How to Find and Verify Accredited Surgical Technology Programs
Learn how to verify program accreditation, understand which agencies are recognized, and find certificate, diploma, or degree programs near you that meet national standards for surgical technology education.
Why accreditation must be your first question
Accredited surgical technology programs should be the starting point for anyone planning a career as a surgical technologist. I enrolled in surgical technology school in 2002, in a brand-new program — our class was only the fourth to graduate. My classmates and I had to trust that the school would achieve accreditation before we finished because, without it, we could not sit for certification exams. That experience taught me the most important lesson for prospective students: verify accreditation status before you enroll, not after.
Accreditation shows that a surgical technology program meets national standards for curriculum, clinical training hours, instructor qualifications, and student outcomes. Most certification bodies — including the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) — require graduation from an accredited program to sit for the CST® exam. Choosing an accredited program ensures you meet eligibility requirements, gives employers confidence in your training, and protects your investment of time and tuition.
The Risk of Non-Accredited Programs
Graduating from a non-accredited program means you cannot sit for the CST® exam, many employers won’t hire you, and you may not be able to transfer credits or pursue advanced credentials. Never rely on promises that a school is “seeking” or “applying for” accreditation — verify current accreditation status before you apply
“In my experience, the CST credential is the gold standard in surgical technology, with TS-C as a strong alternative. Even after leaving the profession for 11 years, I was still eligible to sit for the exam 21 years after graduation. After four days of intense review, I took the test and passed.” David Munro CST, CVOR
Recognized accrediting agencies for accredited surgical technology programs
Two agencies accredit surgical technology programs in the United States. Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accepted by NBSTSA for CST® exam eligibility. Programs accredited by either agency meet the same national standards.
CAAHEP
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
CAAHEP is the most widely recognized accreditor for surgical technology programs nationwide. Programs must meet rigorous standards for curriculum, clinical hours, faculty credentials, graduate outcomes, and first-time certification pass rates.
ABHES
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ABHES is another U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor for surgical technology programs. ABHES-accredited programs are fully accepted for CST® exam eligibility and meet the same federal and professional standards as CAAHEP programs.
How to verify a program’s accreditation status
Never rely solely on a school’s website, marketing materials, or verbal promises from admissions staff. Follow these steps to independently verify accreditation before you apply or enroll.
Step 1: Search the official directories
- Visit CAAHEP’s program directory or ABHES’s program search tool
- Search by school name, city, or state
- Confirm the program appears with current “Accredited” status (not “Probation,” “Provisional,” or “Withdrawn”)
Step 2: Request written documentation
- Ask the school’s admissions office for written proof of current accreditation status
- Request the accreditation letter or certificate from CAAHEP or ABHES
- Verify the dates — accreditation must be current, not expired or pending
Step 3: Watch for red flags
- “Seeking accreditation” — The program is not yet accredited; you risk graduating ineligible for certification
- “Provisionally accredited” — Temporary status; full accreditation is not guaranteed
- “Nationally recognized” — Vague marketing language that doesn’t mean accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES
- Program not listed in official directories — If it’s not in CAAHEP or ABHES databases, it’s not accredited
Types of accredited surgical technology programs
Accredited surgical technology programs come in three education pathways: certificate, diploma, and associate degree. All three prepare you for the same entry-level surgical technologist role and the same CST® certification exam. The main differences are program length, cost, and the credential you earn, so choose based on your timeline, budget, and career goals.
Certificate Programs
Length: 12–15 months
Focus: Core surgical technology skills and clinical training
Best for: Students who want the fastest route to employment and CST® exam eligibility
Diploma Programs
Length: 12–18 months
Focus: Comprehensive surgical technology training with some general education
Best for: Students who want slightly broader education than a certificate with a faster timeline than an associate degree
Associate Degree Programs
Length: 18–24 months
Focus: Surgical technology training plus general education courses (English, math, anatomy, physiology)
Best for: Students who want transferable college credits and a foundation for future advancement or specialization
Finding accredited programs near you
Most students choose programs close to home because of commute time, clinical site proximity, and the cost of relocation. Location matters — especially for clinical rotations, which require regular in-person attendance at assigned surgical facilities.
How to search for local programs
- Use the CAAHEP program search tool or ABHES directory to filter by state or city
- Search for “surgical technology” as the program type
- Compare programs by distance, format (on-campus vs hybrid), and program length
- Contact multiple schools to compare costs, schedules, and clinical placement support
What if there’s no accredited program near me?
Some accredited programs offer hybrid formats with online didactic coursework and in-person labs and clinical rotations arranged closer to your location. Visit our Online vs On-Campus Programs guide to learn how hybrid programs work and whether they’re right for you.
Military training and alternative pathways
Military surgical technology training
If you completed surgical technology training through the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, or other military branches, your training is recognized as equivalent to civilian CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited programs when you meet specific documentation and experience requirements. Military-trained surgical technologists are eligible for CST® certification. Learn more about transitioning from military to civilian certification in our Certification Career Pathways guide.
On-the-job training (OJT)
SSome hospitals and surgical centers still train surgical technologists through on-the-job training (OJT) without requiring graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. In a few states, this kind of training can still lead to employment, but it does not qualify you for CST® certification through NBSTSA because that pathway requires an accredited program or an approved military route. OJT-trained technologists may qualify for other credentials, such as TS-C (NCCT) or NRST/NCST, if they meet each certifying body’s current work-experience and training requirements. For details on which certifications match your background, see our Certification Career Pathways guide.
Important note on program approval
CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation is required for students who want to earn the CST® credential through NBSTSA, and most school-based surgical technology programs use these accreditors as their benchmark. Other credentials, such as TS-C, NCST/NRST, and NRCST, follow different eligibility rules that may include experience-based, military, or alternate education pathways. When you choose a surgical technology program, confirm that it matches the exact credential you plan to pursue because no single education pathway qualifies you for every certification option.
What to do after verifying accreditation
Once you’ve confirmed a program is accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, use these guides to compare your options and choose the best fit for your schedule, budget, and goals:
For many surgical technologists, the CST credential remains the gold standard, while TS-C is often viewed as a strong alternative pathway. One of the greatest advantages of earning a CST credential is long-term eligibility: even after years away from the profession, qualified graduates may still be able to sit for the exam. In my case, I graduated from a CST program in 2003, stepped away from the field for 11 years, then returned and successfully passed the exam after four days of intensive review. That experience reinforced the lasting value of accredited surgical technology education and certification.
- Online vs On-Campus Programs — Compare in-person, hybrid, and online formats to find the delivery method that fits your learning style and location.
- Program Cost and Length — Understand typical tuition ranges, program timelines, and how to budget for your education.
- Certification Career Pathways — Learn which certification credentials you may be eligible for after completing your program, since eligibility rules vary by certifying body and pathway.
- State Certification Requirements — Check whether your state requires certification, registration, or licensure to work as a surgical technologist.