The need for surgical technicians is rising yearly, and Arizona is no exception.
This dedicated position requires highly trained skills only gained through accredited schools.
When selecting a school, students look for flexibility, affordability, and future advancement.
Phoenix, Arizona, is rated as one of the top national locations for surgical technicians.
However, once your certificate is received, feel free to travel anywhere in the States with your skills.
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Licensing Requirements in Arizona to Become a Surgical Tech
There are no laws in Arizona requiring surgical technicians to be licensed.
However, many employers prefer certificates.
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential exam is given only after a certified tech program is completed at an accredited school.
5 Surgical Tech Schools in Arizona
Northland Pioneer College, Holbrook, Arizona
Rated as one of the highest-learning public community colleges in the state, Northland Pioneer has a reputation for being small but safe and welcoming.
They offer a 2-year surgical technology program that specializes in different areas.
These include:
- Orthopedics
- Robotics
- Cardiac
- Gynecology
- Plastics
Their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program is geared to meet the growing demand in this field at the lowest tuition rate in Arizona.
Entry requirements include a prerequisite for medical terminology and the human body in health and disease.
A “C” grade is expected to pass these courses.
Only then can a student be considered for enrollment.
The cost of all classes is based on credit hours.
In-state rates are $91 per credit or $73 for Navajo and Apache county residents.
Financial aid and scholarships are available, but no federal student loan programs exist.
Gateway Community College, Phoenix, Arizona
Gateway Community College is an affiliate of Mayo Clinic and offers a clinical rotation program in Surgical Technology.
This course is for serious-minded people who want to advance their operating room skills and careers.
The regular surgical tech degree is also offered but stops short after the two-year required credits are earned.
Courses consist of 8-hour days, two to five days a week.
On-the-job training is a requirement.
After graduation and certification, renewal can be achieved every 5 years with re-examination.
Only 20 students are accepted in the fall of each year.
The average cost for an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology tuition is $10,821 – $14,109, not including books.
Call (602) 286-8117 to discuss financial aid options.
Pima Medical Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
The Surgical Technology Associate Degree Program lasts 18 months.
It involves hands-on training and supervision by surgeons, which is a great way to learn the applications and techniques required for this course.
This is an on-campus program with other locations in Mesa and Tucson.
The average cost of tuition for Pima’s associate degree program is $19,082.
There are financial aid packages available, including:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Student Loans
- Scholarships
- Campus-Based Funding
Their financial services team will explain the options and help you complete the proper forms.
Call them at 800-477-7462.
A high school diploma or GED certificate is required to start your new career.
There are no prerequisites.
Carrington College, Phoenix, Arizona
With the 15-month program at Carrington, you will learn:
- Basic surgical procedures
- Surgical case management
- Introduction to Surgical Technology
- Some advanced surgical procedures
The surgical technician is responsible for preparing tools for surgery, helping prepare the patient, properly sterilizing instruments, and aiding the medical team during surgery.
This is a critical role that can be long and stressful.
By the end of the course, you will be armed with specialized training and associate degree credentials.
The total cost for first and second-year studies is $44,490.
There are student grants, loans, and scholarships available for qualifying students.
Brookline College, Tempe, Arizona
Brookline College has training locations in Tempe and Tucson, Arizona.
Technicians or scrub techs can complete a surgical technician course in 90 weeks with 71.5 credits.
An externship program is offered but not required.
This additional training leaves you with national accreditation.
While not required in Arizona, many employers prefer it.
Classes consist of simulation labs for practicing procedures with the latest surgical technology and equipment.
The average tuition and fees cost $89,400.
However, 80% of students take advantage of financial aid, which can lower the cost to $36,627.
Brookline has an excellent financial aid department that helps students start with affordable financing.
Surgical Technician Schools in Arizona – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Arizona
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Northland Pioneer College | 1001 W Deuce of Clubs, Show Low, AZ 85901, United States |
| Gateway Community College | 108 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States |
| Pima Medical Institute | 2121 N Craycroft Rd Building 1, Tucson, AZ 85712, United States |
| Carrington College | 8909 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95826, United States |
| Brookline College | 2445 W Dunlap Ave #100, Phoenix, AZ 85021, United States |
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technicians in Arizona can expect an annual salary of $62,000.
The growth in this medical field is expected to be 5% over the next 5 years.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Surgical Technologists in Arizona
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $51,800 |
| Tucson | $49,800 |
| Mesa | $51,800 |
| Glendale | $51,800 |
| Scottsdale | $51,800 |
| Chandler | $51,800 |
| Tempe | $51,800 |
| Gilbert | $51,800 |
| Peoria | $51,700 |
| Yuma | $56,000 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 50 | $52,870 | $25.42 | $62,670 | $38,720 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 1,750 | $59,970 | $28.83 | $77,290 | $40,990 |
| Tucson, AZ | 240 | $56,740 | $27.28 | $72,000 | $38,340 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is accreditation essential since Arizona does not require statewide?
This is a personal decision that should be considered in your career.
While it is not necessary, the perfect employer could come along and require this accreditation.
It may be better to have it than to go back and waste valuable time closing a job.
Why aren't there any online courses available for a Surgical Technician?
Procedures and techniques cannot be learned without some hands-on experience.
There are online classes that can lead to a Bachelor’s degree, but the fundamentals of the job are too important not to learn firsthand.
Why can some courses be finished in 15–18 months and others in 24 months?
The main reason is the school’s prerequisite requirements.
Some do not require this step.
