instruments, and supporting procedures during surgery. These roles involve direct participation in surgical cases and close collaboration with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiology teams. Sterile Processing Technician programs focus on cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and tracking surgical instruments to ensure patient safety and compliance with infection-control standards. Sterile Processing roles are typically behind the scenes with little or no patient contact. Choose Surgical Technician if you want direct involvement in surgeries and operating room environments; choose Sterile Processing Technician if you prefer a critical safety-focused role centered on precision, protocols, and equipment management.
Direct assistance in surgical procedures within the operating room
Instrument sterilization, infection control, and surgical safety outside the OR
Certificate to associate-level programs focused on operating room support
Certificate programs focused on sterilization and safety protocols
Setting up sterile fields, passing instruments, assisting surgeons during procedures
Cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and tracking surgical instruments
Surgical technician certification depending on program
Sterile processing technician certification depending on program
Operating rooms, surgical suites, hospitals
Hospital sterile processing departments
Indirect patient interaction during surgical procedures
No direct patient interaction; behind-the-scenes role
Surgical instruments, OR equipment, sterile field systems
Sterilization equipment, tracking systems, inventory tools
Senior surgical technician or specialized OR support roles
Senior sterile processing technician or department lead roles
Surgical Technician
Students who want hands-on involvement in surgeries and OR environments
Sterile Processing Technician
Students who prefer safety-focused, precision-based equipment roles
Benefits of Surgical Technician Training
Surgical Technician Student Reviews
"The hands-on training gave me the confidence to assist in real surgeries. It's incredible to be part of a team that helps save lives."
"Career-Bond connected me to a program that prepared me for my CST exam — I was hired by a hospital right after graduation."
"I love the fast pace of surgery and knowing that what I do makes a direct difference for patients."
Surgical Technician FAQs
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Ready to Start Your Surgical Tech Career?
Find Surgical Technician training programs that fit your schedule and budget.