Pennsylvania is a large state with lots of employment opportunities and lots of educational institutions.
Being a surgical technologist in Pennsylvania is a growing field and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the field will grow by 5% by 2032, which is more than many other fields.
With competitive salaries, job opening, and plenty of study options, surgical technology is a good field to invest your time in.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Technician in Pennsylvania
Surgical technicians are not required to be licensed by the state of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology is located in Williamsport, PA.
This program offers 200+ hours of hands-on practice handling specialized instruments in a state-of-the art lab.
500+ hours will be spent in operating rooms at locations affiliated with the school.
The average class size is 18.
The program has a 100% placement rate.
This course makes sure that graduates are real world ready.
Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree.
This is a selective admission program.
Students need to have a laptop.
Chromebooks are not allowed.
Students must maintain a C or higher grade level.
The Penn College Surgical Technology major is accredited.
The estimated cost per year is $20,000.
Central Penn College
Central Penn College is located in Summerdale, PA.
The Surgical Technology Program takes 18 months to complete.
Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.
Applicants must pass two science courses and one algebra, either in high school or college.
Applicants must get a background check, have up-to-date vaccinations, and be CPR certified.
Central Penn College is working with University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and USMC Pinnacle Foundation to hire graduates and those graduates will receive financial assistance and potentially full tuition reimbursement.
You will complete observation experience as well as a 120-case internship during the program.
Graduates will sit for the national certification exam at the conclusion of the program.
Central Pennsylvania Community College
HACC (Harrisburg Area Community College) was founded in 1964 and is located in Harrisburg, PA.
HACC has 5 campuses; Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York.
The Surgical Technology Program is accredited.
The program is 63 credits and provides graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree.
The Surgical Technology Program is only offered in Harrisburg.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED.
Students must attend the mandatory information session.
The hospital externship begins in the second clinical semester.
Clinical externship will take place during three semesters.
Prerequisites can be taken online or at other campuses.
Tuition is $16,746.60 with an additional $988.94 in fees, which includes fingerprinting, background check, drug testing, scrubs, physical, and the certification exam.
SJU Saint Joseph University
Saint Joseph University is located in Lancaster, PA and Philadelphia.
The Surgical Technology Program is a hybrid two-year program that takes place on the Lancaster campus.
Graduates will receive an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology.
Saint Joseph University also has a 48 credit Surgical Technology Program that results in a certificate.
To enroll in the Surgical Technology Certificate Program you must already have an associate degree or higher.
Both the 65 credit course and the 48 credit course prepare students to take the national certificate exam.
The program has an 89% pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technology exam.
100% placement rate for graduates of this program.
Those applying for the Surgical Tech Program must have a high school diploma, GED, or have received a diploma from an accredited homeschooling association.
The Center for Excellence in Practice Simulation Center provides as near to real life experience as possible in a lab setting.
Actual operating room experience will be assigned beginning within the first year.
Premier medical facilities within Pennsylvania participate in the clinical part of the program.
Tuition for the Surgical Technology Program is $683 per credit and an additional $10,305 in fees.
Mount Aloysius College
Mount Aloysius College is a private Catholic college in Cresson, PA.
This is a hybrid program.
The first half of the program is online and in the classroom.
The second half is a real life experience in the operating room.
The Surgical Technician Program is a full-time two-year program.
Mount Aloysius has a 100% placement rate for graduates and a 100% pass on the national surgical technology exam.
This program has been in existence for over 30 years.
The Surgical Technology Course is conveniently located at Penn Highlands Heathcare in Dubois, PA.
Students must participate in 120 actual surgeries.
These surgeries may be general, orthopedic cardiac, plastic surgery and much more.
Many students have job offers even before graduation.
The tuition is around $50,000 for the two-year program with financial aid being available.
Surgical Technician Schools in Pennsylvania – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Pennsylvania
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | 1 College Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701, United States |
| Central Penn College | 600 Valley Rd, Summerdale, PA 17093, United States |
| Central Pennsylvania Community College | 1 HACC Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17110, United States |
| SJU Saint Joseph University | 5600 City Ave, Merion Station, PA 19131, United States |
| Mount Aloysius College | 7373 Admiral Peary Hwy, Cresson, PA 16630, United States |
Salary
The average salary for surgical technicians in Pennsylvania is $53,000.
With a low of about $41.000 and a high of $66,000 depending on the area and your experience.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Surgical Technologists in Pennsylvania
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $55,400 |
| Pittsburgh | $51,600 |
| Allentown | $52,800 |
| Erie | $48,400 |
| York | $51,200 |
| Reading | $52,200 |
| Scranton | $49,600 |
| Bethlehem | $52,800 |
| Lebanon | $50,900 |
| Johnstown | $47,200 |
Regional Salary in Pennsylvania
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA | 60 | $43,390 | $20.86 | $48,790 | $26,750 |
| Erie, PA | 90 | $45,640 | $21.94 | $55,890 | $37,740 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 250 | $53,740 | $25.84 | $60,440 | $46,240 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 1,760 | $57,310 | $27.56 | $71,280 | $47,350 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 780 | $51,700 | $24.86 | $64,160 | $42,190 |
| Reading, PA | 90 | $52,560 | $25.27 | $58,400 | $46,230 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA | 220 | $47,720 | $22.94 | $57,620 | $44,990 |
| Williamsport, PA | 70 | $54,270 | $26.09 | $77,120 | $45,590 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 150 | $53,200 | $25.58 | $66,290 | $45,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the highest salaries for surgical technology in Pennsylvania?
The highest salaries at this time are in Philadelphia and the surrounding communities.
How many hospitals are there in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has 330 active hospitals across the state which offer many opportunities for surgical technicians.
How does Pennsylvania rank in cost of living versus salary?
Pennsylvania is #24 which is just about in the middle and salaries for surgical technologists are also right around the middle.
