The Top 20 Surgical Tech Programs in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, North Carolina is home to some of the best surgical tech programs in the country. As the healthcare industry continues to grow rapidly in the Raleigh area, the demand for qualified surgical technologists also increases.
Surgical techs play a critical role in healthcare – they assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel. Their main responsibilities include preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, passing instruments to surgeons, and assisting during surgical procedures.
The programs on this list offer in-depth education and training to prepare students for certification and a career in the high-demand field of surgical technology. Read on for the 20 best surgical tech programs in Raleigh, NC for 2024.
1. Wake Technical Community College
Wake Tech offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology, preparing students to work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care before, during and after surgery.
Key highlights:
- Provides over 1,200 hours dedicated surgical technology courses and hands-on clinical experience
- Simulation labs with high-fidelity manikins recreate real OR environment
- 100% pass rate on National Certified Surgical Technologist exam for past 5 years
- Clinical affiliation agreements with Rex Hospital, Duke Hospital System, WakeMed and more
Cost: In-state $76 per credit hour
Admissions requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 2 years
2. Johnston Community College
Johnston Community College‘s Surgical Technology program combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience to prepare students for entry-level surgical tech positions. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certified Surgical Technologist exam.
Program features:
- Develop skills in surgical procedures, instrumentation, equipment, patient safety and communication
- 500 hours dedicated hands-on clinical experience at facilities across central North Carolina
- Simulation lab provides real-world experience prior to live clinicals
- 100% of 2021 graduates passed the CST exam on first attempt
Cost: In-state $76 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 1 year
3. Miller-Motte College Cary
Miller-Motte College Cary offers a surgical technology associate degree covering all aspects of peri-operative patient care. Graduates can pursue roles as certified surgical technologists in hospital operating rooms and surgery centers.
Key features:
- Develop skills in surgical procedures, asepsis, patient care and safety protocols
- Hands-on experience in on-site mock operating suite with industry-standard equipment
- 8-week externship provides real-world experience in OR setting prior to certification exam
- Career prep including resume writing, interview skills and job search techniques
Cost: $510 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 2 years
4. Durham Technical Community College
Durham Tech‘s Surgical Technology program combines classroom study with clinical experience to prepare students for the national certification exam and employment as surgical technologists. Graduates have a 100% job placement rate.
Program highlights:
- Covers surgical anatomy, pharmacology, procedures, equipment, instruments and safety protocols
- Hands-on lab practice in simulated OR environment on campus
- 24 weeks of supervised clinical rotations at Duke Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital and other Triangle facilities
- Career counseling and job search assistance available
Cost: In-state $76 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 1 year
5. Caldwell Community College
Caldwell Community College offers an Surgical Technology associate degree training students for employment under the supervision of surgeons and surgical teams. Graduates can qualify to sit for the National Certified Surgical Technologist exam.
Key features:
- Covers surgical fundamentals including equipment, instruments, safety, patient care and procedures
- Hands-on skills practice in campus lab equipped with 2 operating room suites
- 600+ hours of supervised clinical experience in operating rooms across western NC
- Job placement assistance for graduates
Cost: In-state $76 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 2 years
6. South Piedmont Community College
The Surgical Technology program at SPCC provides knowledge and training in surgical procedures to prepare students for entry-level clinical roles. Graduates can qualify to take the National Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
Program features:
- Develop skills in sterile technique, surgical equipment, patient safety, emergency procedures and more
- 500+ hours dedicated hands-on clinical practice in surgical facilities
- Simulation labs allows students to gain experience in mock operating room
- Connections with hundreds of healthcare employers for job opportunities
Cost: In-state $76 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 1 year
7. Queens University – CPCC Cooperative Program
Queens University and Central Piedmont Community College have partnered to offer an Associate in Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology. Graduates qualify to sit for the CST exam to become certified surgical technologists.
Program highlights:
- Combines general education, surgical theory classes and 500+ hours clinical experience
- Hand-on practice in surgical labs at CPCC‘s state-of-the-art Harper campus
- Clinical rotations at Atrium Health, Novant Health and Veterans Affairs facilities
- Dual degree prepares graduates for advanced career opportunities
Cost: $258 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 2 years
8. WakeMed Health & Hospitals
WakeMed Health & Hospitals offers a Surgical Services apprenticeship allowing employees to train onsite as surgical technologists. Apprentices gain applied technical skills combined with on-the-job training in the operating room.
Key features:
- Combines classroom education with extensive hands-on surgical experience at WakeMed facilities
- Covers surgical instrumentation, aseptic technique, patient care, case management and safety protocols
- Apprentices qualify to sit for the National Certified Surgical Technologist exam after program completion
- Positions apprentices for employment as CSTs at WakeMed upon graduation
Cost: Free for WakeMed employees
Admissions Requirements: Current WakeMed employment plus education and experience prerequisites
Duration: 1 year
9. Forsyth Technical Community College
Forsyth Tech’s Surgical Technology program provides classroom education with supervised clinical experience in hospital operating room settings. Graduates can qualify to become certified surgical technologists.
Curriculum includes:
- Surgical pharmacology, microbiology, terminology, instruments, equipment and procedures
- Hands-on skills labs prior to clinical placements
- 28 weeks of clinical rotations at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
- Certification exam review course
Cost: In-state $76 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 1 year
10. Stanly Community College
Stanly Community College offers an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology providing entry-level employment training as a certified surgical technologist. The program includes classroom and lab instruction plus supervised clinical experience.
Key highlights:
- Covers surgical instrumentation, equipment, procedures and specialty techniques
- 500+ hours dedicated hands-on clinical experience at regional healthcare facilities
- Practice skills in campus simulation lab with mock operating room setup
- Career counseling and job search assistance
Cost: In-state $76 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 2 years
11. ECPI University
ECPI University‘s Surgical Technology associate degree program provides training in all aspects of surgical patient care and assistance. Graduates qualify to pursue national certification testing to become certified surgical techs.
Program features:
- Hands-on simulated operating room experience with industry-relevant equipment
- Covers fundamentals including surgical instrumentation, aseptic techniques, patient safety
- Supervised clinical rotations provide real-world experience prior to graduation
- Connections with hundreds of healthcare system partners for employment
Cost: $595 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 2 years
12. Greater Charlotte Surgical Technologies
Greater Charlotte Surgical Technologies provides classroom education and hands-on training focused specifically on surgical assisting skills and fundamentals. Graduates earn a Diploma as well as qualify to become certified surgical assistants.
Curriculum includes:
- Surgical anatomy, physiology, terminology, equipment, instrumentation
- Hands-on procedural skills practice including knot-tying, suturing, surgical techniques
- 600 hours of clinical experience in hospital ORs under supervision of CST preceptors
- Certified Surgical Assistant exam qualification
Cost: $3,000 total
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 1 year
13. Dao Institute of Surgical Technology
The Dao Institute of Surgical Technology offers a diploma program focused on fundamentals of surgical technology through classroom lectures, skills labs simulations. Graduates can qualify to become certified surgical technologists.
Key features:
- Covers medical terminology, microbiology, pharmacology, surgical equipment and instrumentation
- Hands-on skills practice in campus surgical suite with industry-standard tools and technology
- Connections with Triangle-area hospitals and surgery centers for clinical rotations
- Assistance preparing for the National Certified Surgical Technologist exam
Cost: $17,000 total
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 1 year
14. South College – Raleigh Campus
South College‘s Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree program offers hands-on training combined with general education for a dual foundation. Graduates can pursue roles as certified surgical technologists.
Program features:
- Covers surgical procedures, instruments, equipment, patient care and safety protocols
- 500+ hours of dedicated supervised clinical experience in hospital ORs
- Hands-on labs and simulation experience with industry-grade surgical tools and technology
- Connections with healthcare employers across NC for job opportunities
Cost: $585 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 2 years
15. GTCC Surgical Technology
Guilford Technical Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree providing entry-level employment training as a certified surgical technologist. The program blends education, hands-on lab practice and clinical experience.
Key highlights:
- Covers fundamentals including equipment, instruments, procedures and specialty services
- 500+ hours dedicated clinical experience at Moses Cone Hospital and other regional partners
- Cutting-edge simulation lab provides practice with surgical tools and technologies
- Connections with healthcare employers for job opportunities after graduation
Cost: In-state $76 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 2 years
16. Sandhills Community College
Sandhills Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Graduates can qualify to become certified surgical technologists.
Program features:
- Blended coursework covers procedural techniques, instruments, equipment, patient safety
- 500+ hours hands-on clinical experience in operating rooms across the region
- Simulation labs allow students to hone skills with industry-standard surgical tools
- Connections with healthcare employers for job opportunities after graduation
Cost: In-state $76 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 2 years
17. Harnett Health Surgical Technology
Harnett Health System offers an accredited Surgical Technology program combining classroom study with extensive hands-on experience. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and can qualify to become certified surgical technologists.
Curriculum highlights:
- Covers equipment, instruments, supplies, patient safety protocols, and surgical techniques
- 500+ hours of clinical rotations at Harnett Health facilities under supervision of preceptors
- Cutting-edge simulation labs with surgical tools and technologies
- Connections with healthcare partners across the region for job opportunities
Cost: $180 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 2 years
18. Carteret Community College
The Surgical Technology program at Carteret Community College provides classroom and lab instruction combined with hands-on clinical experience in surgical settings at area hospitals and facilities. Graduates earn an associate degree.
Key features:
- Covers fundamentals of surgical instrumentation, equipment, sterile technique and more
- 500+ hours dedicated hands-on clinical experience under supervision of certified techs
- Cutting-edge simulation labsallows students to hone skills prior to live environments
- Connections with healthcare employers across coastal NC region
Cost: In-state $76 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 2 years
19. Surgical Technology Institute of NC
The Surgical Technology Institute of NC offers a diploma program focused specifically on fundamentals of perioperative surgical technology. Graduates can qualify to become certified surgical technologists through national testing.
Curriculum includes:
- Surgical instrumentation, equipment, standards, techniques, and specialty services
- 500+ hours of hands-on clinical experience in hospital operating rooms
- Cutting-edge simulation lab with mock OR suite and industry-standard tools
- Exam qualification and career placement support services
Cost: $13,900 total
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Duration: 1 year
20. Wake Tech Surgical Technology Apprenticeship
Wake Tech has partnered with regional healthcare systems to offer a Surgical Technology apprenticeship. Apprentices gain applied technical training combined with extensive supervised clinical experience in hospital OR settings.
Program features:
- Blended coursework and on-the-job experiential learning model
- Covers equipment, instruments, patient transport, case management and safety protocols
- 1,000+ hours dedicated hands-on surgical practice
- Apprentices qualify to take the National Certified Surgical Technologist exam after completion
Cost: Free for participating healthcare system employees
Admissions Requirements: Current employment plus education/experience requirements
Duration: 2 years