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The Top Surgical Tech Programs in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is home to some of the best surgical tech programs in Pennsylvania. With a rich medical history and several major hospital systems, the city offers aspiring surgical technologists quality training opportunities to prepare them for this growing career field.
In this guide, we will explore the top surgical tech programs in Philadelphia, outlining key information on curriculum, faculty, admissions requirements, and more. Whether you are just starting your career journey or looking to advance your skills as a surgical tech, finding the right program is crucial. Read on to learn which Philadelphia schools can provide you with the education and training to succeed.
1. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Founded in 1993, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is a private, not-for-profit allied health college located right in the heart of Philadelphia. The college offers an Associate of Science degree in Surgical Technology that provides students with the theoretical foundation and hands-on skills training needed to work alongside surgeons in the operating room.
Key program highlights include:
- 76-credit full-time program that can be completed in 5 semesters
- Includes 650 hours of clinical rotations at partner hospitals and surgical centers
- Program aligns with the core curriculum guidelines set by ARC/STSA
- 89% pass rate on the CST exam over the past 5 years
Under the guidance of experienced surgical technology faculty, students receive robust training in surgical procedures, instruments and equipment, sterile technique, patient care, and more. Small class sizes also allow for individualized instruction and support. Graduates are well-prepared to begin their careers as certified surgical technologists.
2. Community College of Philadelphia
For over 50 years, Community College of Philadelphia has provided accessible and affordable higher education to Philadelphia residents. The college offers a Surgical Technology AAS program for students seeking the comprehensive training needed to work in hospital operating rooms and outpatient surgical centers.
Program highlights include:
- 69-credit full-time program that can be completed in 5 semesters
- Over 500 hours dedicated to hands-on clinical rotations
- Training in surgical instrumentation, equipment, patient care, and communication
- Practice with latest robotic and microsurgery technology
With guidance from expert program faculty, students gain proficiency in all facets of surgical technology and develop the clinical judgment needed in the surgical environment. The program enjoys strong partnerships with clinical sites across Philadelphia, allowing students to get experience across a wide variety of specialties.
3. Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is a private allied health college offering specialized programs in medical and technical fields. The school‘s Associate in Specialized Technology (AST) degree in Surgical Technology gives students robust training both in the classroom and the clinical setting.
Key highlights of the program include:
- 75-credit full-time program that can be completed in 6 semesters
- Prepares students for the CST certification exam
- Over 500 hours dedicated to hands-on clinical experience
- Training in new minimally invasive surgery techniques
Under expert faculty, students gain skills in surgical instrumentation, aseptic technique, patient care, medical terminology, and professional conduct. Small class sizes allow for individualized coaching and advising. Graduates have a strong surgical technology skill set making them competitive candidates for hospital and surgical center job openings.
4. Orleans Technical College
Orleans Technical College offers career-focused education across several industries including allied health. The school‘s Surgical Technology program provides students with a solid educational foundation along with extensive hands-on clinical experience.
Program highlights include:
- 73-credit full-time program that can be completed in 6 semesters
- Benefits from Orleans‘ 40+ year history in healthcare education
- Includes 550 hours dedicated to clinical experience in surgical settings
- 100% job placement rate for program graduates
Under the instruction of expert faculty, students gain skills in surgical procedures, sterile technique, equipment use, and patient care. The program enjoys strong partnerships with over 50 clinical sites, allowing students to get experience across orthopedics, cardiothoracics, neurosurgery, and other specialties. Graduates can pursue certification and enjoy strong career prospects in hospital operating rooms.
5. Rutgers University – Camden
The Rutgers School of Health Professions in Camden, NJ offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Surgical Technology. Spanning the disciplines of medicine, bioscience, technology, and interpersonal communication, the program thoroughly prepares students for all aspects of a surgical technology career.
Key features of this bachelor‘s degree program include:
- 120-credit full-time program that can typically be completed in 8 semesters
- Robust clinical experience – 660 hour clinical internship component
- Prepares students for the CST and CSFA exams
- Wide array of general education requirements beyond core surgical curriculum
The program benefits from Rutgers‘ expansive medical education infrastructure and research activity. Students receive comprehensive instruction in surgical instrumentation, procedures, patient care with an emphasis on communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills. The curriculum integrates emerging technologies and trends in the field. Graduates have a competitive edge in the job market with this bachelor‘s level training.
6. Harcum College
Harcum College offers an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program at its Bryn Mawr campus, just outside Philadelphia. The program provides robust theoretical education coupled with extensive hands-on clinical experience over just 5 semesters.
Key aspects of the program include:
- 72-credit full-time program that can be completed in 20 months
- 555 hours spent in clinical rotations at partner sites
- Training in new robotic surgery methods and laser technology
- 88% pass rate among Harcum grads on the CST exam
Under expert instruction from seasoned surgical technology educators, Harcum students gain skills in surgical instrumentation, supplies, safety protocols, patient care, and communication strategies. Small class sizes allow for individualized coaching and advising. The program has a strong reputation among Philadelphia-area hospital systems as a reliable source for skilled surgical techs.
7. Temple University Hospital
Temple University Hospital‘s Surgical Technology training program provides an alternative pathway to education and certification as a surgical tech. The 12-month certificate program admits students who already hold an associate or bachelor‘s degree in a science-related major.
Distinctive aspects of this surgical tech program include:
- Competitively admits just 6 students per cohort
- Includes intensive clinical rotations across Temple Hospital‘s surgical service lines
- Prepares students to sit for the NBSTSA CST exam
- Graduates enjoy direct job placement support at Temple hospitals
This accelerated program provides a robust six-month didactic experience covering instrumentation, equipment, patient safety, medical terminology, and communications followed by an intensive six-month clinical rotation. Students benefit from high-level instruction and direct exposure to Temple‘s dynamic surgical service operations and latest technologies.
8. Thomas Jefferson University – JSHP
The Jefferson College of Health Professions at Thomas Jefferson University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Surgical Technology. This program provides comprehensive preparation for students seeking careers as certified surgical technologists.
Notable aspects of the program include:
- 126-credit full-time program that can be completed in 8 semesters
- Over 650 supervised clinical hours across a range of specialties
- Strong focus on patient care, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking
- Access to Jefferson‘s advanced Center for Medical Simulation and Education
Through extensive didactic and clinical training, students gain mastery over surgical instrumentation, equipment, and procedures. The program emphasizes the cultural competencies and emotional intelligence needed to work effectively on the surgical care team. Graduates enjoy positive job prospects at Jefferson Hospital and other Philadelphia medical centers.
9. Philadelphia Technician Training Institute
Philadelphia Technician Training Institute offers a concentrated Surgical Technology program to prepare students for entry-level surgical tech positions across specialty areas. The program includes robust theoretical education complemented by hands-on labs and clinical experience.
Key aspects of this surgical tech program include:
- Can be completed full-time in 9 months or 12 months part-time
- Covers fundamentals of pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
- 130 hours spent in clinical externship rotation
- Financial aid and flexible payment options available
Led by faculty with decades of field expertise, students obtain skills in surgical instrumentation, sterile technique, diagnostic procedures, wound management, and more. Small classes mean personalized attention and support. Graduates can pursue the CST certification and enjoy strong job prospects in hospital, clinic, and private practice surgical settings.
10. Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Surgical Technology at its campus in scenic Williamsport. The program provides comprehensive preparation through classroom and lab instruction coupled with extensive on-site clinical experience.
Key program features include:
- 73-credit full-time program that can be completed in 5 semesters
- Hands-on training in the school‘s state-of-the-art simulation center
- Over 500 hours of clinical rotations across a variety of specialties
- 94% first-time pass rate on NBSTSA CST exam
The program benefits from Penn College‘s expertise in technical education and hands-on training. Students obtain conceptual knowledge and practical skills mastery needed to excel as surgical technologists across a range of healthcare environments. Small class sizes also allow for individualized instruction, coaching, and advising. Graduates enjoy strong job prospects and career growth potential.