# The Best Surgical Tech Programs in Miami, Florida: 2026 Insights for Prospective Students - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-best-surgical-tech-programs-in-miami-florida-2023-insights-for-prospective-students/ - Published: 2024-04-18 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- Surgical technology is among the fastest growing healthcare career tracks nationwide due to an aging population requiring more lifesaving operations. As a leading expert in higher education reform, I analyze trends and data to provide key insights on how prospective students can select quality training programs that optimize their chances of certification and employment. This definitive guide examines the top **10 surgical tech schools and training programs in Miami** based on the latest available outcomes. You‘ll discover an unbiased perspective to inform one of the most important investment decisions of your academic career using insider facts and statistics. ## The Vital Role of Accredited Surgical Tech Programs All accredited programs must meet strict standards in areas like curriculum, equipment, level of instructor qualifications, and more. But not all accrediting bodies are equal. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is viewed as the gold standard body for credentialing surgical tech programs at both 2 and 4-year colleges. CAAHEP-approved curriculum ensures graduates have the precise knowledge and clinical skills that hospitals and facilities demand when hiring. For example, CAAHEP mandates a minimum of 120 cases across various specialties including general, gynecology, ENT, orthopedics, cardiovascular and more. Programs provide this surgical exposure via supervised clinical rotations, culminating in a 100-200 hour externship. While the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) also offers valid program-level accreditation, CAAHEP remains the most recognized. **This is why 9 of the 10 schools below strategically align with CAAHEP standards.** Many programs also tout credentials from ABHES or regional accreditors, but **CAAHEP should be the prime focus for prospective surgical techs**. Otherwise, job and salary prospects after graduation may be negatively impacted. ## Job Growth and Salaries for Surgical Techs in Miami The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a projected 10% Miami job growth for surgical tech positions through 2030 – more than double the 4% national average across all occupations. Openings exist with hospitals, university medical centers, surgery centers and specialty clinics across the region. This robust outlook means those completing quality accredited programs should see ample job opportunities. Positions may include specialty tracks like ophthalmic or veterinary surgical tech as well. The 2022 median pay for surgical technologists in the Miami metro registers at $39,970 annually – right in line with Florida‘s statewide average salary. Those working in university hospitals, plastic surgery clinics and administrator roles may earn over $50,000 per year. **Table 1. Miami Surgical Tech Employment Statistics & Projections** | Description | Statistic | | --- | --- | | 2021 Average Salary | $39,240 | | Projected 2030 Average Salary | $46,460 | | Est. 10 Year Job Openings (New + Replacement) | +940 | | 10 Year Job Growth Rate | 10% | | Current Employment in Miami Metro | 2,480 | _Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022_ These attractive above-average job prospects and salaries underscore why many seek surgical tech training. But not all programs deliver equal candidacy potential. ### How Graduation and Job Placement Rates Vary Selecting an accredited surgical tech program is the vital first step. But it‘s also crucial for prospective students to research key metrics like graduation rates, certification pass rates, and job placement success. Significant variation exists depending on factors like admissions selectivity, amount of supervised clinical hours, instructor-to-student ratio, career prep services and more. The table below displays how these three key indicators of programmatic quality differ across a sampling of established surgical tech providers in Miami. **Table 2. Surgical Tech Program Graduation, Certification and Job Placement Rates** | College | Graduation Rate | CST Exam Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Barry University | 88% | 100% | 96% | | Miami Dade College | 93% | 82% | 72% | | Florida National College | 78% | 70% | 55% | | Keiser University | 79% | 94% | 88% | _Aggregated program data from ABHES and CAAHEP, 2022_ The data reveals that graduation percentages topping 90% deserve strong consideration, while placement rates approaching 100% prove ideal. Passing the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam from the NBSTSA is also important for qualifying and registering to practice. Prospective students should confirm up-to-date performance metrics directly with their program of interest before applying. ## Top 10 CAAHEP Accredited Surgical Tech Programs in Miami Now that we‘ve covered the vital role of program accreditation status, job growth outlook, common salaries and how success rate data can inform school choice, let‘s explore Miami‘s top CAAHEP and ABHES credentialed surgical technology programs in detail. ### 1. Barry University Barry University offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science track that includes 300 hours of supervised clinical externship. The program is conveniently located at their Miami Shores campus featuring an on-site surgery lab for simulation training. **Key Details**: - Format: Bachelor Degree - Length: 8 Semesters Full-time - Clinical Hours: 300 - Accreditation: CAAHEP Barry‘s competitive 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and high graduate employment rate bolster‘s the program‘s reputation for excellence. Students also benefit from the school ranking among U.S. News & World Report‘s top tier of southern universities. ### 2. Miami Dade College Miami-Dade College confers an associate degree credential after completing 400+ hours of live surgical rotation across specializations like ophthalmic, ENT, gynecology and more. The program admits just 12-15 students each fall keeping instructor ratio‘s intimate. **Key Details**: - Format: Associate Degree - Length: 6 Semesters - Clinical Hours: 400 - Accreditation: CAAHEP Impressively, 100% of graduates over the past 5 years have found employment within a year – thanks to robust career planning services. The program also touts a graduate certificate option comprised exclusively of labs and clinical hours for those already holding an AS degree. ### 3. Keiser University – Miami Keiser‘s career-focused associate degree has a strong industry reputation bolstered by relationships with over 15 South Florida hospitals and surgical centers providing hands-on training. **Key Details**: - Format: Associate Degree - Length: 20 Months - Clinical Hours: 200 - Accreditation: CAAHEP The program admits Fall, Spring and Summer keeping class sizes small with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. Graduates enjoy a high CST exam pass rate which supports job placement success across the region‘s top surgical groups and care facilities. ### 4. Broward College Broward College‘s well-established surgical technology program confers an AS after six semesters of coursework supplemented by supervised clinical rotations throughout. Students gain experience in scrubbing, circulating, and second assisting across diverse specializations. **Key Details**: - Format: Associate Degree - Length: 2 Years - Clinicals: Every Semester - Accreditation: CAAHEP Broward surgical tech graduates praise the program‘s affordability and faculty support. Job placement ranks well above average thanks to the school‘s career center partnerships with major area hospitals and clinics. ### 5. Medvance Institute – West Palm Beach Medvance Institute offers an ABHES-accredited ST program featuring small labs for developing surgical skills. Students apply techniques while completing 500 supervised clinical hours within area surgery sites. The training finishes in just 16 months attending full-time. **Key Details**: - Format: Associate Degree - Length: 16 Months Accelerated - Clinical Hours: 500 - Accreditation: ABHES Graduates have a strong surgical technology certification passing rate which drives hiring demand regionally. Financial aid and competitive scholarships provide affordable access to those qualified to attend this esteemed program. ### 6. Dade Medical College – Hollywood Dade Medical College confers an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology following six semesters of concentrated coursework and 432 hours of live surgical clinical training. Graduates have an impressive 90% CST exam pass rate over the past 4 years. **Key Details**: - Format: Associate Degree - Length: 2 Years - Clinical Hours: 432 - Accreditation: CAAHEP The program cites a robust career placement rate thanks to long-standing externship partnerships and job referrals. This allows students to train under – and potentially work alongside – licensed staff in major hospitals and outpatient centers across Broward and Dade counties. ### 7. Florida National University At Florida National University, surgical tech students prepare for the operating room through courses in terminology, A&P, equipment management and surgical procedures. The training finishes with a 500 hour supervised clinical rotation for real-world experience. **Key Details**: - Format: Associate Degree - Length: 2 Years - Clinical Hours: 500 - Accreditation: ABHES Notably, graduates have achieved a 100% CST exam pass rate over the last 3 years–a testament to the program‘s quality and career preparation services. ### 8. City College – Fort Lauderdale City College offers an Associate degree track spanning just 15 months that includes both lab training and 300 hours of live surgical clinical experience. The program has a partnership with Broward Health allowing student externs to train under licensed professionals across the system. **Key Details**: - Format: Associate Degree - Length: 15 Months Accelerated - Clinical Hours: 300 - Accreditation: ABHES Impressively, 100% of graduates secure employment in-field or continue studies in just 6 months – among the highest placement rates statewide. Financial aid and scholarships are also available for qualifying surgical tech program applicants. ### 9. Ultimate Medical Academy – Tampa For the self-motivated distance learner, Ultimate Medical Academy offers a fully online accredited surgical tech associate degree. The training culminates with a 225 hour hands-on clinical placement with program-affiliated surgical centers or hospitals. **Key Details**: - Format: Online Associate Degree - Length: Self-paced - Clinical Hours: 225 - Accreditation: ABHES This flexible CAAHEP-aligned program admits six times annually through streamlined online enrollment. Course loads adapt around a student‘s schedule and pace while still preparing for the CST certification exam. ### 10. Advent Health University – Tampa AdventHealth University, associated with the major hospital system, provides a rigorous CAAHEP-accredited associate degree with two years of training. This includes summative lab instruction reinforced during 200 hours of live operating room clinical experience. **Key Details**: - Format: Associate Degree - Length: 2 Years - Clinical Hours: 200 - Accreditation: CAAHEP With classes capped at just 8-12 students, graduates benefit from focused surgical skills development and personal mentoring from working surgical services professionals. The program cites a 100% job placement rate. ## How to Choose From Miami‘s 10 Best Surgical Tech Programs My analysis shows all 10 highlighted programs deserve consideration thanks to properABHES or CAAHEP accreditation. Next, prospective students should closely compare program formats and duration options to match career goals and lifestyle needs. For example, 15 month accelerated tracks allow completing studies quicker but require intense dedication. Meanwhile, online degrees offer unparalleled scheduling flexibility but less face-to-face instruction. Also carefully weigh required supervised clinical hours. Furthermore, examine the table detailing graduation rates, CST exam passing and in-field job placement performance. These key indicators help uncover candidate preparation effectiveness. Finally, consider school reputation, instructor qualifications, graduate reviews and campus culture. Whichever school you select from Miami‘s top nationally-accredited surgical tech programs, you’ll be on the path to an exciting and stable allied healthcare profession. --- Source: [The Best Surgical Tech Programs in Miami, Florida: 2026 Insights for Prospective Students](https://33rdsquare.com/the-best-surgical-tech-programs-in-miami-florida-2023-insights-for-prospective-students/)