Surgical technologists usually complete an accredited certificate, diploma or associate degree program, typically one to two years, that includes clinical time in real operating rooms. Most then pass the CST exam from the NBSTSA. Some states require a credential or registration to work, and many hospitals prefer it even where it is not required.
Inside the operating room
Surgical technologists, also called surgical techs or scrub techs, prepare and protect the sterile field.
- Before surgery: sterilizing and arranging instruments, setting up equipment and helping position and prepare the patient.
- During surgery: anticipating what the surgeon needs, passing instruments, handling specimens and keeping counts of sponges and sharps.
- After surgery: final counts, dressing application and breaking down and restocking the room.
You stand for long stretches, wear gowns and masks, and stay focused through long cases. On-call shifts, nights and weekends are common in hospitals, while outpatient surgery centers often run daytime schedules.
Education routes
- Certificate or diploma: around 12 to 18 months at a community college or technical school.
- Associate degree: about two years, with general education that helps if you later pursue nursing or management.
- Military: the armed services train surgical technicians, and that experience can count toward civilian credentials.
Choose a program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES; graduation from one is the standard route to the CST exam. Our guides on certificate vs associate degree and starting community college can help you decide.
Credentials and state rules
The CST (from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) is the most widely recognized credential. It is earned by passing a national exam and kept current with continuing education. Some states require a credential, registration or proof of accredited training to work, while others leave it to employers. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state health department or licensing board.
Step by step from high school
- Take biology, anatomy and chemistry. Health science pathways are a strong head start.
- Volunteer in a hospital or work as a sterile processing technician to see surgical services up close.
- Enroll in an accredited program and keep your clinical case log organized.
- Treat clinical rotations as an audition; many grads are hired where they trained.
- Pass the CST exam and complete any state requirements.
- Start in general surgery, then specialize in areas such as orthopedics, cardiac or neurosurgery as you gain experience.
How to test the fit
- Ask a hospital about observing in surgical services or sterile processing.
- Set up informational interviews with surgical techs and OR nurses.
- Take an anatomy course and see if you enjoy the detail.
- Be honest about blood, smells and long periods of standing.
Who thrives, and reasons people leave
People who do well are detail oriented, steady under pressure, physically comfortable standing for hours and good at anticipating needs without being asked. People switch out because of on-call demands, physical strain, tension with difficult surgeons or a desire for more patient contact. Many move into surgical first assisting, sterile processing leadership, education, sales or nursing. For current pay and outlook, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Coming from another career
Adults from the military, food service, manufacturing or retail often do well because they are used to procedures and teamwork. A one-year program can make this a relatively quick switch. See changing careers and careers without a four-year degree.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor helps you choose a program, keep up with demanding coursework and clinicals, prepare for the CST exam and handle the first year in the OR. Mentors are not credentialed career counselors, admissions counselors or licensing experts; they help you do the research and the work yourself. Learn about career and education mentoring and young adult mentoring.
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Common questions
How long does it take to become a surgical technologist?
Most programs take one to two years. Certificate and diploma programs are shorter, while associate degrees take about two years.
What does CST stand for?
It is the main national credential for surgical technologists, earned by passing the NBSTSA exam after an accredited program. It is renewed with continuing education.
Is a surgical tech the same as a surgical nurse?
No. Surgical techs focus on the sterile field and instruments, while OR nurses have a nursing license and broader responsibilities for patient care.
Do surgical techs work nights?
In hospitals, on-call and evening shifts are common. Outpatient surgery centers usually have more regular daytime hours.
Get started
Thinking about the operating room as a career? Let’s plan it. Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.