Surgical Technology Certificate

Saint Joseph’s University’s Surgical Technology Certificate will prepare you for a career assisting surgical teams throughout every step of an operation.

You will receive specialized instruction, vast clinical experience and guaranteed clinical placements to ensure you have the preparation necessary to become a surgical technologist. This 48-credit certificate program can be completed in as little as two years.

If you do not have an associate degree or higher and haven’t completed a two-year, post-secondary allied health program, we invite you to explore our Associate Degree in Surgical Technology.

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What is a Surgical Technologist?

Surgical technologists are critical members of the surgical care team who work alongside surgeons assisting in an operation. Surgical technologists are responsible for assembling and disassembling the operating room before and after surgery is complete.

What Sets Our Surgical Technology Certificate Program Apart

100% Pass Rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam
For the 2023-2024 year, our students have boasted a 100% pass rate on the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)’s Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.

88% Job Placement Rate*
Our high job placement rate after graduation is a testament to the effectiveness of Saint Joseph's University's surgical technology associate program. It also reflects our commitment to preparing students for the workforce and providing valuable skills and networking opportunities.

*Please note: Saint Joseph's University is not responsible for finding employment for students; all students secure employment on their own.

Hands-On Learning in the First & Only Learning Space of its Kind in the Lancaster Area
With surgical technologist classes, you’ll gain access to a variety of advanced technology that makes simulation learning as close to real-life clinical situations as it can be. You’ll find this technology in The Center for Excellence in Practice Simulation Center, Lancaster’s newest and most advanced clinical simulation lab. The Simulation Center is a 20,000-square-foot facility made up of 24 rooms, including an intensive care unit and five conference rooms. 

Guaranteed Clinical Placements Within Your First Year
You are guaranteed clinical placements at premier locations in Pennsylvania within your first year. You will have the opportunity to experience working in clinical settings with expert faculty, helping transfer knowledge and skills from the classroom to in-person patient experiences. You will learn critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving by engaging in realistic scenarios staged in real-world medical environments.

Exposure to a Wide Variety of Surgical Specialities
This program exposes students to a wide variety of surgical specialties in the acute care setting that may include:

  • Obstetrics and gynecology
  • Genitourinary surgery
  • General surgery
  • Plastic and reconstructive surgery
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopedics
  • Neurosurgery
  • Peripheral vascular surgery
  • Endoscopy
  • Cardiothoracic surgery
  • Robotic Surgery

Taught by Experienced Surgical Technology Faculty
You’ll learn alongside certified surgical technologists with years of operating room experience to hone your skills for this high-intensity career.

Why Study this Program in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is home to top-tier hospitals and operating rooms seeking surgical technologists, including:

  • Lancaster General Hospital
  • Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
  • Lehigh Valley Hospital
  • UPMC
  • Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian

Program Details

  • Explore the required courses and curriculum information for this program, which can be found in Saint Joseph's academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Saint Joseph's University – Lancaster’s tuition structure includes both per-credit tuition and program-specific fees.

    PER-CREDIT TUITION:

    The cost of the Surgical Technology Certificate is $683 per credit for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    PROGRAM-SPECIFIC FEES:

    In addition to the per-credit rate, there are also program-specific fees for the following courses:

    • When a student enrolls in SUR 115, they will be responsible for paying a fee totaling $3,435
    • When a student enrolls in SUR 215, they will be responsible for paying a fee totaling $3,435
    • When a student enrolls in SUR 225, they will be responsible for paying a fee totaling $3,435

    For a detailed breakdown and additional information, visit our Tuition & Fees page.

Program Effectiveness Data

  • Year
    Initial Enrollment
    Graduated
    Rate
    2023-2024
    17
    16
    94%
    2022-2023
    13
    9
    69%
    2021-2022
    19
    9
    47%
    2020-2021
    21
    11
    52%
    2019-2022
    13
    9
    69%
    2018-2019
    15
    11
    73%
    2017-2018
    14
    9
    64%
  • Year
    Number Who Took Exam
    Exam Participation Rate
    Number Passed
    Pass Rate
    2023-2024
    16
    16
    16
    100%
    2022-2023
    9
    9
    7
    78%
    2021-2022
    9
    9
    8
    89%
    2020-2021
    11
    11
    8
    73%
    2019-2020
    9
    9
    9
    100%
    2018-2019
    11
    100%
    9
    82%
    2017-2018
    9
    100%
    9
    100%
  • Year
    Graduates
    Jobs Within 6 Months
    Rate
    2023-2024
    16
    14
    88%
    2022-2023
    9
    6
    100%
    2021-2022
    9
    8
    89%
    2020-2021
    11
    10
    91%
    2019-2020
    9
    7
    78%
    2018-2019
    11
    11
    100%
    2017-2018
    9
    9
    100%
  • Year
    Graduates
    Continuing Formal Ed.
    Rate
    2023-2024
    16
    2
    13%
    2022-2023
    9
    0
    0%
    2021-2022
    8
    0
    0
    2020-2021
    11
    1
    9%
    2019-2020
    9
    1
    11%
    2018-2019
    11
    0
    0
    2017-2018
    9
    0
    0

What is the Average Salary a Surgical Technologist Can Expect to Earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a surgical technologist in 2022 is $56,350.

Admission Information

  • You can enroll in this certificate with any bachelor’s degree. No medical background or related experience is required. 

    The GMAT is not required for Saint Joseph’s University certificates. To learn more about the admission process and required materials or ask any questions, please email the admission office.

    1. Apply online.
    2. Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
    3. Submit a personal statement.
    4. Submit resume.
    5. Submit two letters of recommendation.


    Visit our Admission Information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application.

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. New students may enroll in courses during the fall, spring or summer semesters.

    Start Terms:

    1. Fall: August and October
    2. Spring: January and March
    3. Summer: May

  • If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:

    • Satisfy general admission requirements
    • Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey

    Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT instead of the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.

  • Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:

    • Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
    • Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
    • Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
    • Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
    • Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
    • Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
    • Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

Explore Other Degree Programs

Associate Degree in Surgical Technology

Saint Joseph’s University’s Associate Degree in Surgical Technology will prepare you for a career assisting surgical teams throughout every step of an operation. You will receive specialized instruction, vast clinical experience and guaranteed clinical placements to ensure you have the preparation necessary to become a surgical technologist.

Cardiovascular Technology Certificate

Saint Joseph’s University’s Cardiovascular Technology Certificate will equip you with the skills needed to succeed in a career treating ailments related to the heart and blood vessels. Designed for students who hold a college degree, this program prepares you to take the exam required to become a registered cardiovascular invasive specialist.

Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology

Saint Joseph’s University’s Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology will prepare you for a career in treating ailments related to the heart and blood vessels. This program also offers the preparation necessary to take the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam which is required to become a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist.

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