CNI College

AOS Surgical Technology

Main Campus
Santa Ana, CA
Associate Degree
AOS Surgical Technology
Accredited by Accreditation and Approvals.
Classes are held on campus with hands-on instruction.
Tuition is $39,091 for AOS Surgical Technology.
Contact school for details
$0
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

AOS Surgical Technology is an Associate Degree program offered by CNI College in Santa Ana, CA. Tuition is $39,091 total.

Program Overview

Program Overview

The Associate of Occupational Science (AOS) Degree in Surgical Technology at CNI College offers a comprehensive blended program that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical practice. The 1,730-hour program is designed to equip students with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge required to become competent and safe surgical technologists. Delivered only in English, this program prepares students for entry-level roles in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, medical centers, and surgical centers.

What sets this Program apart

Program Highlights

  • Blended Delivery: Combines online learning with in-person labs and clinical practice.
  • Program Length: 18 months (79 weeks)*
  • Certification Requirement: Students must complete the National Certification Examination administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
  • Externship Experience: Includes a mandatory 600-hour externship.
  • Accreditation: Programmatically accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Why Choose CNI College?

CNI College is committed to providing high-quality education that aligns with industry standards and equips students for success. With experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive support services, students can achieve their career goals in Surgical Technology. Additionally, night and weekend classes are now available, making it easier for working professionals to pursue their education.

Admission Requirements and Process

Admissions Requirements

To enroll in the AOS Surgical Technology program, applicants must:

General Requirements

  • Be at least 17 years old.
  • Provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent (e.g., GED).
  • Pass the Wonderlic (SLE) exam with a minimum score of 17 (or equivalent SAT/ACT scores).
  • Complete a personal interview with an Admissions Advisor.
  • Fulfill financial arrangements and submit required health screenings, immunizations, and a background check.
  • Attend mandatory orientations for blended learning and program-specific requirements.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Step 1: Request more information.
    If you haven’t already, your starting place is right here on this site. The moment you submit our Request Information form, you’re on your way.
  2. 2
    Step 2: Fill out our questionnaire.
    We ask all our applicants to complete a potential student questionnaire form so we have a clearer picture of your career goals and what you’re looking for in your education.
  3. 3
    Step 3: Complete an interview and a campus tour.
    One of our admissions advisors will reach out to you to have a one-on-one conversation about your situation and program of interest and to set up a tour of our campus.
  4. 4
    Step 4: Prep your finances and any other paperwork.
    Once your application has been accepted, you can work with our financial aid team to hash out the best ways to cover education costs. You’ll also turn in your Enrollment Agreement and documentation of any required health exams, tests, or vaccines.
  5. 5
    Step 5: Join us in the classroom and get started!
    When your first day of classes arrives, we’ll be ready and waiting to welcome you!

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Total Program Tuition
≈ $39,091
Total Program Cost
≈ $42,690

First-Time Applicants

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in applying for federal and state aid programs. The FAFSA includes all the information necessary to determine your Expected Family Contribution or “EFC”. Aid administrators use the EFC to determine your eligibility for financial aid programs. The FAFSA must be completed electronically via the Internet.

Renewal Applicants

Financial aid is awarded on an academic-year basis, and it is not automatically renewed. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted for each year of attendance. Use the FSA ID to facilitate filing your renewal application on-line. The FSA ID can be used as an electronic signature for filling the renewal FAFSA and for Corrections on the Web. Parents should apply for an FSA ID to use as an electronic signature for FAFSA on the web. If a parent is neither a non-U.S citizen nor an eligible permanent resident, the parent must sign a FAFSA signature page.

Financial Aid

Primarily, financial aid eligibility is determined on the basis of financial need established by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and is used to assist with both direct and associated costs of your education. Financial aid may consist of funding from one or several sources including: federal, state, and private agencies. Most financial aid recipients receive a combination “package” comprised of more than one type of assistance.

Pell Grant (FPELL)

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Because they are grants, funds are not typically repaid (unless you withdraw from school prior to the end of the award period). Eligibility is determined according to need, the number of hours in the academic program, and the cost of attendance.

Stafford Loans- William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans

The Stafford Loan program provides educational loan(s) that must be repaid, with interest, even if you do not complete your academic program. Loans may be obtained from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Generally, all students who complete a FAFSA and have not defaulted on any previous federal student loan(s) are eligible for the program. Loans obtained through this program are lower fixed interest rate loans that are insured by the U.S. Department of Education. A student can apply for Stafford Loans through the school’s Financial Aid Department.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan

The Subsidized Stafford Loan is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. Subsidized loans do not charge the borrower with interest on the amount borrowed while in school and up through a six-month grace period after leaving school. During these periods, interest is paid to the lender by the U.S. government.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan allows students to borrow a Federal Stafford Loan who did not demonstrate sufficient financial need for the subsidized version. The same terms and conditions as the Subsidized Stafford Loan apply, except that the borrower is responsible for interest that accrues while she/he is in school and after leaving school. Generally, you may choose to make interest payments on the loan while you are in school or have the interest added to your principal balance (capitalized) when your repayment schedule begins (six months after leaving school).

Federal Parent PLUS Loans

The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) loan is available to parents of dependent students with good credit to help pay their child’s educational expenses. PLUS loans are not based on need. They can be combined with other financial aid resources and cannot exceed the student’s cost of education. Because PLUS loans are unsubsidized, the borrower will be charged interest during periods of deferment (while the student is in school and through the six month grace period after leaving school) and if you choose not to pay interest as it accrues, it will be capitalized (added to your outstanding principal balance).

CAL Grants

Applicants must file a FAFSA and GPA (Grade Point Average) Verification form by the deadline and meet all qualifying requirements. A GPA verification form must be completed by your high school or by the last college you attended.

Curriculum

Curriculum and Schedule

The program’s curriculum includes six quarters of coursework covering general education, anatomy, surgical procedures, and clinical skills. Each quarter blends online theory with in-person labs and externship experiences.

What to expect as a Cni College student

Externship

Students participate in a 600-hour, non-compensated externship during the final phase of the program. Externships are scheduled Monday through Sunday and require a commitment of at least 32 hours per week. Transportation and associated expenses are the student’s responsibility.

Student Support Services

CNI College is dedicated to student success, offering a variety of resources to support both academic and personal growth:

  • Career Services: Assistance with job placement and interview preparation.
  • Student Services: Guidance on academic advising, childcare, transportation, and counseling.
  • Financial Aid Advisors: Help with financial planning and federal aid applications.
  • Library Access: On-campus and online library services for research and study support.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Surgical Technology program at CNI College?
What is the Surgical Technology program at CNI College? The Surgical Technology program at CNI College is a 1,730-hour on-campus AOS degree that trains students to work as entry-level Surgical Technologists. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and a 600-hour externship in real surgical settings. Students learn sterile techniques, surgical instrumentation, and operating room procedures. Graduates are eligible to take national certification exams, including the required WBT exam, and are prepared for roles in hospitals, medical centers, and surgical facilities. How long does it take to complete the ST program? The Surgical Technology program at CNI College takes 18 months (79 weeks) to complete from start to finish. What are the admission requirements for the program? Applicants to the Surgical Technology program must meet the following admission requirements: Complete the Potential Student Questionnaire form. Attend a personal interview with an Admi
How long does it take to complete the ST program?
How long does it take to complete the ST program? The Surgical Technology program at CNI College takes 18 months (79 weeks) to complete from start to finish. The Surgical Technology program at CNI College takes 18 months (79 weeks) to complete from start to finish.
What are the admission requirements for the program?
What are the admission requirements for the program? Applicants to the Surgical Technology program must meet the following admission requirements: Complete the Potential Student Questionnaire form. Attend a personal interview with an Admissions Advisor and take a campus tour. Be at least 17 years old at the time of admission. Complete all required financial arrangements; submit financial aid applications if applicable. Achieve a minimum score of 17 on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE). Complete and sign the Enrollment Agreement (parent or guardian must sign if under 18). Applicants to the Surgical Technology program must meet the following admission requirements:
Do I need any prior medical or technical experience to apply?
Do I need any prior medical or technical experience to apply? No prior medical or technical experience is required to apply for the Surgical Technology program at CNI College. The program is designed to teach all essential skills from the ground up. No prior medical or technical experience is required to apply for the Surgical Technology program at CNI College. The program is designed to teach all essential skills from the ground up.
What is the daily class and lab schedule like for ST students?
What is the daily class and lab schedule like for ST students? Surgical Technology students follow a structured full-time schedule that combines lecture, lab, and hands-on training. Early coursework is delivered online, while later quarters transition to on-campus lab and theory classes. Students also complete a clinical externship with weekly requirements set by the clinical site, plus a mandatory capstone course near the end of the program. Surgical Technology students follow a structured full-time schedule that combines lecture, lab, and hands-on training. Early coursework is delivered online, while later quarters transition to on-campus lab and theory classes. Students also complete a clinical externship with weekly requirements set by the clinical site, plus a mandatory capstone course near the end of the program.
What does the tuition cost, and what materials or supplies are included?
What does the tuition cost, and what materials or supplies are included? Check out our catalog to see the most up-to-date program costs. Check out our catalog to see the most up-to-date program costs.
Is financial aid or scholarship assistance available for ST students?
Is financial aid or scholarship assistance available for ST students? Yes. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for eligible Surgical Technology students. CNI College offers federal financial aid, grants, and scholarship options, and students can work with the Financial Aid Office to explore the programs they may qualify for. Yes. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for eligible Surgical Technology students. CNI College offers federal financial aid, grants, and scholarship options, and students can work with the Financial Aid Office to explore the programs they may qualify for.
What kinds of surgical procedures will I be trained to assist with?
What kinds of surgical procedures will I be trained to assist with? Students in the Surgical Technology program are trained to assist with a wide range of procedures across multiple specialties, including: General and pediatric surgery OB/GYN and urology surgery Orthopedic surgery Neurological surgery Plastic, head, and neck surgery Vascular and cardiothoracic surgery Students in the Surgical Technology program are trained to assist with a wide range of procedures across multiple specialties, including:
How much hands-on experience will I get before graduation?
How much hands-on experience will I get before graduation? Students gain extensive hands-on experience before graduation, including 600 hours of clinical externship and participation in a minimum of 145 surgical cases across a variety of specialties. Students gain extensive hands-on experience before graduation, including 600 hours of clinical externship and participation in a minimum of 145 surgical cases across a variety of specialties.
Where do students complete their clinical internships?
Where do students complete their clinical internships? Students complete their clinical externships in partner hospitals and surgical centers, gaining experience in real operating rooms and a variety of surgical specialties. Students complete their clinical externships in partner hospitals and surgical centers, gaining experience in real operating rooms and a variety of surgical specialties.
What is the job placement rate for graduates of the program?
What is the job placement rate for graduates of the program? The Surgical Technology program at CNI College has an 82% job placement rate for graduates, reflecting strong employer partnerships and support from the Career Services team. The Surgical Technology program at CNI College has an 82% job placement rate for graduates, reflecting strong employer partnerships and support from the Career Services team.
What credentials will I earn upon completing the program?
What credentials will I earn upon completing the program? Graduates earn an Associate of Occupational Science (AOS) in Surgical Technology, preparing them for entry-level surgical technologist positions and national certification exams. Graduates earn an Associate of Occupational Science (AOS) in Surgical Technology, preparing them for entry-level surgical technologist positions and national certification exams.
Am I eligible to sit for any certification exams after graduation?
Am I eligible to sit for any certification exams after graduation? Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams, including the Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C) exam and the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams, including the Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C) exam and the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
What career opportunities and healthcare settings are available for certified surgical technologists?
What career opportunities and healthcare settings are available for certified surgical technologists? Certified Surgical Technologists can pursue entry-level roles in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, medical centers, outpatient surgical centers, and private specialty surgery facilities. Certified Surgical Technologists can pursue entry-level roles in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, medical centers, outpatient surgical centers, and private specialty surgery facilities.
What kind of support does CNI College offer during and after the program?
What kind of support does CNI College offer during and after the program? CNI College offers career support that includes: Job analysis and career planning Job search assistance Interview preparation and techniques Resume writing support Job leads and employer connections CNI College offers career support that includes:

School Information

CNI College
cnicollege.edu
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Campus Location

Main Campus
1610 East St. Andrew Place
Suite 200
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Why Accreditation Is Important

  • A reliable indicator of quality
  • Approved program of study
  • Qualified instructors
  • Recognition by employers nationwide

Accreditations

Accreditation and Approvals
Ready to get started?
Apply to AOS Surgical Technology at Main Campus.
AOS Surgical Technology