Surgical Technology

Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Surgical Technology provides comprehensive education in the technical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviors required for surgical technology practice. Students receive instruction in surgical procedures across multiple specialties, learning to prepare operating rooms, maintain sterile fields, handle surgical instrumentation, and anticipate the needs of the surgical team.
 
The program combines classroom learning with hands-on training in simulated surgical environments and real-world clinical rotations. Students master surgical equipment operation, patient positioning, and incision site preparation while developing the critical thinking skills needed to respond to the dynamic surgical environment.

Program Mission

The mission of the Surgical Technology Program at Keiser University is to provide didactic and clinical instruction that will prepare students for the National Board Examination and as an entry-level surgical technologist in serving the needs of the healthcare community and enhancing the quality of care for surgical patients.

Program Goals

1. Students will apply basic scientific principles related to anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology for safe transfer, position, and draping of surgical patients.
2. Students will utilize effective, professional interdisciplinary collaboration as a member of a healthcare team.
3. Students will integrate their surgical technology knowledge base in cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, thus following established criteria, protocols and objectives for an entry level surgical technologist.

Prerequisites

• Background check and drug screening when applicable
• Immunization record signed by physician
• Successful completion general education requirements with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher

Program Highlights

• The Surgical Technology program at Keiser University emphasizes hands-on training in state-of-the-art simulation labs before students enter clinical rotations. Students complete four externship courses in actual surgical settings, working alongside experienced surgical teams in hospitals and surgery centers throughout Florida.
• The curriculum covers surgical specialties including general surgery, orthopedic procedures, obstetric and gynecologic surgery, cardiovascular procedures, and neurosurgery. Students receive training in both traditional and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
• All students are eligible to sit for the certification examination at the end of Externship IV, preparing them to become certified surgical technologists recognized by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Program Outcomes

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the school’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Accreditation Statuses

Keiser University’s Surgical Technology program, Clearwater campus, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA). .

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Surgical Technology Career

• Sterile technique and aseptic practices
• Surgical instrumentation identification and handling
• Operating room setup and preparation
• Patient positioning and draping procedures
• Surgical equipment operation and troubleshooting
• Medical terminology for surgical environments
• Anatomy and physiology applied to surgical procedures
• Communication and teamwork in high-pressure settings
• Quality assurance and patient safety protocols

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus learning options, experienced faculty with clinical backgrounds, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.

Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.

Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 20 months and 74 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
• Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
• Education fee — $980.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
• Annual health insurance plan — $2,169.00 where applicable to allied health programs, waived with proof of coverage by a qualified plan

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

The curriculum combines general education and foundational sciences with technical surgical technology coursework and supervised clinical externship rotations. Representative courses are listed below.

Graduates of Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program enter the workforce as entry-level surgical technologists, ready to support patient care in diverse healthcare settings. The surgical technology program prepares you to work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses in operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, ambulatory surgery centers, and physician’s offices. Surgical technologists play a critical role in ensuring sterile environments, managing surgical instruments and equipment, and supporting quality patient care throughout surgical procedures.

Career Pathways in Surgical Technology

• Operating room technicians in hospitals
• Surgical technologists in ambulatory surgery centers
• Certified surgical technologists in outpatient care centers
• Surgical team members in physician’s offices
• Surgical assisting professionals in trauma centers
• Operating room staff in surgery centers
• Surgical equipment specialists

Placement Rate

Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for AS Surgical Technology.

Keiser University’s notes on this report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”

Although Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.

Keiser University’s Surgical Technology program prepares students for immediate entry into operating rooms and surgical centers across the healthcare system. Through comprehensive training in surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and patient care, students develop the competencies required to support surgeons, anesthesiologists, and the entire surgical team. With experienced faculty, modern simulation facilities, and clinical partnerships throughout Florida, Keiser provides the education and practical experience needed to launch a rewarding career in surgical technology.