The Top 10 Surgical Technology Programs in Bakersfield, CA – 2026

Pursuing a career as a surgical technologist can be an exciting entry point into the healthcare field. These skilled professionals play a vital role as part of the surgical team, working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and other medical staff during surgical operations.

The job outlook for surgical technologists is quite promising – according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average across all occupations. The field also offers competitive salaries, with the BLS reporting a median pay of $20.33 per hour for surgical technologists.

If you live in the Bakersfield, CA area and are interested in launching a surgical tech career, you’re in luck – the city and its outskirts offer several high quality training programs. This article reveals the top 10 surgical technology programs in Bakersfield and its vicinity that are accepting students for 2024.

Benefits of a Surgical Tech Career
Before highlighting the top local programs, here‘s a quick look at why surgical technology makes for such a great career choice:

• In-demand profession – With the aging population requiring more surgical procedures, skilled techs are needed.
• Competitive salaries – Surgical techs earn over $42,000 annually on average as per BLS data.
• Varied work settings – Work in operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, physicians‘ offices.
• Fast entry – Many certificate programs take less than a year to complete.
• Meaningful work – Be an integral part of surgical procedures helping people. Gain medical experience.

Overview of Surgical Tech Training

Surgical tech programs provide both classroom education and extensive hands-on practice focused on core professional competencies. Typical curriculum includes:

• Anatomy, physiology and terminology
• Surgical instrumentation, equipment and supplies
• Safe operating room protocols and processes
• Sterilization techniques
• Surgical procedure steps and patient care processes
• Clinical externships offering real O.R. experience

Students also prepare for national certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

While certification is optional, getting certified demonstrates competency and can give candidates an edge when seeking jobs. It also enables use of the credential – Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

When choosing a surgical tech program in the Bakersfield area, key aspects to consider include:

• Hands-on training opportunities – Look for ample practical lab work and externships.
• Teacher qualifications – Seek instructors with operating room experience.
• Student outcomes – Check graduation and certification pass rates.
• Cost – Compare program tuition and financial aid options across schools.
• Convenience – Ensure location, class timings and program duration work for you.

Now let‘s reveal the top-ranking surgical tech programs near Bakersfield, CA for entering students in 2024:

1. Porterville College

With its strong reputation and excellent student outcomes, Porterville College offers one of the best surgical technology programs in Bakersfield and vicinity.

Some key advantages:

• Impressive 100% job placement rate for graduates
• Great record of student success on NBSTSA certification exams
• Opportunities to gain clinical experience at leading local hospitals and surgery centers
• Dedicated expert faculty with decades of field experience
• Feedback from graduates consistently praise the program’s quality and effectiveness

Tuition Fees: $1,288 total for California residents

Program Duration: 16 months

Admissions Requirements: High school completion

Location: Porterville, CA (60 miles from Bakersfield)

For those willing to make the commute, Porterville College‘s program offers top-notch training laying the foundations for a highly successful and fulfilling career in surgical technology.

2. San Joaquin Valley College

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) is a private career college offering a range of vocational programs at its Visalia campus, under 50 miles from Bakersfield.

SJVC is focused on healthcare fields and provides excellent training including:

• Well-structured diploma program covering key knowledge and clinical skills
• CST exam preparation and testing package option
• Clinical externship rotations at variety of medical facilities
• Financial assistance for diploma-level students that qualify

Impressively, 100% of SJVC Visalia‘s surgical technology graduates over the past 5 years obtained employment in the field.

Tuition Fees: $32,500

Program Duration: 9 months

Admissions Requirements: High school completion

Location: Visalia, CA

SJVC offers a fast-track program allowing students to launch new surgical careers quickly after gaining specialized hands-on training.

3. San Joaquin Valley College

SJVC also has a key location right in Bakersfield, making its surgical technology diploma program a convenient option. It shares the same excellent training approach as the Visalia campus highlighted earlier.

A few reasons to choose SJVC Bakersfield:

• Accredited diploma program focused on practical career skills
• All classes held at Bakersfield campus on New Stine Road
• Training on latest tools and tech used in the O.R.
• Financial aid available subject to eligibility
• Impressive graduate employment rate

Tuition Fees: $32,500

Program Duration: 9 months

Admissions Requirements: High school completion or GED

Location: Bakersfield, CA

For Bakersfield residents, SJVC offers the best surgical tech program in town in terms of convenience, cost-effectiveness and job-oriented training.

4. Brightwood College

Brightwood College offers a 9-month diploma program in Surgical Technology at its Bakersfield campus, making it another excellent local choice.

Standout features include:

• Respected program since 2002 with 95% job placement rate for grads
• Financial assistance available for those that qualify
• Modern simulation labs and training facilities
• Prepares students for NBSTSA’s CST certification exam
• Externship program for real-world experience

Tuition Fees: $17,950

Program Duration: 9 months

Admissions Requirements: High school completion or equivalent

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Brightwood College offers a conveniently located option in Bakersfield focused on readying students for certification and a successful surgical tech career.

5. Carrington College

Carrington College has several campuses in California including one in nearby Bakersfield. Its associate degree pathway is a great choice for those seeking more comprehensive training.

Why choose Carrington‘s program?

• Earn an Associate of Science degree in 24 months
• Get certified as a surgical technologist simultaneously
• Includes 200 hours of clinical rotations
• Prepares students for both the CST and CSFA exams
• Excellent reputation backed by high grad employment rates

Tuition Fees: $31,897

Program Duration: 24 months

Admissions Requirements: High school graduation / GED

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Carrington‘s surgical technology associate degree program offers a deeper dive into medical sciences while setting up graduates for certification and career success in the O.R.

6. Kaplan College

Kaplan College offers a 63 week surgical tech diploma at its Bakersfield campus. Students are immersed in both lab classroom and clinical environments.

Key advantages:

• Eight week hands-on clinical rotation
• Training in all fundamental subspecialties like general, OB-GYN, orthopedics etc.
• Prep for CST certification included
• Financial aid available for qualifying students
• Excellent reputation with high graduate satisfaction

Tuition Fees: $17,450 total

Program Duration: 63 weeks

Admissions Requirements: High school diploma / equivalent

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Kaplan‘s diploma gives students extensive real-world experience readying them to scrub-in as surgical technologists in a variety of specialization areas.

7. Unitek College

Unitek College offers a fast-paced 9 month surgical technology program focused on preparing students for entry-level clinical roles.

Why choose Unitek College?

• Condensed 9 month diploma program
• Scrub-in opportunities in labs with mock surgery set-ups
• Training in all fundamental specialty surgery disciplines
• Assistance with clinical site placement for required externship
• CST exam preparation and vouchers included
• Convenient Bakersfield location

Tuition Fees: $17,050 total

Duration: 9 months

Admissions Requirements: High school completion

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Unitek College offers a condensed diploma program for motivated students seeking specialized surgical tech training in a short timeframe.

8. Santa Barbara Business College

Santa Barbara Business College offers an Associate of Science degree pathway for surgical technology. Spanning 73 weeks, it provides expanded studies allowing graduates to qualify for higher level surgical assisting roles.

Why choose SBBC?

• Earn an A.S. degree in Surgical Technology
• Delve deeper into anatomy, physiology, pathology etc.
• Train on industry-standard equipment used in real O.R.s
• Includes 400 hour clinical rotation for enhanced experience
• Prepares students for the CST exam

Tuition Fees: $39,500

Duration: 73 weeks

Admissions Requirements: High school diploma / GED

Location: Bakersfield, CA

SBBC‘s associates degree program suit those seeking greater knowledge breadth combined with extensive clinical experience to prepare for advanced surgical support roles.

9. College of the Sequoias

The College of Sequoias (COS) offers an Associate in Science degree in Surgical Technology from its Visalia campus around a 40 mile drive northwest from Bakersfield.

Why College of the Sequoias?

• Comprehensive training leading up to an AS degree
• Includes 500+ hour clinical rotation for immersive experience
• Study advanced principles in surgical physiology and patient care
• Prepares students for CSFA certification along with CST
• High first-time pass rates on certification exams

Tuition Fees: $7,160 for California residents

Duration: 2 years

Admissions Requirements: High school completion

Location: Visalia, CA

The College of Sequoias offers an unbeatable combination of an affordable pathway to an associates degree alongside rigorous pre-certification training including an extensive 500 hour clinical rotation.

10. WestMed College

Rounding out the list is WestMed College located around 30 miles south of Bakersfield in San Dimas. Its surgical technology diploma stands out for the depth of practical exposure.

Why choose WestMed?

• 65 week diploma program
• Over 600 hours spent in clinical externships
• Learn in simulation labs mirroring real hospital ORs
• Get trained in all fundamental surgical disciplines
• Financial assistance available for qualifying students

Tuition Fees: $32,545

Duration: 65 weeks / 15 months

Admissions Requirements: High school graduation / GED equivalent

Location: San Dimas, CA

WestMed College‘s extensive 600+ hours of live clinical training sets graduates up for success in entry-level surgical tech roles in various specialization areas.

As outlined in this guide, students have an array of high-quality surgical technology programs to choose from in Bakersfield and its surrounding areas. These programs offer excellent practical training focused on preparing learners for certification and a career in the OR supporting life-saving surgical work.

Surgical tech skills are greatly valued with immense job opportunities on the horizon. For those willing to embark on 15-24 months of dedicated education, a fulfilling stable career awaits you contributing to patient health as a surgical team member.

Interested in a surgical tech career? Check out the program websites above and consult admissions counselors to determine the right choice for your goals, budget and needs.