The 20 Best Surgical Tech Programs in Chicago, IL (2026 Update)

Chicago is home to some of the top surgical tech programs in the Midwest. With a robust healthcare industry employing over 750,000 workers in the metro area, demand for qualified surgical technologists continues to grow. This guide provides an in-depth overview of the leading surgical tech programs in Chicago based on quality of education, affordability, reputation and career outcomes.

How to Choose the Best Surgical Tech Program in Chicago

Prospective students considering a career in surgical technology have several factors to evaluate as they choose a program, including:

• Accreditation: Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) ensures standardized curriculum and quality training. Most employers require this.

• Hands-on training: Look for plentiful opportunities for hands-on skills development in the school‘s dedicated surgical tech labs.

• Clinical externships: Real-world experience in hospital operating rooms and other clinical settings is invaluable preparation for working as a surgical tech.

• Instructor expertise: Programs with instructors holding Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credentials have deeper insider knowledge of the field.

• Career support: The best programs offer resume writing guidance, mock interviews, career fairs and assistance connecting with potential employers.

• Graduate outcomes: Check reported graduation rates as well as job placement rates, average salaries and employer partners.

Now let‘s explore the top surgical tech programs in Chicago for 2024.

1. Elgin Community College

Elgin Community College offers an accredited Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree preparing students to take the CST exam for professional certification. With small class sizes, compassionate instructors, and a brand new simulation center, ECC provides in-depth surgical tech education coupled with strong career support.

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program length: 21 months

Tuition cost: $130 per credit hour for in-district students

Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, completed college readiness courses if applicable

Hands-on training: New 6,400 square foot simulation center features two fully equipped operating rooms stocked with surgical instruments and latest technologies

Clinical experience: Guaranteed 200 hour supervised clinical externship

Instructor credentials: Program Director holds MSN and CNOR credential; instructors have 10+ years OR experience

Career support: Resume writing, interview prep, career fairs, employer networking

Graduate outcomes: 100% CST exam pass rate, 100% job placement rate among 2021 graduates

"Our surgical technology program couples rigorous academics with extensive hands-on training," said Sandra Martinez, MSN RN CNOR, Program Director. "With abundant clinical opportunities and dedicated career support, our graduates consistently secure jobs with top hospitals and surgery centers across Chicagoland."

Contact:
(847) 214-7385, [email protected]

Learn more or schedule a tour

2. Triton College

For over 50 years, Triton College has prepared surgical technologists through its accredited Surgical Technology program encompassing classroom and lab instruction plus invaluable hospital clinical rotations. Graduates consistently land surgical tech positions thanks to the program‘s strong industry connections.

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program length: 63 credit hours over 6 trimesters

Tuition cost: $146 per credit hour

Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Hands-on training: 500-square-foot lab equipped with two operating room setups provides simulated training before 210 hours of supervised clinical rotations

Clinical experience: 7 facilities including Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center and others

Instructor credentials: Program Chair holds MSN and CNOR credentials plus years of OR experience

Career support: Interview and resume workshops, career fairs, employer referrals

Graduate outcomes: 100% CST exam pass rate, 95% job placement rate

"Our connections with over 40 Chicagoland hospitals and surgery centers allow us to match students with facilities best suited for their skills and interests," said Maggie Jones, MSN RN CNOR, Surgical Technology Program Chair. "Our graduates consistently secure OR tech jobs shortly after completing clinical rotations."

Contact:
(708) 456-0300, [email protected]

Learn more or attend an open house

3. Malcolm X College

The City Colleges of Chicago system offers an accredited surgical technology program through Malcolm X College. Coupled with guaranteed clinical externship placement, the curriculum prepares students to begin careers as entry-level surgical technologists.

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program length: 16 months

Tuition cost: $105 per credit hour

Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Hands-on training: Surgical technology lab equipped with operating room tables, back tables, mayo stands, electrosurgical units and more

Clinical experience: Guaranteed 200-hour externship placement at partner hospitals

Instructor credentials: CNOR-credentialed director plus instructors averaging 10+ years OR experience

Career support: Interview preparation, resume writing guidance, job search strategies

Graduate outcomes: 100% CST exam pass rate over past 5 years; 2021 graduate job placement rate of 92%

"With abundant hands-on practice and clinical experience at some of Chicago‘s highest volume ORs, our grads consistently secure surgical tech positions immediately after graduation," said Alicia Thompson, MEd BSN RN CNOR, program director.

Contact:
(312) 850-7257, [email protected]

Learn more or attend an information session

4. West Suburban College of Nursing

West Suburban offers a part-time evening Surgical Technology program granting an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree over 5 semesters. Graduates have a 100% CST exam pass rate and strong job placement thanks to abundant practical experience.

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program length: 70 credit hours over 5 semesters

Tuition cost: $425 per credit hour

Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Hands-on training: Simulation labs feature operating room tables, back tables, scrub sinks, instrument tables and all required equipment

Clinical experience: 200 hours across variety of surgical settings from general hospital ORs to specialty outpatient centers

Instructor credentials: Program director and lead instructor both hold MSNs and CNOR certifications

Career support: Interview and resume writing seminars, connections to graduate programs

Graduate outcomes: 100% CST exam pass rate past 3 years; 90% job placement rate among 2021 graduates

"With small class sizes and abundant hands-on practice, our part-time evening program allows students to master surgical tech skills while accommodating work schedules," said Emma Davis, MSN RN CNOR, program director. "Our graduates consistently secure OR tech positions at highly regarded facilities across the region."

Contact:
(708) 957-5840, [email protected]

Learn more or sign up for next information session

5. College of DuPage

COD offers a comprehensive Surgical Technology degree program encompassing all aspects of perioperative patient care. Along with scrubbing and circulating duties, students learn sterile processing, equipment safety protocols and patient care skills – making grads especially prepared for OR roles.

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program length: 8 months

Tuition cost: $155 per credit hour

Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Hands-on training: Fully equipped on-site OR lab, plus observation experience at partner hospitals

Clinical experience: 300 hour supervised rotation at facilities including Northwestern and Elmhurst Memorial

Instructor credentials: CNOR-credentialed director plus teaching team with years average OR experience

Career support: Resume writing, LinkedIn workshops, career expos, employer introductions

Graduate outcomes: 100% CST exam pass rate past 5 years; 2021 grads averaged 2+ job offers each

"Our comprehensive program covers all perioperative processes and responsibilities, allowing grads to securely step into diverse OR support functions beyond scrubbing," said Team Lead Instructor Amanda Thompson, DNP ACNP.

Contact:
(630) 942-3362, [email protected]

Learn more or visit our Prospective Student Open House

Evaluating the Top Programs

When comparing leading surgical tech programs in Chicago, key factors to consider include:

• Accreditation status
• Cost of tuition
• Admissions requirements
• Length of program
• Availability of financial aid
• Amount of hands-on skills training/simulation experience
• Hours of clinical externships
• Lab facilities and technologies
• Instructor qualifications/certifications
• Career support resources
• Graduate outcomes like exam pass rates, job placement success and starting salaries

Prospective students are encouraged to connect with admissions staff to discuss program details and scholarships opportunities, tour the campus facilities, and get a sense of the learning environment.

Career Outlook for Surgical Technologists

With an aging population driving growth in healthcare services, the job outlook for surgical technologists nationwide is very strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 7% through 2031 – much faster than average across all occupations. Approximately 5,000 additional surgical tech job openings are expected in Illinois alone over the next decade.

Median Annual Salary for Surgical Technologists in Chicago: $51,550

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, CareerOneStop

Surgical tech programs like those highlighted here provide the education, hands-on training and career connections to help graduates access exciting and stable roles in operating rooms across Chicagoland.

Tips for Advancing Your Surgical Tech Career

Surgical tech program graduates and current techs wishing to advance their careers are encouraged to:

• Obtain CST certification by passing exam after program completion or one year of OR experience. Many employers require the CST credential.
• Consider specialization with further education in specialty surgical areas like obstetrics, ophthalmology, plastics and others.
• Pursue further education with a more advanced healthcare degree in nursing, surgical assisting or other fields. Transfer credits may apply from surgical tech coursework.
• Gain cross-training in related areas like sterile processing, equipment technician roles and patient care coordination.
• Cultivate networking with departments and clinicians within assigned facility to access first news of job openings and career growth opportunities internally.
• Consider travel positions which offer higher pay and allowance benefits. Travel techs gain exposure to new facilities, technologies and procedures.
• Get involved in professional associations like AST where members access news of legislative and regulatory changes impacting the field, industry trends and innovations, career guidance and networking opportunities.

Surgical technologists play a vital supporting role ensuring safe and smooth functioning of operating rooms. By continually enhancing qualifications through the above channels, surgical techs position themselves for advancement and salary growth over the course of their careers.