Surgical
Technologist

What to Expect

The Surgical Technologist program is available as a 94.5-quarter (21-month) course sequence. Classes are held during weekday daytime hours so that you can begin your career as a Surgical Technologist in as little as 21 months.

We teach our students the core competencies to make them successful in a team environment, working collaboratively and communicating effectively with surgeons, nurses, healthcare teams, patients, and their families. As a Surgical Technologist student, you will gain an in-depth understanding of basic anatomy and physiology, aseptic techniques and infection control, and general and specialized surgical procedures. You will then practice what you learned in your lecture classes by performing simulated operating room exercises in our program’s laboratory classes.

In the final quarter of your Surgical Technologist program, you will begin your clinical rotation, where you will go out to hospitals and/or surgery centers to gain exposure to actual operating rooms and procedures with real patients. This clinical component makes our program stand out —providing you with the necessary real-world experience for real-life operating rooms.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded an Associate in Occupational Studies degree (AOS), as authorized by the New York State Board of Regents. Our Surgical Technologist program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Education on Your Time

Lecture courses for this program are offered online, allowing students to have a healthy school-life balance. Moreover, with Swedish Institute’s iPad program, every student receives an iPad, which assists with virtual learning and virtual classrooms and provides communication with classmates and instructors.

What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?

Surgical Technologists are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners and provide surgical care to patients in hospital operating rooms, outpatient clinics, and similar environments. Surgical Technologists assist during surgical operations and procedures, working within a dynamic healthcare team alongside physicians, surgeons, registered nurses, and other medical professionals in the operating room. 

Surgical Technologist duties and responsibilities may include:

• Preparing operating rooms for surgery by maintaining a sterile environment and setting up equipment
• Preparing patients for surgery
• Assisting doctors/surgeons during surgery by handling instruments and supplies
• Managing surgical supplies and inventory

Surgical Technologists in the 2026 US News and World Report Jobs Rankings^§

#9 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A [4-yr] Degree
#20 in Best Jobs Without A [4-yr] Degree
#34 in Best Health Care Jobs
#92 in Best Jobs

Career Opportunities for Surgical Technologists

Our Surgical Technologist program prepares students for entry-level employment in a variety of healthcare settings, such as:

Hospital surgical and sterile processing departments

Outpatient surgical centers

Physician and dentist offices

Ambulatory surgical centers

Salary Opportunities for Surgical Technologists

According to May 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual average wage for a Surgical Technologist in the state of New York was $81,990.* Salary will vary based on experience, location of employment, and the specific job title and duties being performed.

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