Prepare for a Role in the Operating Room
Build the skills you need to pursue a career as a surgical technologist with Herzing’s hybrid Associate of Science in Surgical Technology — no prior healthcare experience needed.
Prepare for a hands-on career as part of the surgical team.
Are you ready to take the first step toward working in the operating room? The surgical technologist plays a vital role in every procedure—supporting surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliver safe surgical care.
Herzing University’s Associate of Science in Surgical Technology is designed for students with no prior healthcare experience who are interested in entering the surgical field. This CAAHEP-accredited program combines online didactic coursework with on-campus labs and clinical training in real operating rooms so you can build the skills today’s employers are looking for.
Hybrid format — online coursework combined with on-campus labs and clinical training
Complete your 60-credit associate degree in 7 semesters
Hands-on lab training in a simulated operating room environment
Clinical rotations in real OR settings with daily preceptor supervision
Prepare for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam administered by the NBSTSA
Accredited by CAAHEP upon the recommendation of ARC/STSA
Earn Your Associate of Science in Surgical Technology and Prepare for Career Growth
Are you interested in a career where you play a critical role in patient care every day? Whether you’re looking to enter the healthcare field, develop hands-on clinical skills or prepare for national certification, Herzing’s Surgical Technology program can help you develop the knowledge you need to pursue your career goals. Upon completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Integrate a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology into the practice of surgical technology
- Apply basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and microbiology as it applies to surgical procedures
- Demonstrate consistent proficiency in the application of aseptic technique in all aspects of surgical patient care
- Demonstrate basic competence in the safe and proper use of surgical instruments, supplies and equipment
- Communicate effectively and professionally with all members of the surgical team
- Work effectively and respectfully with a diverse population
This hybrid program requires completion of the HESI A2 entrance exam for admission. The curriculum includes hands-on skills labs, clinical practicums with daily preceptor supervision and a clinical capstone. The CST exam administered by the NBSTSA is a requirement for program completion.
What Will I Learn in the Surgical Technology Program?
Courses in this program build the clinical and technical skills you need to prepare for a role in the operating room. You’ll study surgical procedures across multiple specialties, develop proficiency in sterile technique and learn to work as a vital member of the surgical team.
The curriculum takes you from foundational knowledge through immersive lab practice and supervised clinical rotations. It culminates in a clinical capstone and CST exam preparation course where you apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed throughout the program.
Course topics include:
- Introduction to Surgical Services
- Sterile Processing
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Pharmacology
- Foundations of Perioperative Practice
- Medical Terminology
- Surgical Procedures
- OR Skills Lab I and II
- Clinical Practicum I and II
- Clinical Capstone
- Certified Surgical Technology Preparation
The Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program at Herzing University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). Upon completion, graduates sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This exam is a requirement for program completion.
Take the next step to learn more about Herzing's surgical technology program.
Get StartedThe Herzing Advantage
At Herzing, we want to help you build the clinical skills you need to reach your professional goals. That’s why we offer:
- A hybrid learning format that combines online coursework with on-campus labs and clinical training, giving you more flexibility while still providing hands-on experience
- Clinical training in real operating room settings with daily preceptor supervision, so you can develop skills in the environment where you’ll work
- Personalized guidance from experienced surgical technology faculty who bring professional knowledge to your courses
You're Much More Than a Number
At Herzing, we believe that providing you with a supportive community will have a positive impact on your learning experience and career opportunities. At Herzing, you’re not just another student—you’re someone whose success is our priority.