Surgical Technology Associate Degree Program
ABHES Accredited
On Campus | Hybrid*
At a Glance
~18 Months
Course length
70
Total credits
360
Lab hours
708
Class hours
504
Externship hours
About the Surgical Technology Associate Degree Program
This associate degree program prepares you to work as an entry-level surgical technologist, developing the cognitive knowledge, technical skills and professional judgment the role requires. You’ll learn to support surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other members of the surgical team in delivering patient care before, during and after surgery. In your final semester, Certification Preparation coursework helps prepare you to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
Where the Surgical Technology Associate Degree Program Can Take You
Certification
Graduates are eligible to apply sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.*
Entry-level roles
Surgical technologist, endoscopy technologist or central sterile processing technician.
Career advancement
Build toward specialized surgical settings, travel positions or an educator role.
Core Skills You’ll Develop
STERILE TECHNIQUE
INSTRUMENTATION
PATIENT PREP
PHARMACOLOGY
Program Objective
To prepare competent, entry-level surgical technologists with a curriculum that addresses the three learning domains: cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (hands-on skills), and affective (professional behavior and conduct). Students develop the skills required to become an integral member of the surgical team, which includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other personnel who deliver patient care before, during, and after surgery.
Graduates of this program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination for certification.
Hybrid Learning Options
For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses. Hybrid learning combines in-person instruction with online learning. Students can engage with course materials at times and in environments that suit their individual circumstances, such as balancing employment, family responsibilities or geographic constraints. However, externship hours must be completed entirely in person because hands-on clinical experience is essential for developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.
*Not all programs offer hybrid learning options; Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
Find a Campus Near You
Clinical Externships
At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.
In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.
Learn More About Externships→Continuing Education
Graduating with an associate degree is a vital pathway toward pursuing higher education later on. Interested in breaking into leadership or healthcare administration? At Pima Medical Institute, we offer an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration that will give you the skills needed to move up within the healthcare industry. From there, our online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership can help you build even further into leadership roles.
Job Outlook
5% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow faster than average over the next 10 years with a median pay of $64,700 per year.*
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm (visited August 27, 2026).
What careers can you pursue with a Surgical Technology Associate Degree?
The Surgical Technology Associate Degree prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:
- Surgical Technologist
- Laser/Endoscopy Technologist
- Procurement Technologist
- Labor and Delivery Technologist
- Private or Travel Surgical Technologist
- Educator (with further experience/credentials)
These roles exist across hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, endoscopy clinics, plastic surgery offices, medical device companies and central sterile departments.
Career Services
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
View Career Services→Student Services
Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.
View Student Services→Application Process
- Submit the form below
A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
- Chat with our team
They’ll ask about your goals, your background, and what’s drawing you to healthcare. From there, they’ll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
- Attend your campus tour
Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We’ll walk you through programs and what to expect.
- We help you complete your application
Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.
Surgical Technology Associate Degree Program Eligibility Requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
- Additional requirements may apply by campus
Tuition & financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships and payment plans are available for those who qualify to help make your education affordable.
FAQs About our Surgical Technology Associate Degree Program
What is a surgical technologist?
What does a surgical technologist do day to day?
What will I learn in this program?
How do I get certified as a surgical technologist after graduation?
Completing this program makes you eligible to apply to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
How does Pima Medical prepare me for the certification exam?
Is there a clinical component to this program?
Is financial aid available?
Eligible students may be able to fund their education through federal financial aid programs, including Federal Pell Grants, federal student loans and scholarships<. Speak with our financial services team or visit our Financial Aid page to learn more.
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Semester I
Semester II
Semester III
Semester IV
Semester V
Nobody Says It Better Than Our Students
Read our reviews from students and alumni to find out for yourself…
Pima Medical Blog
Kendria Stevens-Hulsinger: Featured article in Surgical Technologist Magazine
Senior Program Director of the Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing programs, Kendria Stevens-Hulsinger, CST, was recently awarded the prestigious Fellow of the Association of Surgical Technologists…
Leading with Precision: How Jo Williams Cody Is Elevating Surgical Technology Education Through Human-Centered Leadership
Jo Williams Cody, EdDs, M.Ed, BSST, CST, FAST, AAS, Program Director of the Surgical Technology program at Pima Medical Institute, Seattle, brings a powerful leadership…
Surg Technician vs. Surg Technologist: Differences Explained
The fast-paced world of hospitals and surgery centers rely on the surgical team to ensure safe and successful outcomes. Every surgery depends on a precise,…
Accreditations and Disclosures
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Surgical Technology program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery methods. The program is available to residents of Arizona, California, and Colorado, and meets applicable licensure requirements in those states. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is enrolled and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of the state in which they enrolled may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate outside of their state of enrollment he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.