CNI College

Surgical Technology

Santa Ana Main Campus
Santa Ana, CA
Associate Of Occupational Science · Hybrid
Surgical Technology
CNI College is accredited by ABHES, which also programmatically accredits the Surgical Technology program.
Blended: early quarters online via Zoom with exams on campus, later quarters on campus with labs, plus a 600-hour externship at a surgical facility.
Tuition is $39,091; with registration, books, supplies, uniforms, technology and license/testing fees, total program charges are $42,690.
This program takes about 79 weeks (18.75 months) to complete, including a mandatory 600-hour externship.
No application fee is charged for Surgical Technology; a $75.00 non-refundable registration fee is charged.
Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify; the AOS Surgical Technology program is Title IV eligible. Federal school code 032423.

Surgical Technology is an Associate Of Occupational Science program (Hybrid) offered by CNI College in Santa Ana, CA. The program takes 79 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $39,091.

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. Delivered only in English, this program prepares students for entry-level roles in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, medical centers, and surgical centers.

The goal of this program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to gain employment as surgical technologists and become contributing members of the health care team, by preparing competent graduates in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains and meeting or exceeding the criteria set forth in the current Standards and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program in Surgical Technology.

Participation in the certification examination is mandatory for graduation. The exam is proctored on campus and includes orientation sessions to ensure student readiness.

What sets this Program apart

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.

The program offers 6:30am morning classes for commuting and school-life balance, and the campus offers over 52,000 square feet of classrooms, laboratories, and student resources, including fully equipped surgical and nursing simulation labs.

Admission Requirements and Process

To enroll in the AOS Surgical Technology program, applicants must be at least 17 years old, provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent, 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. Students attend mandatory orientations for blended learning and program-specific requirements.

General Requirements

  • Minimum age
    Applicants must be at least 17 years of age to be considered for admission; an applicant under 18 must have the Enrollment Agreement signed by a parent or guardian.
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    Applicants must have a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a foreign degree credentialed for 12th-grade proficiency, and must be able to read, speak and write English…
  • Wonderlic entrance exam
    Pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 17 within five years of the program start, or provide an SAT score of 1220+ or ACT score of 17+ from the last five…
  • Questionnaire, interview and campus tour
    Applicants complete a potential student questionnaire form and attend an initial personal interview with a CNI College Admissions Advisor, including a tour of the campus.
  • Health documentation
    Documentation of any required health examinations, pathology tests and/or immunizations must be presented, with full disclosure of any known medical condition that would affect…
  • Background check
    A background check is required after admission, and students must obtain background clearance at their own expense before beginning clinical practicum or externship.
  • Criminal history
    CNI College does not accept admissions applications from prospective students with felony convictions or who are currently on probation; misdemeanors are reviewed and may prevent…
  • California residency
    All programs, whether residential, blended, or delivered exclusively through online distance education, are offered only to California residents.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Request more information
    Your starting place is the CNI College website: the moment you submit the Request Information form, you are on your way.
  2. 2
    Fill out our questionnaire
    All applicants complete a potential student questionnaire form so the College has a clearer picture of your career goals and what you are looking for in your education.
  3. 3
    Complete an interview and a campus tour
    An admissions advisor will reach out for a one-on-one conversation about your situation and program of interest and to set up a tour of the campus.
  4. 4
    Prep your finances and any other paperwork
    Once your application has been accepted, work with the financial aid team on the best ways to cover education costs, and turn in your Enrollment Agreement and documentation of any required health exams, tests, or vaccines.
  5. 5
    Join us in the classroom and get started
    When your first day of classes arrives, CNI College will be ready and waiting to welcome you.

Program Schedule

Quarter 1: COMP 101 Mondays, ENG 101 Tuesdays and MTH 101 Wednesdays, 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM (Zoom). Quarter 2: BIO 201 Monday–Wednesday 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM (Zoom). Quarter 3: Monday–Wednesday 6:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Quarter 4: Monday–Thursday 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM lab/theory on campus. Quarter 5: Monday–Thursday 6:30 AM – 10:45 AM theory/lab on campus. Quarter 6: Monday–Thursday 6:30 AM – 1:45 PM lab on campus; open lab Friday 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

Externship hours range from Monday through Sunday between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM depending on site and require at least 32 hours weekly; the mandatory capstone meets Fridays 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. All exams for synchronous online courses are held on campus. The catalog lists day, evening and weekend sections; CNI College’s homepage lists the program as “Classes starting soon!” without a published date.

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $39,091
Total Program Cost
≈ $42,690
FAFSA Code

Cost of the program. The catalog’s estimated schedule of total charges for the entire educational program is $42,690.00:

  • Registration fee: $75.00
  • Books, supplies, uniforms: $1,356.00
  • Technology fees: $1,500.00
  • License fees, tests: $668.00
  • Tuition: $39,091.00

Tuition by pay period. Institutional charges are posted to the student tuition account pay period by pay period; the registration fee, books and supplies for the entire course are assessed in the first payment period. The catalog’s schedule for this program is: pay period 1: $7,450.30, pay period 2: $7,450.30, pay period 3: $9,267.44, pay period 4: $9,267.44, pay period 5: $4,627.26, pay period 6: $4,627.26.

Overtime charges. If a student needs additional time beyond the expected graduation date, CNI College extends a courtesy period of up to three weeks without additional charges; thereafter overtime tuition is charged at $22.60 per hour for the remaining hours.

Books and supplies allowance. For cost-of-attendance budgets the College uses the California Student Aid Commission’s 2026–2027 student expense budget, which allows $1,089 per academic year for books and supplies (tuition, registration fee and other charges are actual institutional charges).

Federal financial aid. CNI College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in selected Title IV programs, and this program is eligible to participate in USDE Title IV programs. Available aid includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans. Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov and use federal school code 032423 (Career Networks Institute – CNI College).

Cal Grant. The State of California, through the California Student Aid Commission, sponsors Cal Grant A, B and C for undergraduate students; applicants must file a FAFSA (or Dream Act Application) and a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the March 2 or September 2 deadline.

Veterans’ benefits. CNI College is approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons, including Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness & Employment) and Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) benefits; contact the College’s School Certifying Official in the Financial Aid Office.

Payments. Students are encouraged to make tuition payments electronically through Tuition Options unless alternative arrangements have been approved by the Financial Aid Office. The Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate is currently $0.00 per $1,000 of institutional charges.

Curriculum

The program’s curriculum includes six quarters of coursework covering general education, anatomy, surgical procedures, and clinical skills: 809 lecture, 321 lab and 600 externship hours (1,730 clock hours, 115 quarter credits).

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
COMP 101Computer Application4
ENG 101Written Communication4
MTH 101College Mathematics4
BIO 201Anatomy & Physiology12
ST 301Medical Terminology4
ST 302Medical Law & Ethics1
ST 303Patient Psychology1
ST 304Disease Process & Pathophysiology4
ST 305Microbiology4
ST 401A & P and Basic Science4
ST 402Pharmacology and Anesthesia4
ST 403Introduction to ST & Asepsis3.5
ST 404Sterilization3.5
ST 405Surgical Instrumentation3
ST 501Biomedical Science3
ST 502Sutures, Staples, and Wound Healing3
ST 503Drains, Tubes, Catheters, Sponges, and Dressings3
ST 504General & Pediatric Surgery2.5
ST 505OB/GYN & Urology Surgery2.5
ST 601Orthopedic Surgery2.5
ST 602Neurological Surgery2.5
ST 603Plastic & Head & Neck Surgery2.5
ST 604Vascular & Cardiothoracic Surgery2.5
ST 605Mock Surgery I2.5
ST 606Mock Surgery II2.5
ST 607Mock Surgery III2.5
ST 608Mock Clearance1
ST 609CPR0
ST 610Career Development0.5
ST 611Surgical Technology Externship20
ST 612Capstone6

Career Outcomes

The program prepares students for entry-level positions in hospitals, medical centers, public and private surgical centers. Although certification is not required for employment as a Surgical Technologist in California, CNI College requires all Surgical Technology students to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) National Examination prior to graduation.

Outcomes (School Performance Fact Sheet, calendar years 2023 & 2024). Job placement rate: 91% (2023) and 76% (2024). Completion within 150% of program length: 65% (2023) and 74% (2024); on-time completion: 47% (2023) and 18% (2024). License examination passage data is not available from the state agency.

Campus Address

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

Why Accreditation Is Important

CNI College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). The Surgical Technology program is programmatically accredited by ABHES.

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

Accreditations

ABHES

Testimonials

I had a great experience from the beginning to the end.

Prince A.
CNI Graduate

Images

Surgical technology students in class
Surgical technology students in class
CNI College graduates
The CNI College campus building in Santa Ana
CNI College students in the campus lobby

Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

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 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
How does the program help students prepare for high-pressure operating room environments?
The program helps students prepare for high pressure operating room environments through a combination of foundational knowledge, intensive hands-on mock surgeries, development of critical thinking and real-world clinical rotations.
What makes CNI College’s ST program different from others in the area?
The CNI ST Program has experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate instructors that go the extra mile every day to ensure our students are receiving an excellent education.
Can ST graduates continue their education to become surgical first assistants or move into other advanced roles?
Yes. Surgical Technology graduates can continue their education to become Surgical First Assistants and may also advance into other specialized or leadership roles through additional training and certification.
Ready to get started?
Request information about Surgical Technology at Santa Ana Main Campus.
Surgical Technology