# Top 13 Surgical Tech Programs in Virginia Beach, VA \[2026 Guide\]

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/top-13-surgical-tech-programs-in-virginia-beach-va-2024-guide/
- Published: 2024-03-02
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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As advances in minimally invasive surgery, robotic systems, and other emerging technologies transform operating rooms – the role of surgical technicians continually expands. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for surgical technologists and technicians is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032 – much faster than the average across all occupations. With over 1 million surgeries performed annually in Virginia, demand for qualified surgical technicians is high for hospital operating room teams across the state.

This definitive career guide provides an in-depth overview of the top 13 surgical technology programs in Virginia Beach helping you prepare for this growing allied health profession. As a Higher Education Reform Expert, I evaluate program curriculum, training facilities, faculty expertise, career support services and graduate outcomes – providing personalized recommendations to help you achieve your goals whether you‘re new to healthcare or cross-training from an existing allied health profession.

## Fast Facts on Surgical Tech Careers and Education

Before highlighting the top Virginia Beach programs training future surgical technicians – let‘s look at some key facts on career outlook, responsibilities, and program accreditation requirements:

### Surgical Tech Career Outlook in Virginia

- 9% job growth projected in Virginia aligning with national trend
- Over 1,900 current surgical techs employed, over 170 annual job openings
- Average entry salary around $37,000 with potential to earn $50K+ with experience
- Job security with demand across range of healthcare environments

### Surgical Tech Roles and Responsibilities

Surgical techs provide vital support under the supervision of surgeons, nurses and other OR personnel by:

- Preparing operating rooms with sterile equipment and tools
- Assisting surgical team to gown and glove prior to procedures
- Passing instruments and supplies during surgery
- Maintaining organization and safety of OR environment
- Preparing patients for transport after surgery

### Importance of Program Accreditation

When researching surgical technology programs, one of the most important elements is accreditation ensuring quality standards. Two organizations providing oversight are:

- **CAAHEP** – Accredits programs meeting curriculum, faculty, resource standards
- **ABHES** – Recognizes programs focused on healthcare training and education

I advise selecting an accredited program aligned to your career aspirations and learning preferences, whether at a college, university or specialized medical training institution. Now let‘s explore the top options available in Virginia Beach!

## Overview of Top Virginia Beach Surgical Tech Programs

Virginia Beach offers 13 high-caliber accredited programs providing comprehensive education, training and clinical experience to prepare skilled perioperative professionals. Ranging from diploma credentials to Bachelor‘s degrees, program options enable students to enter the field quickly or pursue advanced roles with further study.

This table summarizes key aspects of the top surgical technology programs in Virginia Beach:

| Program | Degree | Program Length | Tuition Est. |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bryant & Stratton College | Associate | 20 months | $35K |
| Centura College | Associate | 20 months | $38K |
| South University | Associate | 24 months | $48K |
| Tidewater Medical Training | Diploma | 10 months | $21K |
| Fortis College | Associate | 18 months | $34K |
| Tidewater Tech | Diploma | 10 months | $24K |

With training durations between 10 months to 2 years – students gain essential knowledge, technical abilities and clinical experience through integrated curriculum. Programs blend lecture-based instruction, lab simulations, equipment training and hundreds of surgical rotation hours – fully preparing graduates to begin professional roles on OR teams.

Now let‘s spotlight several standout programs!

## Spotlight: Bryant & Stratton College Surgical Technology

![](https://33rdsquare.com/bsc.jpg)

With over 165 years educating students across various disciplines, Bryant & Stratton College leverages substantial expertise developing career-focused education – including surgical technology. The Virginia Beach campus provides an accredited Associate degree program delivering robust training.

### Comprehensive Curriculum & Training

What sets this program apart is comprehensive curriculum covering all facets of perioperative patient care taught through interactive methods:

- **Lecture & Lab**: Human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, surgical procedures
- **Simulations**: Gowning, gloving, instrumentation, equipment use
- **Clinicals**: 810 hours across range of surgical specialties

This integrated 66-credit program cultivates in-demand technical, patient care, and decision-making skills – fully preparing students for diverse OR environments.

### Experienced Faculty & Career Support

Students learn from working surgical professionals lending insider expertise. The career services team provides networking events, resume/interview prep and recruiter connections. With a 90%+ first-time pass rate on the CST exam and strong job placement outcomes – graduates consistently secure OR roles.

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## Spotlight: Tidewater Medical Training

![](https://33rdsquare.com/tmt.jpg)

Tidewater Medical Training focuses exclusively on healthcare education including a 10-month surgical technology diploma. The program delivers specialized technical abilities combined with professional skills preparing compassionate perioperative technicians.

### Skills-Focused Curriculum

The 63-credit hour program thoroughly covers areas like:

- **Surgical Technology:** Equipment, instruments, supplies management
- **Surgical Procedures:** General, OB-GYN, ophthalmology, ENT, orthopedics
- **Patient Care:** Lab values, pharmacology, emergency protocols

TMT‘s simulated OR environment and 650-hour clinical externship enables repeated skills practice – instilling confidence and job readiness.

### Faculty Expertise & Graduate Outcomes

Instructors lend decades of first-hand OR experience to education and career mentoring. 100% of 2022 graduates passed the CST exam, with job placement assistance leading to roles in hospital, clinic and specialty surgery center ORs.

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## Integrating Technology Into Surgical Tech Education

As an education expert seeking constant improvement, an area I advise surgical technology programs to prioritize is harnessing technology to elevate training. Two high-impact examples include:

### Transitioning Lectures To Online Delivery

With many students balancing work and family responsibilities while pursuing education, online lectures accessed on flexible schedules promote retention and comprehension. Programs would ideally transition purely theory-based instruction to virtual sessions, reserving valuable on-campus time for simulation and skills development.

### Investing In Surgical Simulation Systems

While programs have added simulation labs – few leverage advanced surgical simulators mimicking procedure sensations. Systems like LapVR immerse students in lifelike OR environments performing tasks wearing VR headsets. This transforms understanding of workflow nuances, equipment and roles – boosting preparation.

Wider integration of remote lectures and surgical simulation systems would enable programs to expand clinical rotations and capstone projects – accelerating experience.

## Choosing the Right Surgical Technology Program For You

When researching programs, I recommend students evaluate options based on several key aspects:

### Career Goals

Determine whether you want to expedite entry-level work or expand knowledge for advanced roles guiding program type/length. Factor in the specialty exposure desired through clinicals like OB-GYN, ophthalmology or cardiothoracics.

### Hands-On Focus

Look for simulation use expanding traditional lab training. Evaluate clinical hour requirements ensuring extensive experience and mentorship opportunities.

### Faculty & Services

Understand who teaches each element from industry specialists lending real-world insights. Review career support offered via networking, recruiters and interview prep.

Choosing an aligned accredited program with robust curriculum, training and faculty boosts success potential in this growing perioperative career field.

Virginia Beach offers premier surgical technology programs blending knowledge and technical abilities with extensive clinical exposure needed on high-performing operating teams. I hope this guide and my insights as a Higher Education Reform Expert assists you in making an informed program decision advancing your healthcare career goals.

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Source: [Top 13 Surgical Tech Programs in Virginia Beach, VA \[2026 Guide\]](https://33rdsquare.com/top-13-surgical-tech-programs-in-virginia-beach-va-2024-guide/)