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.

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.

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.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

Keiser University accepts transfer credits applicable to an applicant's program of study from other institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Keiser University accepts transfer of associate degrees that, upon evaluation, include the appropriate major course distribution without time limitations.

Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Additionally, students who completed Anatomy and Physiology I and/or II at another institution may elect to transfer in these courses provided the courses (1) meet all institutional transfer of credit requirements and (2) were completed within five years of the date of enrollment. For courses taken over three years prior to the date of enrollment, the University reserves the right to administer a competency-based assessment with a minimum grade threshold as part of the transfer of credit process for these courses.

To receive an Associate of Science degree in Surgical Technology, students must complete 74 credit hours as described below. The length of this program is approximately 20 months (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

A semester of sixteen (16) weeks may consist of four (4) consecutive four (4) week terms, two consecutive 8-week terms, or (1) consecutive sixteen (16) week semester of instruction.

Study on-campus at Florida locations with one class at a time. Small class sizes create an environment where faculty know students by name and provide individualized support throughout the program.

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.

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.

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.