Surgical Technology (ST)

This associate degree program prepares you to work as an entry-level surgical technologist, developing the cognitive knowledge, technical skills and professional judgment the role requires. You'll learn to support surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other members of the surgical team in delivering patient care before, during and after surgery. In your final semester, Certification Preparation coursework helps prepare you to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.

Program objective. To prepare competent, entry-level surgical technologists with a curriculum that addresses the three learning domains: cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (hands-on skills), and affective (professional behavior and conduct). Students develop the skills required to become an integral member of the surgical team, which includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other personnel who deliver patient care before, during, and after surgery.

Graduates of this program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination for certification.

Core skills you’ll develop.

• Sterile Technique: Sterile technique and infection control
• Instrumentation: Surgical instrumentation and equipment setup
• Patient Prep: Patient positioning, prepping and draping
• Pharmacology: Surgical pharmacology and anesthesia awareness

Continuing your education. Graduating with an associate degree is a vital pathway toward pursuing higher education later on. Interested in breaking into leadership or healthcare administration? At Pima Medical Institute, we offer an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration that will give you the skills needed to move up within the healthcare industry. From there, our online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership can help you build even further into leadership roles.

About Pima Medical Institute. Pima Medical Institute started changing lives in 1972, when Richard L. Luebke, Sr., and his wife, JoAnn, opened the first campus in Tucson, Arizona. Over 175,000 graduates have since advanced their education, and many are serving their communities through meaningful health care careers. The school’s mission is to improve the quality of people’s lives by providing the best value in medical career education.

Eligibility requirements.

• Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
• Additional requirements may apply by campus

Program-specific requirements. In addition to the Admissions requirements listed in the Prospective Students section of this catalog, an interview with the program director and/or faculty is required.

High school verification. Proof of valid high school completion or equivalent must be submitted (high school diploma or transcript, GED report and certificate, or an official associate or bachelor’s degree transcript). Pima Medical Institute does not enroll ability-to-benefit students, and applicants under the legal age must have written approval of a parent or legal guardian.

Entrance exams. Applicants for degree programs, excluding Nursing, are required to take the Wonderlic SLE and receive a minimum score of 20. Applicants for associate degree programs are also required to take a math admission test and receive a minimum of 80% (24 out of 30 correct); a calculator is allowed, the time limit is 45 minutes, and the test can be taken up to 3 times. The exam may be waived for applicants who submit official transcripts that document completion of an associate degree or higher.

Background check, drug testing and vaccinations. Depending on the program, a background check and/or drug screening may be required prior to enrollment, during the program, and/or prior to externship/clinical training; the cost of the background check/drug screen is an out-of-pocket expense. The cost of required vaccinations and titers is also an out-of-pocket expense, and students are required to follow all clinical experience vaccination requests and policies.

At a glance. Course length: 18 Months (approximate); Total credits: 70; Lab hours: 360; Class hours: 708; Externship hours: 504. Hybrid education options not available at all campuses.

Chula Vista and Denver campuses. The 2026 tuition price list shows 70 semester credits and 1,572 clock hours over 75 weeks, including 13 externship credits (504 hours).

Hybrid learning options. For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses. Hybrid learning combines in-person instruction with online learning. Students can engage with course materials at times and in environments that suit their individual circumstances, such as balancing employment, family responsibilities or geographic constraints. However, externship hours must be completed entirely in person because hands-on clinical experience is essential for developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.

• Certification: Graduates are eligible to apply sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.*
• Entry-level roles: Surgical technologist, endoscopy technologist or central sterile processing technician.
• Career advancement: Build toward specialized surgical settings, travel positions or an educator role.

Certification and state registration requirements vary.

Careers. The Surgical Technology Associate Degree prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:

• Surgical Technologist
• Laser/Endoscopy Technologist
• Procurement Technologist
• Labor and Delivery Technologist
• Private or Travel Surgical Technologist
• Educator (with further experience/credentials)

These roles exist across hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, endoscopy clinics, plastic surgery offices, medical device companies and central sterile departments.

Job outlook. 5% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow faster than average over the next 10 years with a median pay of $64,700 per year. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical Assistants and Technologists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm (visited August 27, 2026).

Career Services. When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.

Clinical externships. At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.

In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.

Student Services. Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.

Application process.

• Submit the form below. A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
• Chat with our team. They'll ask about your goals, your background, and what's drawing you to healthcare. From there, they'll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
• Attend your campus tour. Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We'll walk you through programs and what to expect.
• We help you complete your application. Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.