# 20 Best Surgical Tech Programs In Memphis, TN \(2026 Updated\) – Save Our Schools March

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- Published: 2024-05-04
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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## Exploring Rewarding Careers as Surgical Technologists in Memphis

The field of healthcare is booming across the country, especially in major cities like Memphis, Tennessee. As key members of operating room teams, surgical technologists play a vital role in delivering safe patient care. This high-demand career combines exciting hands-on work, strong job stability and excellent pay.

If helping surgeons during operations, assisting with cutting-edge tools and technologies, and ensuring positive health outcomes sounds rewarding – a surgical tech program is a perfect path forward.

### A Look at the Vital Role of Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists, commonly called surgical or operating room techs, provide critical assistance to surgeons, nurses and other medical staff before, during and after invasive procedures. Their core duties include:

- Prepping operating rooms by setting up sterile instruments, equipment and supplies
- Ensuring operating rooms remain sterile throughout procedures
- Passing instruments and other items to surgeons during operations
- Preparing patients for surgery – washing incision sites, positioning them on tables
- Monitoring and maintaining sterile field throughout procedures
- Counting sponges, needles, instruments before and after surgeries

Most surgical techs specialize in specific disciplines like orthopedics, cardiothoracics, neurology or urology. They need strong knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and surgical techniques.

This fast-paced job requires technologists to be highly detail-oriented to ensure accuracy under pressure. They must display strong teamwork, communication and critical thinking abilities. Most surgical techs work full-time with shift work required early mornings, nights and weekends.

### Growth Outlook and Salaries for Surgical Techs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for surgical technologists and technicians is projected to grow 9% between 2022-2032 – higher than the average across occupations.

This above-average job growth will equate to roughly 15,500 additional positions over the decade. Factors fueling this demand include:

- Advances in medical technology requiring more surgical procedures
- Growing and aging populations needing more healthcare services
- Increased emphasis on clinical specialization across medicine

In May 2021, the average yearly pay for surgical tech was $55,310 as per the BLS. Those working in physicians‘ private offices earned higher salaries ($63,660 on average).

### Education Pathways to Gain Surgical Tech Credentials

While some surgical technologists qualify for entry-level jobs with on-the-job training, most employers prefer candidates with formal credentials. Two key options are available:

**Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)**

Offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), this is the most widely recognized credential. To qualify for the CST exam, candidates must:

- Graduate from a program accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education)
- Complete a military training program

The CST exam tests knowledge on areas like microbiology, pharmacology, surgical procedures and more.

**Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)**

This advanced credential signifies surgical technologists can perform wider tasks like holding retractors, cutting sutures, cauterizing bleeders etc. under a surgeon‘s supervision. Eligibility routes for the CSFA exam include:

- Graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited surgical first assistant program + taking the CST exam
- Completing 2 years of first assisting experience + letters of recommendation from supervising physicians

CSFA technologists can pursue higher level, specialized surgical assisting careers. Their average salary is $93,010 per BLS data.

### Core Courses and Learning Experiences in Surgical Tech Programs

Surgical technology associate‘s degree programs take around 2 years to complete. They provide well-rounded education through classroom coursework, labs and clinical rotations.

**Common Courses Include:**

- Human Anatomy and Physiology: Covers structure and function of human body systems
- Medical Terminology: Teaches meaning and application of healthcare terms
- Microbiology: Details microorganisms, infection control protocols, sterile techniques
- Surgical Pharmacology: Focuses on medication types, dosages used during surgery
- Surgical Technology Courses: Explores roles, responsibilities, ethical standards and communications
- Fundamentals of Surgical Technology: Introduces surgical instrumentation, equipment, patient prep
- Surgical Procedures: Reviews common surgeries – general, orthopedic, vascular etc. Step-by-step process, tools used and surgeon‘s role covered

**Clinical Requirements**

Most programs require students to complete 500-700 hours focused on perioperative patient care through rotations across specialties like general, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmic or otorhinolaryngology.

Under supervision of experienced surgical techs and nurses, students gain first-hand experience in:

- Applying classroom knowledge in real-world medical environments
- Preparing patients and operating rooms prior to procedures
- Passing instruments to surgeons during operations
- Sharpening communication, teamwork and critical thinking aptitudes

These professional experiences prepare students for entry-level surgical tech jobs.

### Top Surgical Technologist Programs in Memphis, TN

Memphis offers several excellent surgical technology associate degree programs blending rigorous academics with practical clinical experiences at well-reputed hospitals and surgery centers across the region.

Here are 5 top options with insights from current students:

**_Southwest Tennessee Community College_**

Southwest Tennessee Community College‘s (STCC) surgical technology program enjoys strong name recognition among regional employers.

The 6 semester program covers all key AST Core curriculum areas from sciences, healthcare concepts and surgical coursework. Students get abundant hands-on experiences during 500 hours of clinical rotations.

Elena Thompson, second-year student shares:

> "The STCC program instructors bring exceptional real-world experience that makes classroom lessons highly practical. As we move into clinicals, they offer great tips on sharpening surgical skills and communicating effectively in fast-paced hospital settings."

[Visit Southwest Tennessee Community College to Learn More](https://www.southwest.tn.edu/programs/health-and-natural-sciences/surgical-technology/)

**_Baptist College of Health Sciences_**

As part of the highly regarded Baptist Memorial Health Care system, Baptist College of Health Sciences is one of Tennessee‘s top surgical technology schools.

Spanning five semesters, this Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program includes an intensive 210 hour externship. Students get hands-on training in cutting-edge facilities like Baptist Memorial Hospital‘s 30+ operating suites.

Current student Jasmine Lee shares:

> "The chance to train under experienced surgical technologists and nurses across Baptist Memorial Hospital allows us to sharpen real-world skills – from surgical instrumentation and back table set-ups to applying sterile technique. The depth of practical knowledge really sets graduates up for success."

[Explore Baptist College of Health Sciences‘ Surgical Technology Program](https://www.bchs.edu/academics/surgical-technology/)

**_Remington College_**

With smaller class sizes capped at just 24 students, Remington College‘s surgical technology program enables highly customized instruction.

The accelerated 12 month diploma program includes classroom and lab work plus a 6 credit hour externship with at least 120 cases. Hands-on experiences prepare students for entry-level surgical tech positions in both hospital and surgery centers environments.

Eduardo Torres, recent graduate, says:

> "I appreciated Remington‘s smaller classes and access to instructors. They got to know each student‘s strengths and weaknesses, so could offer very tailored guidance on sharpening surgical technology aptitudes. My clinical preceptor also let me scrub-in on some advanced procedures to boost learning."

[Learn More about Remington College‘s Surgical Technology Diploma](https://www.remingtoncollege.edu/surgical-technology/)

**_Carrington College_**

Offering both associate degree and certificate tracks, Carrington College has one of the region‘s most flexible accredited surgical technology programs.

The 66 week associate degree comprises on-campus lectures and labs plus a 6 credit 480 hour clinical externship. The accelerated 38 week certificate is best suited to those with healthcare or surgical services experience needing credentialing. Identical curriculum covered through blended online/on-campus classes and a condensed 240 hour clinical.

Certificate student Simone Green shares:

> "I‘ve worked as an ER technician for years, so had strong medical knowledge but needed surgical tech credentialing for career growth. Carrington‘s certificate program was perfect allowing me to validate skills and knowledge to sit the CST exam, without needing two years of full-time study."

Choose between [Carrington‘s Surgical Technology AAS Degree or Certificate Tracks](https://carrington.edu/programs/surgical-technology/)

**_Concorde Career College_**

Concorde Career College offers a 70 week surgical technology associate degree blending virtual simulations, lab work, academics and clinical rotations for comprehensive training.

A highlight is the MicroSim Innovations Paired Learning Project using computer-controlled mannequins to develop competencies in surgical procedures, equipment and tools through role playing real-world scenarios.

Recent graduate Fiona Lee shares:

> "Concorde‘s simulated OR environments prepare you for the intensity and pace of hospital settings. You get comfortable with surgical tech responsibilities – from patient and room prep, passing instruments, keeping sterile fields – before entering real clinicals. This boosts skills and confidence."

[Learn more about Concorde Career College‘s Surgical Tech Program]([https://www.concorde.edu/program/surgical-technology-training](https://www.concorde.edu/program/surgical-technology-training)– Memphis)

### Keys to Succeeding as a Surgical Technology Student

"Surgical technology programs demand dedication through intensive course and clinical work," advises Susan Park, MSN Ed, RN and Director of Baptist College‘s Surgical Technology Program. "Still students cultivating certain attributes do thrive" she continues.

Here are Park‘s top tips for surgical tech program success:

**Remain Calm Under Pressure** – Operating rooms involve very stressful situations. Get comfortable working accurately and efficiently in intense environments. Using simulations and repetitions boost this skill.

**Cultivate Decisive Critical Thinking** – Surgical techs constantly make decisions ensuring smooth procedure flow, patient safety and medical accuracy. Regularly analyze knowledge and actions to improve outcomes.

**Pursue Meticulous Attention to Detail** – Strict sterile technique adherence and following each procedural step is vital. Strive for perfection – patient lives are in your hands.

**Display Professionalism and Team Spirit** – Healthcare demands proper interactions with everyone involved in delivery of care. Adopt habits like reliability, honesty and cooperation early on.

Park concludes "Students entering programs with these traits build proficiency swiftly. They become trusted surgical team members – and confident, successful technicians."

### Financing Your Surgical Technology Education

Pursuing an associate degree in surgical technology represents a significant investment ranging from $10,000 – $35,000. However various options exist easing the financial burden of education.

**Employer Tuition Assistance**

Many hospitals and surgical services providers offer tuition reimbursement or advancement programs. Baptist Memorial Health Care covers full tuition for employees at its Baptist College of Health Sciences for instance. Check your workplace policies.

**Federal Aid and Scholarships**

Standard government loans, grants and scholarships including Pell Grants or Tennessee HOPE Scholarships assist students. Reputed programs also provide institution-specific scholarships for academic excellence.

**Alternative Loans**

If federal funding eligibility is limited, private lending options through institutions like Sallie Mae or local credit unions can help bridge funding gaps. Shop interest rates and terms to keep repayment affordable.

Evaluate funding carefully prior to enrolling. Your program‘s advising office are also excellent resources guiding available financial aid options.

### Insider Perspectives from Memphis Surgical Technologists

To gain deeper insight on succeeding as surgical technologists in Memphis, we spoke to Carla Hernandez, B.Sc, CST, CSFA – Lead Surgical Technologist at Methodist University Hospital and Kendra Alexander, AAS, CST – Cardiovascular Operating Room Assistant at Baptist Memorial.

Here‘s their advice for aspiring surgical techs in the region:

- Methodist University and Baptist Memorial have extensive specialized surgery programs allowing technicians to develop niche expertise should they desire. But most technicians start in general surgery to consolidate fundamental skills.
- Both hospitals actively hire graduating surgical tech students meeting their skills criteria – especially from highly regarded programs like Southwest Tennessee Community College, Remington College and Baptist College of Health Sciences. New technicians can progress rapidly gaining broad surgical exposure.
- Memphis offers incredible diversity of healthcare institutions to gain experience – urban academic medical centers, VA hospitals, rural surgery centers and leading private specialty facilities. Seek breadth early in your career.
- The most critical skills to develop are speed, efficiency and fluidity moving between all the coordinated tasks ensuring surgery flow – patient safety checks, sterile equipment arrangements, instrument passing etc. Mastery minimizes errors ensuring the best outcomes.
- Sharp attention to detail maintaining sterile fields is also paramount. Surgeons rely heavily on skilled technicians to preserve accuracy and reduce infection risks. Precision and perfection will make you shine.

In conclusion Kendra notes – "New surgical techs in Memphis getting competencies swiftly will find it a fantastic place to specialize. The wealth of institutions, high surgery demand and experienced teams equip you with capabilities to develop an amazing career."

So if you have the keen eye, steady hand, quick reflexes and passion to help heal in the complex surgical environment – contact one of Memphis‘ excellent surgical technology programs today!

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Source: [20 Best Surgical Tech Programs In Memphis, TN \(2026 Updated\) – Save Our Schools March](https://33rdsquare.com/20-best-surgical-tech-programs-in-memphis-tn/)