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
When I enrolled in surgical technology school in 2002, my program was brand new — our class was only the fourth to graduate. We had to trust that the school would achieve accreditation before we finished, because without it, we wouldn’t be eligible to sit for certification exams. That risk taught me the most important lesson for prospective students: verify accreditation status before you enroll, not after.
Accreditation confirms that a surgical technology program meets national standards for curriculum quality, clinical training hours, faculty 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
Recognized accrediting agencies for 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 difference is program length, cost, and the credential you earn. 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)
Some hospitals and surgical centers train surgical technologists internally through on-the-job training without requiring formal accredited education. While OJT can lead to employment in some states, it does not qualify you for CST® certification through NBSTSA. OJT-trained techs may pursue alternative credentials like TS-C or NRST if they meet experience requirements. For details on which credentials you’re eligible for based on your training background, see our Certification Career Pathways guide.
Important note on program approval
CAAHEP and ABHES accreditation is required specifically for CST® certification through NBSTSA. Other credentials like TS-C (NCCT) require NCCT-authorized programs, while NRST (AAH) accepts any related surgical technology training program. When choosing a program, verify it meets the specific requirements for the credential you plan to pursue. Not all programs qualify for all credentials.
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:
- 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 (CST®, TS-C, NRST) you’ll be eligible for after completing your program.
- State Certification Requirements — Check whether your state requires certification, registration, or licensure to work as a surgical technologist.