20 Best Surgical Tech Programs in Indianapolis, IN – 2026
Indianapolis is home to some of the top surgical tech programs in the state of Indiana. With a growing demand for skilled surgical technicians in the healthcare industry, Indianapolis offers quality training opportunities at accredited colleges and technical schools in the area.
Whether you‘re looking to earn an associate‘s or bachelor‘s degree, or pursue a shorter-term certificate or diploma, the Indianapolis region boasts both campus-based and online programs to accommodate different learning needs. These programs cover all the core content to prepare you for the national certification exam to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
To help you find the best surgical tech program fit in Indianapolis, here is a list of 20 highly-ranked options based on cost, program length, hands-on training opportunities, and graduate outcomes.
1. Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis
Website: https://www.ivytech.edu/surgical/index.html
Program length: 1 year
Ivy Tech Indianapolis offers an accredited Surgical Technology certificate program that can be completed full-time in just two semesters. Students gain invaluable hands-on practice in the program‘s state-of-the-art simulation lab before completing clinical rotations at partner hospitals. With small class sizes and dedicated instructors, the program achieves exceptional pass rates on the CST exam. Scholarships and financial aid are available for qualifying students.
2. Harrison College – Indianapolis
Website: https://harrison.edu/programs/health-sciences/surgical-technology-aas/
Program length: 20 months
Harrison College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology that combines classroom education with experiential lab and clinical training. Graduates can expect to sit for the CST exam and meet requirements to continue toward a bachelor‘s degree. With flexible day, evening and online course options, the program accommodates working students.
3. University of Indianapolis
Website: https://uindy.edu/health-sciences/undergraduate/surgical-technology
Program length: 22 months
The University of Indianapolis provides an intensive 93-credit Associate of Science degree created in partnership with local hospitals to develop skilled surgical tech professionals. Students benefit from the university‘s state-of-the-art human simulation center using virtual reality technology and computerized mannequins before clinical placements.
4. Brightwood College – Indianapolis
Website: https://brightwood.edu/programs/surgical-technology/
Program length: 12 months
Brightwood College offers a diploma program that can be completed on campus or blended in as little as 12 months. Graduates are eligible to sit for the CST certification exam before entering the workforce. Financial aid and flexible financing options make completing the program more affordable.
5. Ross Medical Education Center – Indianapolis
Website: https://www.rosseducation.edu/program/surgical-technology
Program length: 50 weeks
With accelerated seven-week classes, Ross Medical Education Center confers a diploma upon completion of its Surgical Technology program in just under a year. The hands-on program includes lab and simulation training as well as 640 hours of clinical externship experience. Graduates are eligible for CST certification exam.
6. Brown Mackie College – Indianapolis
Website: https://www.brownmackie.edu/indianapolis/surgical-technology/
Program Length: 25 months
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology at Brown Mackie College combines 800 contact hours of classroom and lab courses with over 1,000 hours in a healthcare facility, readying students to become highly employable Certified Surgical Technologists. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
7. Fortis Institute – Indianapolis
Website: https://www.fortis.edu/campuses/indianapolis-indiana/programs/surgical-technology-associate-degree/
Program length: 19 months
Fortis Institute confers an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology following 19 months of accelerated coursework. With knowledgeable faculty and simulation technology that mimics real surgical environments, Fortis graduates gain the broad-based training needed for highly skilled surgical assist jobs.
8. American National University – Indianapolis
Website: https://www.an.edu/programs/surgical-technology-associate-degree/
Program length: 24 months
With flexible full-time and part-time options, American National University‘s campus and online Surgical Technology program culminates with a hands-on preceptorship for real-world experience. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree allowing them to sit for the CST exam. Tuition discounts and financing may be available.
9. Lincoln College of Technology – Indianapolis
Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu/programs/health-sciences/surgical-technology-associates/
Program length: 94 weeks
At Lincoln College of Technology, hands-on training in mock operating rooms gives surgical technology students a real clinic advantage. Over 900 hours of instruction lead to an Associate of Science completion and eligibility to sit for CST certification. Night and weekend schedules are available.
10. Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Program length: 48 weeks
The IUPUI campus offers a comprehensive Master of Science degree program in Surgical Technology delivered online with just four mandatory on-campus meetings. Designed for working surgical assistants, the program expands clinical knowledge, sharpens technological skills and builds leadership capacity through graduate-level coursework.
11. MedTech College – Indianapolis Campus
Website: https://www.medtechcollege.edu/healthcare-programs/surgical-technology-associate-degree/
Program length: 74 weeks
With flexible daytime and evening schedules combining classroom training with clinical externships, MedTech‘s Surgical Technology program allows working students to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree without putting their lives on hold. Financial assistance for those who qualify can cover tuition, books and equipment.
12. South University – Austin
Program length: 73 credit hours
South University‘s Surgical Technology degree trains students through classroom instruction, lab simulations and 500+ hours of hands-on experience. With full CAAHEP accreditation, graduates can immediately sit for their CST certification exam to gain an advantage in the job market. Flexible financing options may be available.
13. Keiser University – Indianapolis
Website: https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/campuses/indianapolis-in/
Program length: 72 credit hours
The Associate of Science degree program in Surgical Technology at Keiser University equips students with theoretical knowledge and technical skills through labs outfitted like real hospital OR settings. Small classes and caring instructors fully prepare participants for clinical externships leading to eligibility for the CST certification exam.
14. Ultimate Medical Academy – Online
Website: https://www.ultimatemedical.edu/program/healthcare/surgical-technologist/
Program length: 64 credit hours
For flexibility, Ultimate Medical Academy offers an accredited online Associate of Science in Healthcare with an emphasis in Surgical Technology. Combining virtual simulations and in-person clinical experiences, the program prepares remote students for all aspects of surgical assisting and CST exam eligibility. Interest-free payment plans are available.
15. College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) – Online
Website: https://www.chcp.edu/programs/surgical-technology-ast
Program length: 75 credit hours
CHCP allows surgical assisting students to take didactic courses online with just four lab sessions required on campus. This flexible option still includes 600 hours of hands-on clinical practice at an approved local facility while working toward the Associate of Science completion needed to apply for CST certification.
16. Penn Foster College – Online
Program length: 600 hours
With self-paced online courses, Penn Foster‘s Surgical Technologist diploma program allows learners to develop operating room assisting skills from anywhere with an internet connection. Required lab and clinical externships take place at partner facilities to complete real-world training needed to sit for the CST exam.
17. Southern Technical College (STC) – Online
Website: https://www.southerntech.edu/programs/associate/surgical-technology
Program length: 73 credit hours
Southern Technical College makes earning an Associate‘s Degree in Surgical Technology possible for busy learners through flexible online and hybrid course delivery. Virtual simulations combine with 600 hours of clinical practice for hands-on surgical assisting experience. Affordable tuition payment plans available upon enrollment.
18. West Coast University – Online
Program length: 1920 contact hours
West Coast University provides full training towards CST certification through distance education enhanced with 3D simulations. Following the completion of 43 online courses, students gain real-world experience during clinical rotations at a partner medical facility, qualifying graduates to sit for the national registry exam.
19. California College San Diego (CCSD) – Online
Website: https://www.cc-sd.edu/programs/surgical-technology
Program length: 73 credits
CCSD offers flexible online coursework leading up to lab and clinical training to complete an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology. Distance students master surgical principles and protocols before working alongside surgeons, anesthetists and OR nurses during 500 supervised clinical hours in hospital settings.
20. Daymar College – Clarksville, Nashville
Website: https://daymarcollege.edu/programs/surgical-technology/
Program length: 80 weeks
With training centers in both Tennessee and Kentucky, Daymar‘s accredited Surgical Technology degree program includes classroom instruction, skills labs and clinical practice that fully prepares students for entry-level surgical assistant jobs. Graduates can sit for the CST exam to gain a professional credential that boosts job prospects.
Any of these highly regarded surgical tech programs in the Indianapolis area will properly equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical abilities to begin a rewarding career supporting surgical teams. Reach out to program contacts to find the option that best matches your educational needs and interests.
