In an era where remote learning has become more common, many prospective surgical technologists are asking: Can you complete a surgical tech program online? And if so, is it worth it in 2025? With increasing demand for skilled operating-room staff and evolving educational models, it’s important to understand the opportunities and the risks of online programs in surgical technology.
Why the appeal of online surgical tech programs?
There are several attractive features of online or hybrid surgical technologist programs:
- Flexibility – Online coursework allows students to study from home, at times that suit them. surgicaltechprograms.org+1
- Accessibility – For students in rural areas, or those with family/work obligations, online components can make training more feasible. surgicaltechprograms.org+1
- Potential cost-savings – Some online or hybrid programs list lower tuition or fewer ‘on-campus’ expenses. Preppy+1
- Speed to entry – Some accelerated programs claim to prepare you for entry into the workforce sooner. stepful.com
These features make online programs appealing. But the key question remains: can they adequately prepare someone for the role of a surgical technologist — a role that involves physical, hands-on work in the operating theatre?
What you must check: Accreditation, clinicals & certification
If you’re considering an online surgical tech program, these three factors are essential:
- Accreditation
The principal accrediting body for surgical technology education in the U.S. is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). According to the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), only CAAHEP-accredited programs make students eligible for the national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. ast.org+1
If a program lacks CAAHEP accreditation, it may severely limit your employment options. - Hands-on training / clinical externships
A surgical technologist’s job is inherently physical and involves sterile technique, instrumentation, passing tools during surgery, etc. Many online programs handle the knowledge component online but still require in-person lab and clinical rotations. Programs that claim “100 % online” with little or no hands-on may leave you under-prepared. Research.com+1
One Reddit user warns: > “You need a lot of lab time … I couldn’t imagine doing this remotely.” Reddit - Certification / Eligibility for CST or other recognized credential
After completing your education, employers typically look for credentials such as CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) or TS-C (Tech in Surgery-Certified) by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Some online programs claim to prepare you for TS-C rather than the CST. While TS-C may be legitimate, many employers give preference to CST from CAAHEP-accredited programs. Research.com+1
What are the benefits of online/ hybrid surgical tech programs in 2025?
- More flexibility for non-traditional students: If you already work in healthcare and want to pivot into surgical tech, an online or hybrid program might provide the knowledge portion while you complete labs as convenient.
- Potentially faster entry into the field: Some certificate-type programs claim completion in 4–6 months. workforce.sau.edu+1
- Lower disruption: You can keep your current job, study remotely, and adjust around life responsibilities better than full time campus programs.
- Modern learning tools: Online modules often include interactive simulations, video demonstrations of instrumentation, and remote learning platforms — which can be helpful preparatory work for OR lab experiences.
What are the major drawbacks and risks?
- Inadequate hands-on/clinical training: No matter how good the online modules, surgical technology demands real-life practice in the operating room. Without adequate lab or clinical externship components, you may be less employable. As one commenter put it: “Most don’t even know how to scrub when they get to clinicals.” Reddit
- Accreditation confusion / employer acceptance: Some online programs may claim “accredited” but by bodies not widely recognised by hospitals. Reddit threads report that some graduates of certain online programs struggled to find job placements because their credential wasn’t accepted. Reddit
- Limited recognition for full credentials: Fully online programs for entry-level surgical tech are rare or unsupported — a recent review concluded that “fully accredited one-year online degrees for new students are quite limited.” Research.com
- Self-discipline required: Online learning requires you stay motivated and manage time effectively; this may be more challenging when the hands-on component is delayed or outside the structured environment. surgicaltechprograms.org
- Cost vs benefit: If you spend time and money in a program that doesn’t qualify you for preferred certification or employment, you may be worse off financially and career-wise. A Reddit user stated: “The problem with online programs is they do not provide clinicals… No place I know of hires STs without any clinical training.” Reddit
So: Are they worth it in 2025?
The short answer: It depends. The worth of an online surgical tech program in 2025 hinges on the quality, accreditation, and clinical structure of the program. Here’s a breakdown:
- Yes — if the program is CAAHEP-accredited (or has an equivalent legitimate accreditation), includes on-site labs and clinical rotations in partnership with hospitals, leads to recognized credentialing (CST or equivalent), and you can commit to the hands-on component.
- Maybe — for certain students: If you already have healthcare experience, perhaps are working in OR-adjacent roles, and you choose an online or hybrid program that builds on your background — then it could work.
- No — if the program is fully online with minimal clinical work, lacks strong accreditation, doesn’t lead to the credentials hospitals require, or you’re seeking entry-level with no prior healthcare background. In that scenario, you may be better off with a traditional campus or hybrid program at a community college.
Tips for choosing a good online surgical tech program in 2025
When evaluating a program, consider these key questions:
- What accrediting body is recognized? Verify whether it’s CAAHEP via ARC/STSA. ast.org
- How many in-person lab/clinical hours? Confirm the extent of hands-on work and whether the school helps you secure clinical placements.
- Does it prepare you for CST or other employer-recognized certification? Ensure the credential aligns with what employers in your region expect.
- What are the employment outcomes? Ask for job placement rates, employer acceptance of graduates of the program.
- What is the cost vs expected salary? Consider your return on investment. For example, some programs list tuition of ~$3,400-$4,000. healthtechacademy.org+1
- Read student reviews/feedback: Look up Reddit or other forums for practical experiences — you’ll find caveats. As one user wrote: “Do not do online surgical tech programs! … It’s actually a great foundation … but you’ll have to put the real work in.” Reddit
Conclusion
Online surgical tech programs can be worth it in 2025 — but only under the right conditions. The role of a surgical technologist is hands-on and high-stakes; what works online must be backed by rigorous in-person lab and clinical experience, recognized accreditation, and alignment with employer expectations.
If you’re serious about becoming a surgical technologist, do your homework: make sure the program you choose gives you everything you need to be job-ready in an OR. If you find a quality online/hybrid option that checks those boxes — then yes, it can be a smart, efficient route. But if you choose a shortcut with low accreditation or minimal clinicals, you may end up with a credential that doesn’t carry weight.
