How to Become a Surgical Technologist
This step-by-step guide shows you how to become a surgical technologist, from meeting prerequisites and choosing an accredited program to completing clinical rotations and qualifying for certification.
Use this page together with the main Education for Surgical Technologists hub so you can see where you are in the process and what to do next.
Your Roadmap to Becoming a Surgical Technologist
This guide walks you through each major step: understanding the role, meeting admissions requirements, selecting an accredited program, completing clinical training, earning certification, and landing your first job.
As you work through the steps, you can dive deeper into specific decisions in the guides on accredited programs and pathways, online vs on‑campus programs, and program cost and length.
Six Key Steps to Becoming a Surgical Technologist
Step 1: Confirm the Role Fits You
Start by understanding what surgical technologists do day to day, including preparing the OR, maintaining sterility, and anticipating surgeons’ needs. Shadowing or informational interviews can confirm that the pace, responsibilities, and environment are a good fit.
Step 2: Meet Basic Admissions Requirements
Most programs require a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA, and sometimes completion of prerequisite courses in subjects like biology, anatomy, or medical terminology. Some schools also require background checks, immunizations, and entrance exams.
Step 3: Choose an Accredited Program
Selecting an accredited surgical technology program is critical, because graduation from an approved program is often required for certification and many hospital jobs. Review the accredited programs and pathways guide to see which options qualify.
Step 4: Complete Classroom and Lab Coursework
During the didactic phase, you will build a foundation in anatomy, sterile technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures, and patient safety. Skills labs let you practice setting up instrument tables, passing instruments, and maintaining a sterile field before you enter the OR.
Step 5: Complete Clinical Rotations in the OR
Under supervision, you will assist with real procedures, apply sterile technique, manage instruments, and work as part of the surgical team. Clinical hours are usually required for graduation and may also be counted toward minimum case requirements for certification.
Step 6: Become Certified and Start Your Career
Once you graduate, you can apply for a certifying exam if you meet eligibility requirements. Use the Certification Requirements hub and Education for Surgical Technologists hub to confirm your pathway, prepare for the exam, and understand how employers in your state view certification.
Plan the Next Steps in Your Education
Now that you know how to become a surgical technologist at a high level, use these guides to fine‑tune your decisions about where, how, and when to train.
How to Become a Surgical Technologist: FAQs
Continue planning your surgical technology education
Use these core guides together to map out your path from first interest through accreditation, program choice, and budgeting.
How to Become a Surgical Technologist · Accredited Programs and Pathways · Online vs On‑Campus Programs · Program Cost & Length
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