Chicago is home to some of the top surgical tech programs in Illinois that provide quality education and training to prepare graduates for certification and rewarding careers in operating rooms across Chicagoland medical facilities.
With healthcare being one of the fastest growing employment sectors, the role of surgical technicians is increasingly vital and offers strong job stability, competitive salaries, and abundant opportunities for advancement. This makes surgical technology an appealing career pathway for those interested in working on surgical teams alongside surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists.
Surgical techs play a critical hands-on role during surgical procedures – they prepare the operating room by arranging instruments, equipment and sterile drapes, assist physicians during surgeries by passing instruments and providing sterile items, and also handle specimen care and post-operative clean up. It‘s fast paced and requires technical precision, organization and effective communication skills.
To become a qualified surgical tech, formal education and training is highly recommended and many employers require certification. By completing an accredited surgical tech program and passing the national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam to achieve certification, graduates stand out as qualified candidates for OR jobs.
If you’re interested in launching a career in this growing healthcare profession, read on to discover some of the top surgical technology programs available in the Chicago metro area.
Why Accreditation Matters in a Surgical Tech Program
With many vocational programs to choose from, it‘s important for prospective surgical tech students to select one that‘s been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).
Accredited programs have proven they meet strict educational standards and provide the proper curriculum and training to thoroughly prepare students for the field. These programs undergo rigorous review and evaluation to ensure quality. Graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program will make you eligible to take the CST certification exam, which most employers require when hiring surgical techs.
So be sure that any program under consideration holds current and valid CAAHEP accreditation.
Top Chicago Surgical Tech Programs
Here’s an overview of some of the top-ranked surgical technology programs available in the Chicago area:
1. College of DuPage
- Accredited by CAAHEP
- Offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology
- 66 credit hour program
- Admits 30 students each Fall semester
- Competitively priced with affordable lab fees
- Graduates consistently achieve high pass rates on the CST exam
The College of DuPage offers a comprehensive program to prepare students for professional certification and employment as surgical technologists.
Students gain proficiency through courses in human anatomy, microbiology, surgical procedures, sterile processing, anesthesia, pharmacology and clinical practice. The program includes an intense 525-hour clinical externship where students get hands-on real world experience in operating rooms across Chicagoland medical facilities.
Successful graduates earn an Associate Degree and have a proven track record of landing surgical tech jobs after completing clinical rotations. Several students have also gone on to pursue Bachelor’s Degrees or advanced to management roles and teaching positions.
The College of DuPage checks all the boxes in terms of affordability, quality of education, job placement rates and student satisfaction. Visit their website for information on program admissions, requirements and graduate outcomes.
2. Oakton Community College
- Accredited by CAAHEP
- Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology
- 62 credit hours
- Competitive admissions with good career prospects
- Strong industry relationships providing clinical opportunities
- Pass rates consistently above national averages
For over 30 years, Oakton Community College has offered an acclaimed program to prepare students for certification and employment as surgical technologists across Chicagoland medical facilities. Students develop skills through coursework and laboratory instruction followed by a culminating 425 hour clinical externship for real-world experience.
The program has a strong reputation and track record. Oakton surgical technology graduates have achieved stellar pass rates on the CST exam consistently above national averages. This bodes well for employment prospects. The program also maintains excellent relationships with healthcare providers for clinical placements and job opportunities.
As an added benefit, graduates have gone on to further their education by pursuing Bachelor‘s and even Master‘s degrees from institutions that granted credit for this Associate degree program. If you aspire to advance in healthcare administration down the road, this program provides a great stepping stone.
Visit Oakton’s website to learn more about admissions requirements, costs, and outcomes for this highly regarded surgical technology program.
3. Malcolm X College
- Accredited by CAAHEP
- Offers a certificate program in Surgical Technology
- Competitively priced at just $2,900 total
- Convenient downtown Chicago location
- Graduate placement support through job fairs and employer events
For an affordable surgical technology program offered right in the heart of Chicago, Malcolm X College is a great choice. Their 39 credit hour Surgical Technology Certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions as surgical technologists and includes all requirements to apply for the national certification exam.
With small class cohorts of just 12 students, Malcolm X students benefit from personalized instruction and mentoring to build proficiency in surgical procedures, equipment and instruments. This sets graduates up for success when they begin working on surgical teams in Chicago operating rooms. The program has a strong job placement track record thanks to the career preparation services and industry connections offered to students.
The total cost estimate to complete the program rings in at just $2,900 when factoring in tuition, fees, books, uniforms, supplies and more. For a surgical tech program offering convenient downtown access with job placement assistance at this price point, you really can’t do better than Malcolm X College.
Choosing the Best Surgical Tech Program for Your Needs
With several excellent surgical technology programs available across Chicagoland, it’s wise to do some thoughtful research to determine which option offers the best fit based on your career aspirations, schedule, learning preferences and budget.
Evaluate program factors like cost, curriculum, clinical hours, career support services and more. Determine what combination of features is ideal for your goals. Compile a list of your “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves”.
For instance, if cost is a major factor, Malcolm X College offers an affordable certificate at just $2,900 while other programs cost upwards of $10,000 to complete. However, if you prefer earning an Associate Degree that allows room for furthering your education down the road, Oakton or College of DuPage would be stronger options even though they carry higher price tags. Most offer weekday, evening and weekend schedules to accommodate different lifestyles.
Make time to visit campuses of interest. Meet instructors and students if possible. This gives better perspective about the teaching quality, school culture and overall vibe. Location and transportation accessibility might also influence your program selection if attending daily classes on-site.
Doing this upfront due diligence allows you to find the surgical technology training opportunity best aligned with your career aspirations and learning requirements.
Job Outlook for Surgical Techs in Chicago
The job outlook for surgical technologists in the Chicago metropolitan area is very strong. According to Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) projections, surgical tech positions in Chicago are expected to grow 16.5% through 2026 – much faster than average job outlook across all occupations. Healthcare support roles including surgical technicians are expected to see the largest category of new jobs added in Chicago over the next decade.
This robust outlook is attributed to an the aging population requiring more healthcare services, advances in medical technology driving more operating room procedures, and the Affordable Care Act which increased access to healthcare coverage. All good signs for those entering the surgical tech profession in years ahead.
Beyond plentiful job openings, surgical techs in Chicago earn lucrative wages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual pay hovers around $50,000 representing median hourly wages ranging $22-29. Those employed in hospital settings – around 90% of surgical techs – earn the highest wages that can reach up to $40 per hour.
So graduates of accredited surgical tech programs enjoy bright prospects finding steady employment with salaries exceeding comparable roles in other industries without postsecondary education requirements.
Prepping for the CST Certification Exam
Earning the CST designation remains the gold standard in surgical technology that opens doors to the best OR job opportunities. Passing the rigorous Certified Surgical Technologist exam demonstrates one‘s technical skills and readiness to be a valued surgical team member.
Most accredited programs comprehensively cover the CST exam domains which include areas like:
- Perioperative Patient Care
- Basic Science
- Surgical Procedures
- Equipment, Instrumentation and Technology
- Professional Responsibilities
In addition to closely following your program‘s surgical technology instruction, be sure to thoroughly review the exam breakdown and specialty content areas online to identify knowledge gaps.
Many programs also offer a CST practice exam and prep course to help identify strengths versus improvement areas as you strategically study. Find free practice quizzes online that allow you to experience different types of test questions.
Schedule your exam soon after completing your program while surgical concepts are still fresh. With diligent preparation using all resources available, graduating surgical tech students can confidently conquer the CST exam.
Getting Hands-On Experience Through Externships
A major component of quality surgical tech programs involves completing clinical externship rotations. This gives students invaluable real-world experience working side-by-side professional surgical teams in hospitals and outpatient facilities under instructor supervision.
During 225-525 hour externships, students get first-hand practice with:
- Prepping patients and operating rooms properly
- Anticipating needs of surgical team members
- Passing instruments correctly
- Achieving competence in equipment sterilization and medical safety/infection control processes
- Gaining foresight into workflow and processes
Rather than just shadowing, externs actively participate in surgeries as part of two to five person surgical teams. top programs place students across variety of specialties – both general and specialty like orthopedics or cardiothoracic – to develop well-rounded abilities. Healthcare partners tend to offer externs performing well opportunities for future employment.
If your program doesn‘t formally include an externship, seek opportunities to independently observe surgeries through informational interviews or job shadows with OR managers. Experience in the field before applying for surgical tech jobs offers major advantage.
Success Stories from Chicago Surgical Tech Grads
Wondering what life is like after graduating from surgical tech training? Meet two Chicago grads who successfully jumped into OR careers after completing top accredited programs:
Joy Thompson, Oakton Community College
After working for years in retail jobs, I wanted a more stable healthcare career that offered job security and better pay. I researched medical field options before choosing surgical technology which balanced my interests in anatomy, technology and helping people.
Oakton‘s surgical tech program was intense yet gave me exactly the hands-on training I needed to feel fully prepared when I entered operating rooms during clinical rotations. The career placement services also helped me confidently interview and land a surgical tech job at Northwestern Memorial Hospital where I’ve now worked for over 5 years. I love being part of a life-saving surgical team and take pride in helping provide quality patient care. My earning potential and job stability crushes anything I experienced in retail!
Alan Gonzalez, College of DuPage
I always enjoyed science and anatomy but struggled deciding on a healthcare career path after high school. Surgical technology offered the perfect way to use my healthcare interests more hands-on. College of DuPage gave me rock solid education and training combined with abundant clinical experience.
After earning my Associate’s Degree and passing the CST exam, I got hired right away at Advocate Christ Medical Center. Within my first year, I cross-trained to also handle surgical equipment processing between cases. Now as lead tech, I help train new surgical techs coming into the OR while also coordinating equipment needs for complex cardiac and orthopedic caseloads. I’m grateful for the strong foundation DuPage gave me to advance in this field.
Top Chicago Hospitals Employing Surgical Techs
With nearly 150 hospitals and medical centers in Chicago, surgical tech grads enter a robust job market full of opportunities. Here are some of the largest hospitals and specialty facilities that currently employ sizeable surgical tech staffs:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Highly-regarded academic medical center that offers Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma centers along with over 40 medical and surgical specialties
- Modern operating rooms delivering cutting-edge medicine including leading heart, cancer, neurology, orthopedics and transplantation treatment
- Wide variety of surgeries allows surgical techs to develop experience across specialties
Rush University Medical Center
- Top academic hospital affiliated with medical college and nursing school
- Specializes in neuroscience, cancer, heart, bone/joint and transplants drawing patients nationally and globally
- Ranked nationally in eight adult specialties by U.S. News & World Report
Lurie Children’s Hospital
- The largest pediatric provider in Illinois delivering advanced medicine to children and teens
- Surgical expertise spans orthopedics, neurology, cancer, organ transplants, heart surgery, trauma and countless pediatric subspecialties
- Modern operating rooms contain high-tech surgical imaging systems and robotic tools
University of Chicago Medicine
- Nationally ranked hospital associated with Biological Sciences Division medical school
- Adult-focused clinical specialties include cancer, diabetes/endocrinology, GI disorders, advanced surgical treatments and transplants
- Opened Center for Care and Discovery adding spacious new OR suites and surgical patient units
Mount Sinai Hospital
- Well-established safety-net hospital primarily serving low income populations on Chicago’s West Side
- Robust surgical services include orthopedics, bariatrics, gynecology, colorectal health, general surgery and more
- Strong need for dedicated surgical team members committed to supporting diverse patient community
Edward Hines VA Hospital
- Part of US Department of Veterans Affairs providing care exclusively to veterans
- Features large surgical program with operating rooms in main hospital and ambulatory surgery clinic
- Great environment for mission-driven surgical techs looking to serve those who served our country
Clearly the array of exceptional Chicago hospitals and specialty surgical centers provide no shortage of job options for certified techs. Graduates from accredited programs quickly find facilities well-suited to their skills and interests.
Conclusion
Surgical technology offers an attractive career pathway into the rewarding healthcare field. The programs profiled here represent some of the top surgical technologist training options across Chicagoland. They produce competent professionals ready to enter ORs and make meaningful contributions during surgery.
With Chicago area hospitals performing over 550,000 surgeries annually, demand for certified surgical techs remains high for years to come. Graduates can expect excellent job prospects and competitive salaries after completing accredited programs.
If playing a vital hands-on role on surgical teams appeals to you, further explore these surgical technology programs in Chicago. The education and training will equip you to shine among future coworkers as skillful, supportive operating room team players well equipped to handle intense environments.