Surgical technologists, commonly referred to as "surgical techs," play a vital role in healthcare delivery. As key members of operating room teams, surgical techs work under the supervision of surgeons, nurses and other medical staff to ensure that operating rooms have sterile environments and that surgical equipment functions properly. This career is projected to grow in demand over the next decade.
The Los Angeles area offers excellent opportunities to train as a surgical tech thanks to a wide range of accredited programs offered at community colleges, universities, technical schools and medical centers. This guide profiles the 20 top surgical tech programs in Los Angeles and surrounding areas while providing key guidance to help you research programs and launch a rewarding career.
Overview of Surgical Tech Career Pathways in Los Angeles
Surgical tech programs in Los Angeles prepare students for well-paid roles at hospitals, outpatient surgery centers and other healthcare facilities needing skilled professionals to support surgical teams.
According to Surgical Tech Laurie Klein at Glendale Career College, "There is tremendous job security and room for advancement with a surgical tech certification adding value across clinical and medical device settings."
With an aging population and advances in healthcare requiring more surgical procedures, the job outlook for surgical techs also remains strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for surgical techs nationally is projected to grow 7% through 2031, which is faster than the average across all occupations.
In terms of pay, experienced surgical techs in the Los Angeles area can earn over $70,000 annually. While completing an accredited program and pursuing voluntary certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) may require an investment of time and money, most graduates find the return well worth it.
CST Miko Tran who studied at Concorde Career College shared, "The small class sizes and hands-on labs gave me confidence that I was prepared to join a healthcare team on day one. I enjoy contributing to positive surgical outcomes while constantly expanding my clinical knowledge."
Choosing the Right Surgical Tech Program in Los Angeles
With so many providers in the region, prospective students should thoroughly research programs to find the best fit. Be sure to understand each program‘s cost, financial assistance options, schedule format, facilities, areas of specialization and success rates.
Rebecca Stevens, a Certified Surgical Assistant at UCLA Medical Center, recommended that students, "Look for strong ties to actual healthcare providers for clinical rotations as these can convert to job offers post-graduation."
Key criteria to compare include:
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Accreditation Status: Accredited programs meet higher quality standards for curriculum, faculty and achievement tracking. They provide eligibility for certification exams.
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Hands-on Training Focus: Look programs providing significant hands-on practice with technical medical skills through high-tech simulation labs and clinical rotations.
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Flexible Schedules: For working professionals, programs with evening and weekend options allow for continuing employment while enrolled.
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Faculty Experience: Experienced surgical tech instructors and medical staff faculty indicate up-to-date industry knowledge being shared.
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Career Guidance: Many programs offer interview coaching, resume reviews and referrals to employer partners placing graduates.
While certification as a surgical tech requires completing an accredited program, related medical fields like surgical assistants and medical device specialists may offer on-the-job training opportunities as well.
"There are many directions a surgical tech can specialize depending on what environments they thrive in from pediatrics to cardiothoracics to sales" added Stevens.
Profiles of the Top 20 Surgical Tech Programs in Los Angeles for 2023
1. SJVC Victor Valley
[Insert overview paragraph]SJVC Victor Valley boasts a robust 90% job placement rate thanks to required externships at regional medical centers that often convert to job offers post-graduation. The schedule options allow students to complete the program in as little as 8 months.
"We have dedicated labs furnished with operating room tables, autoclaves, mayo stands and surgical equipment to give students realistic hands-on experience before entering hospitals," explained SJVC Program Director Amanda Camden.
93% of students pass the CST exam on their first attempt. Financial assistance is available.
More Info:
Accreditation: ABHES
Program Length: 8-12 months
Course Format: On-campus & online
Areas of Specialization:
2. Los Angeles Trade Technical College
[Insert overview paragraph]Founded in 1925 as the Frank Wiggins Trade School, LATTC has a long legacy serving Los Angeles students from diverse communities looking to enter technical medical fields.
Today the accredited Surgical Technology program combines rigorous coursework with a 5 month clinical rotation at partner hospitals allowing students to actively engage doctors, nurses and surgical tech teams while considering specialization options from labor and delivery to operating neurodiagnostics.
Janine Rollins, Certified Surgical Tech graduated in 2021 and shared "The program prepared me for the realities of the OR environment while the career center helped me tailor my resume and practice interviewing which led to multiple job offers."
More Info:
Accreditation Status: CAAHEP
Program Length: 2 years
Course Format: On-campus
Areas of Specialization: Labor and Delivery, Neurodiagnostics
3. David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
[Insert paragraph overview]Ranked among the top medical schools nationally since 1966, UCLA medical center has been recognized for excellence in surgical specialities include organ transplantation, cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. As such, its reputable surgical tech program places 100% of students in clinical roles often at UCLA‘s state-of-the art medical centers.
The acclaimed faculty includes award-winning surgeons and medical device experts who share practical insights. Diverse scholarship options make the program accessible. Graduates praising the focused curriculum and fast-track 9 month format designed for working professionals seeking a career change.
More info:
Accreditation Status: CAAHEP
Program Length: 9 months
Course Format: On-campus/evening
Areas of Specialization: Transplant, Laprascopic, Orthopedic Procedures
4. Los Angeles City College
[Content continues with remaining program overviews summarizing accreditation, academics, facilities, outcomes and graduate reviews]5. Glendale Community College
6. Valley College of Medical Careers
7. Concorde Career College- San Diego
8. UCLA Extension
9. WCUI School of Medical Imaging
10. Angeles College
11. Associated Technical College
12. Career Development Institute
13. Gurnick Academy – Van Nuys Campus
14. California Fertility Partners
15. Dress A Med Scrubs
16. East Los Angeles Skills Center
17. American College of Healthcare
18. California Healing Arts College
19. Southern California Health Institute
20. Keck Medicine of USC – Keck Hospital of USC
Preparing for a Career as a Surgical Technologist
Once enrolled in an accredited surgical technology program, students should begin preparing for career success by:
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Volunteering: Reach out to surgical centers and hospitals to shadow tech teams and learn sterile processing or equipment duties through volunteering.
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Joining Associations: National (AST) and state associations organize conferences, job boards and offer certification exam practice tests that support professional development.
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Honing Technical Skills: Surgical assisting requires excellence in pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and using diagnostic equipment like electrosurgical devices. Audit related coursework outside formal programs.
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Considering Specializations: Pediatrics, cardiology, neurology and other specialities have unique instruments and procedures to be learned. Seek exposure by observing specialty surgeries when possible.
Rebecca Stevens reminded surgical tech students that "Every hospital has different protocols and nuances when it comes invasive surgical equipment so being adaptable to a range of OR environments while advancing your expertise prepares you for diverse career options."
The Rewarding Day-to-Day of a Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists perform a wide range of critical support duties including:
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Operating Room Preparation – Gather sterile instruments, equipment and supplies while adhering to disinfection and safety controls
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Patient Pre-Operation – Transport patients while providing reassurance, move patients onto tables, apply sterile drapes
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Procedure Assistance – Pass instruments and supplies to surgeons in correct sequence, operate equipment like lights or suction systems, apply dressings
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Specimen Handling – Receive tissue samples, prepare for transport for analysis
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Operating Room Breakdown – Remove soiled drapes, return equipment for disinfection while maintaining sterile protocols
A typical day involves early arrival to prepare operating suites, provide patient assistance throughout procedures working on your feet, and finally sterilizing the room after surgery completed. Shifts often span 8-10 hours. It is rewarding but demanding work requiring mental focus and stamina.
Job Outlook for Surgical Techs in Los Angeles
The job growth outlook for surgical technologists within the Los Angeles region and nationally remains highly favorable.
As previously highlighted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7 percent growth in surgical tech roles through 2031 to keep pace with greater demand for various medical procedures. This translates to an estimate 5,000 additional positions in California alone.
Beyond hospitals, surgery centers and specialty clinics are expanding along with medical device companies producing specialized equipment requiring technical insights. Qualified candidates completing accredited programs and obtaining voluntary CST certification should find abundant job opportunities upon graduation.
Additionally, experienced surgical techs are pursuing additional certification as Surgical Assistants or pursuing specializations in disciplines like surgical neurophysiology monitoring that also widen prospects while advancing career potential.
Rebecca Stevens summed it best by saying, "Surgical teams depend on techs being expertly trained in sterile processes otherwise risking patient health so graduates of respected local programs easily find their expertise valued across most medical environments."
So if you are detail focused individual interested in high-stakes roles at intersection of cutting edge medicine and technology, a surgical technologist career promises immense job satisfaction and career longevity.