20 Best Surgical Tech Programs In Denver, CO – 2026
Denver is rapidly becoming a hub for healthcare and medical innovation, driving strong demand for skilled allied health professionals like surgical technologists. As major healthcare systems and specialized surgery centers continue expanding in the metro area, the job outlook for surgical techs in Denver is very promising with high earning potential and excellent projected growth.
To help readers navigate their options, here is an expert-researched guide to the top 20 surgical tech programs in Denver based on quality indicators like career support resources, faculty expertise, hands-on training, graduate outcomes, and more.
Why Study Surgical Technology in Denver?
With cutting-edge medical facilities and an aging population, the Denver region provides unique learning and career-building opportunities:
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Real-world training – Many programs partner with major hospitals and clinics like Children‘s Hospital Colorado, UC Health, and HCA Healthcare to provide clinical rotations. Students gain experience in OR scrubs across diverse specialties.
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Strong job outlook – According to Projections Central, Colorado employers will need 460 more surgical techs by 2026. Opportunity spans roles in hospitals, specialty surgical centers, urology and oncology clinics.
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Competitive pay – Average hourly wages exceed national norms. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical techs in the Denver-Aurora metro earned a mean annual wage of $55,940 as of 2021.
When researching options, Prioritize CAAHEP-accredited programs that prepare you to sit for the NBSTSA certification exam. This credential signals expertise to employers. Most programs take around 12 months to complete.
Now let‘s explore Denver‘s top surgical tech training options…
1. Emily Griffith Technical College
The surgical technology track at Emily Griffith Technical College makes this longstanding Denver institution a top pick. Enrolling just 20-25 students per cohort ensures specialized attention from faculty during intense skills coursework. An externship at Presbyterian St. Luke‘s Medical Center also boosts hands-on learning.
Standout stats:
- 100% NBSTSA exam pass rate
- 90%+ job placement rate
- Mean grad wage of $47,000
Learn more: www.emilygriffith.edu/programs-classes/health-sciences
2. Pima Medical Institute – Aurora
Pima Medical Institute is a value choice for surgical tech training with streamlined full-time and part-time schedules. Their Aurora campus features newly upgraded labs with high-fidelity manikins and simulation tech to develop skills. Externships span specialties like orthopedics, vascular, plastic, and more.
By the numbers:
- 400+ clinical rotation sites
- $40K average first-year salary
- 83% employment rate for 2020 grads
Learn more: https://pmi.edu/programs/surgical-technology-denver-co
3. Concorde Career College
The AAS in Surgical Technology at Concorde Career College prepares students to tackle complex procedures through rigorous coursework and immersive clinical experience. Realistic manikins and trainer boxes give learners abundant hands-on practice for skills mastery…