Prepare for the operating room with an A.A.S. Surgical Technology
Every second in surgery matters. And so does every member of the surgical team. As a surgical technologist, you’ll help keep surgeries running smoothly: sterile instruments at the ready, a secure surgical field, and a team that’s supported. At Franklin, you’ll learn those skills the way you’ll use them, thanks to didactic courses paired with skills assessment and real clinical experience, so you graduate ready for the OR – and beyond.
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Step into the OR
Gain early clinical experience to prepare for the demands of surgery.
Gain the Edge
Graduate eligible to sit for the NCCT TS-C certification exam.
Stay Focused, Finish Strong
Move seamlessly through didactic courses paired with hands-on skills assessment for real-world readiness.
A.A.S. in Surgical Technology Program Overview
You’ve thought about a healthcare career, but a four-year degree may feel out of reach right now. With Franklin’s A.A.S. in Surgical Technology, you can start sooner and make an impact faster. In just 24 months, you’ll prepare for one of healthcare's most critical roles in the fast-paced, patient-focused environment: the operating room.
In this surgical technologist degree program, you’ll learn to prepare instruments, maintain sterile conditions, and assist surgical teams during procedures, all while prioritizing and supporting patient safety.
And because every didactic course is paired with a skills assessment, you’ll begin applying techniques like aseptic practice and instrumentation handling from day one. By your second semester, you’ll step into hospital-based clinical settings, where teamwork and attention to detail matter most. This is the Surgical Technology associates degree program that's designed to give you the capabilities, confidence, and real-world readiness to perform in the surgical setting and move your career forward.
Start in the Classroom, Finish in the OR
Textbooks teach you the “what,” but surgical technology is all about the “how.” That’s why Franklin’s A.A.S. in Surgical Technology blends classroom learning with immediate, hands-on application. You’ll start with the essentials – anatomy, microbiology, infection control, and pharmacology – then put your knowledge to work in skills labs designed to replicate the sterile, technology-rich environment of the operating room.
By your second semester, you’ll transition into real clinical rotations, working side-by-side with experienced surgical teams in hospital-based settings. These experiences will prepare you for the fast-paced, protocol-heavy reality of the OR, where every move counts and every team member supports patient safety.
With our associates program, you won’t just graduate with knowledge, you’ll leave with the practical skills and confidence to step into a surgical technologist role and succeed.
From Classroom to Career in 24 Months
This isn’t just a degree program. It’s a plan for a career you can be proud of. In just about two years, you’ll graduate prepared for the workforce and eligible to sit for the TS-C exam through NCCT.
With Franklin's A.A.S. in Surgical Technology, every course builds your expertise in surgical instrumentation, sterile technique, and case management – the skills surgical technologists use everyday in the operating room.
Looking ahead? Your credits transfer seamlessly into Franklin bachelor’s programs like Public Health or Healthcare Administration, giving you options to advance your career if and when you're ready. So, whether you want to start strong in the OR or keep moving toward leadership, Franklin provides a clear path forward.
Future Start Dates
Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please request free information & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.
Your Best Value A.A.S. in Surgical Technology
Choose Franklin's A.A.S. in Surgical Technology and get a high-quality degree that fits your life and your budget.
Keep the Credit You've Earned
Transfer up to 75% of required credits to finish faster and spend less.
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(After Partner Discount)
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98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.
Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Spring 2025)
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A.A.S. in Surgical Technology Courses & Curriculum
AND
AND
4 credits from the following subjects: HUMN, SOSC, PSYC, SOCL
In this course, students acquire the writing competencies necessary for completing analytical and argumentative papers supported by secondary research. A variety of assignments, beginning with personal reflections, build upon one another, as students develop ideas that respond to, critique, and synthesize the positions of others. Students systematize and organize knowledge in ways that will help them in all their courses. The course also emphasizes the elements of critical reading, effective writing style, appropriate grammar and mechanics, clarity of language, and logical and cohesive development. It culminates in submission of an extended, documented research paper.
At least 4 credits from the following courses:
AND
Choose either MATH 140 Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning or MATH 150 Fundamental Algebra as the prerequisite to MATH 215. Course can count as a University Elective.
AND
Related Bachelor's degrees will require MATH 215.
This course is designed for students interested in the allied healthcare professions. The course focuses on the fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology that are necessary to be successful in any allied healthcare program. This course can be used to fulfill the general education science with a lab requirement, however, it is not recommended for students outside the allied health professions.
This course is designed for students pursuing allied health professions and provides an overview of human health and disease processes. Students will learn about common diseases and how they affect human health at cellular, organ, and systemic levels. Emphasis will be placed on the body as a system and how disease impacts the human body as a whole. The course focuses on the fundamental concepts of health and human disease that are necessary to be successful in any allied healthcare program. The pre-requisite for SCIE 254 is successful completion (a C or better) in SCIE 244.
This course is a survey of the various fields of study comprising modern scientific psychology. We will examine the theories, research findings, and applications in each of the major areas of psychology, with the goal of providing students with practical information they can apply to their personal and professional lives. The topic areas covered in the course include learning and memory, motivation and emotion, human development, theories of personality, psychopathology, and social behavior.
This course provides a basic introduction to public health concepts and practice by examining the philosophy, purpose, history, organization, functions, tools, activities and results of public health practice at the national, state, and community levels. The course also examines public health occupations and careers. Case studies and a variety of practice-related exercises serve as a basis for learner participation in practical public health problem-solving simulations.
This course will provide fundamental information regarding health, healthcare, and the healthcare delivery system. Students will become familiar with the various types of healthcare organizations, stakeholders, and healthcare issues in order to shape their understanding of the different components of the healthcare delivery system. Through the exploration of health information, students will discuss and analyze the role healthcare professions play within healthcare.
This course will introduce the foundations of medical terminology nomenclature and use. Emphasis will be on the fundamentals of prefix, word root, and suffix linkages to build a broad medical vocabulary.
This course prepares the Surgical Technologist to understand common pharmacological agents, actions, and delivery techniques used in surgical procedures. Students will learn basic skills in identifying medication classifications, actions, and delivery techniques. Focus will on proper patient and personnel safety protocols, and associated regulatory requirements.
This course explores the fundamental aspects of microbiology with an emphasis on those microorganisms that cause human disease. Topics include the structure and growth requirements of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, the methods used to control microorganisms, microbial genetics, methods microorganisms use to cause human disease, the human immune response, and microbial diseases of the body. Students will also be introduced to sterile technique and use of the compound microscope.
This course sets the foundation for the role of a Surgical Technologist in today's healthcare environment. Focus will be on the areas of responsibilities, law and ethics, and developing a career plan to advance in this critical field.
Course Description: This course provides hands-on application of foundational surgical technology skills in a hospital facility, surgical center, or other appropriate site. Students will practice basic aseptic techniques, surgical instrumentation handling, and perioperative patient care. Simulated surgical procedures will reinforce theoretical knowledge and develop fundamental competencies necessary for clinical practice.
This course explores infection control, sterilization, and aseptic techniques essential to surgical practice. Students will learn to disrupt the chain of infection, classify wounds, and understand wound healing. Emphasis is placed on proper hand hygiene, PPE use, sterilization packaging methods, and the complex life cycle of surgical cases, including patient status, technique, instrumentation, and equipment, ensuring patient and provider safety.
Building upon foundational skills, this course focuses on the application of surgical techniques in simulated and clinical environments. Students will refine their aseptic techniques, surgical case preparation, and intraoperative skills under faculty supervision. Clinical observation and participation in basic surgical procedures will introduce students to real-world surgical settings.
This course provides comprehensive instruction in sterile processing, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the proper decontamination, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment. Topics include infection control, microbiology, instrument identification, sterilization techniques, inventory management, and regulatory compliance. Emphasis is placed on industry standards, patient safety, and best practices in central sterile services. Upon completion, students will be prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam.
This course is the first of two that will build the student's practical skills for assisting in the operating room using various instrumentation, safety protocols, and procedures for general and specialized surgeries. Students will develop their hands-on acumen through practical demonstrations of each skill acquired.
This course enhances students’ clinical readiness by increasing their participation in surgical procedures. Emphasis is placed on advanced intraoperative techniques, assisting in specialty surgeries, and applying problem-solving skills in dynamic surgical environments. Students will complete assigned clinical cases to meet accreditation requirements.
This course is the second of two that will build the student's practical skills for assisting in the operating room using various instrumentation, safety protocols, and procedures for general and specialized surgeries. Students will develop their hands-on acumen through practical demonstrations of each skill acquired.
As the culminating experiential course, students will refine their surgical technology competencies through extensive clinical practice. This capstone experience focuses on independent surgical case management, professional readiness, and mastery of accreditation-required competencies. Students will prepare for transition into professional surgical technologist roles.
A.A.S. Surgical Technology Program Details
| 2025 - 2026 Tuition | Cost Per Credit |
|---|---|
| Standard tuition | $398 |
| B.S. in Nursing | $298 |
| Current service members | $250 |
| International students (Nonresident Alien) | $526 |
See How Franklin Compares
67% LESS IN TUITION
For students taking 31 credits per year, Franklin University’s undergraduate tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $12,338. According to Collegeboard.org, that's about 67% less than the national average private, nonprofit four-year college tuition of $38,070.
1. To be awarded an undergraduate degree, students must:
- Successfully complete all courses required in the major program, including:
- General Education
- Business or Professional Core
- Major Area and Elective Courses
- Technical transfer credit (for specific degree completion programs only)
2. Meet these grade point average (GPA) requirements:
- All students must attain a minimum Franklin University cumulative GPA of 2.00
- All students must attain a minimum GPA of 2.25 in the major area, and each major area course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward degree requirements
3. Complete the residency requirement
- Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree. Students seeking an associate’s degree must earn 15 credit hours overall in residence at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree.
4. Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees
5. Not be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or a violation of the Student Code of Conduct
Program Chairs and Academic Advisors are available for consultation to provide information and guidance regarding the selection of courses, the accuracy of schedules, and the transfer process. However, students are responsible for understanding and meeting the degree requirements of their major program or degree and for planning schedules accordingly.
Overall Residency Requirements
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree. Students seeking an associate’s degree must earn 20 credit hours overall in residence at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree.
Course Level Requirements
A student must have 40 credit hours overall that are equivalent to 300/400 level Franklin University courses for a bachelor’s degree. A student must have a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses that are equivalent to 200 level or above for an associate’s degree.
Business Core Requirements
Majors that have Business Core requirements are Accounting, Applied Management, Business Administration, Business Economics, Business Forensics, Energy Management, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, Financial Planning, Forensic Accounting, Human Resources Management, Information Systems Auditing, Logistics Management, Management & Leadership, Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain Management, and Risk Management & Insurance. The Business Core is the foundation of the related academic disciplines appropriate for a baccalaureate degree in business. The purpose of the Business Core is to provide students with a conceptual understanding of organizations, how the functional areas interrelate to achieve organizational goals, and how to apply professional decision-making competencies and technical skills in today’s environment. After completing the Business Core, graduates will be able to:
- analyze an organization’s accounting information in order to develop sound business decisions
- identify and apply valuation models relevant to an organization’s financial decisions
- identify the impact of forces influencing the major functional areas of business (e.g., ethical, legal, technological, economic, global and social)
- apply marketing activities to the delivery of goods and services in business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets
- apply interpersonal and resource management skills to enhance business success
Business Principles (BSAD 110) is a Business Core prerequisite. Transfer students with the equivalent of four business courses are not required to take Business Principles.
Major Area Requirements
A student must have 20 credit hours in the major area that are equivalent to 300/400 major level Franklin courses for a bachelor’s degree. A student must have 12 hours of major area courses that are equivalent to 200 level or above for an associate’s degree. A minimum 2.25 GPA is required in the major area for students enrolled in either the associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs, and each major course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward degree requirements.
Capstone Requirement
Every major has a capstone experience for which credit cannot be transferred into the University. This is a Franklin course designed to integrate and assess the learning outcomes specific to each major as a whole. This course should be taken as the last major course. If, given the academic scheduling process and the student’s projected graduation date, this is not possible, then the student should have Senior Standing (90 or more credit hours), plus the skill-based General Education courses (COMM, SPCH, WRIT, MATH, COMP), all business or professional core courses, and the capstone prerequisite courses.
Subsequent Degree Requirements
Students pursuing subsequent bachelor’s degrees must earn in residency at Franklin University a minimum of 30 credit hours at the 200 level or above, of which a minimum of 16 credit hours must be major area courses equivalent to 300/400 level courses.
Additional Degree Requirements
Students seeking an additional bachelor’s (or associate’s) degree must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credit hours (including the major requirements) beyond the first bachelor’s (or associate’s) degree. (See the “Subsequent Degree” section of the Academic Bulletin.)
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit and credit awarded on standardized exams, proficiency exams or portfolio credit awarded by another institution will not count toward the residency requirement at Franklin University. Credit awarded based on proficiency examination or portfolio evaluation conducted by Franklin University may apply as appropriate major area credit, but will not reduce the hours required toward the residency requirement.
A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:
- Has provided official documentation of graduation from an accredited high school or its equivalent (see Documentation Required below), or
- Has an associate, bachelor or master’s degree from an institutionally (formerly regionally) accredited institution of higher education, an institution recognized as a candidate for accreditation, or an institution recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation
Documentation Required
- Documentation of high school graduation or equivalence - required for applicants who are transferring fewer than 60 semester hours that apply towards a Franklin degree.
- If the student has transferable hours of 60 credit hours or more from an institutionally (formerly regionally) accredited institution of higher education, then they will not have to provide a high school diploma or equivalence. Acceptable forms of documentation of high school graduation or high school equivalence for undergraduate admission must include one of the following:
- Official high school transcript listing the date of graduation
- Official GED certificate
- Official documentation of having passed a State High School Equivalency examination
- Official documentation of a home school completion certificate/transcript
- Official transcripts from all educational institutions (college, universities, professional schools, etc.) previously enrolled in, regardless if credit was earned.
A student classified as degree seeking will not be permitted to register for courses until all transcripts are received and placement tests completed (see specific requirements under “Placement Testing”).
Admission Process
Admission procedures should be started early to maximize scheduling options and financial planning. Learn more about the undergraduate admission process.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Prospective undergraduate students must demonstrate English language proficiency. A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:
- The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the primary language for education. A list of these countries can be found below.
- The applicant has provided official documentation that meets Franklin graduate admission requirements from an institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
- The applicant has submitted an official score report meeting the minimum requirements for admission (see Minimum Scores below) from one of the following exams approved by Franklin University: Accuplacer ESL (See Placement Testing), Cambridge English Qualifications, Duolingo English Test (DET), International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). ). Other officially recognized exams may also be considered. English proficiency scores must be less than two years old.
| Accuplacer ESL | DET | IELTS | PTEA | TOEFL IBT |
| Reading 95 | - | Reading 5.5 | - | Reading 19/30 |
| Writing 5 | - | Writing 5.5 | - | Writing 19/30 |
| Listening 90 | - | Listening 5.5 | - | Listening 19/30 |
| Sentence Meaning 95 | - | Speaking 5.5 | - | Speaking 19/30 |
| Overall 285 | Overall 100 | Overall 5.5 | Overall 53 | Overall 75 |
Students applying for admission to undergraduate programs to be attended from outside the U.S. or offered through Global Partnerships abroad must meet the minimum requirements for admission (see Minimum Scores below) from one of the following exams approved by Franklin University: Accuplacer ESL*, Duolingo English Test (DET), International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Other officially recognized exams may also be considered. English proficiency scores must be less than two years old.
| Accuplacer ESL | DET | IELTS | PTEA | TOEFL IBT |
| Reading 95 | - | Reading 5.5 | - | Reading 19/30 |
| Writing 5 | - | Writing 5.5 | - | Writing 19/30 |
| Overall 100 | Overall 100 | Overall 5.5 | Overall 53 | Overall 75 |
*ACCUPLACER Assessments for Admission:
- Prospective students may demonstrate English language proficiency through the ACCUPLACER ESL® examinations administered by Franklin University. The ACCUPLACER ESL® suite of examinations are internet-based, computer-adaptive assessments designed to properly assess students’ English language competencies.
- There are no fees for initial attempts at the ACCUPLACER ESL® examinations if they test at Franklin University Testing Center or through Franklin’s online proctoring provider. Students are only responsible for any fees incurred for retake examinations.
- Students who do not meet the minimum score requirements may retake the examination(s), but not more than twice within a two-week period. If students take the exam twice within two weeks, subsequent examination retakes will be considered only after a three-month waiting period from the original test date. Passing scores will remain valid with Franklin University for a period of two years from the original test date.
- All ACCUPLACER examinations must be administered by an ACCUPLACER approved proctor that meets specific criteria, as defined by our proctor expectations and Accuplacer. Proctors must be a Franklin University proctor, an ACCUPLACER remote test network proctor, or ProctorU. For additional information, contact testing@franklin.edu
Get College Credit for What You Already Know
The certificates and training listed below are relevant to this degree program. Search our database to view pre-evaluated credentials and see how a license, certification or professional training saves you time and money toward your degree.
A.A.S. Surgical Technology Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
The A.A.S. in Surgical Technology is your path to a vital role in patient care. Surgical technologists keep the operating room sterile, organized, and ready for every step of a procedure. With this degree, you’ll learn to prepare instruments, assist the surgical team, and uphold the highest standards of safety. Graduates of Franklin’s program are eligible to sit for the TS-C exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), an important credential that can help you stand out in the job market.
This degree puts you right where care happens: inside the operating room. You’ll start in roles like surgical technologist or sterile processing technician, working in settings that are fast-paced, detail-driven, and team-oriented. With experience, you can move into surgical services coordination, leadership, or specialize in areas like trauma or orthopedics. Planning ahead? Your A.A.S. transfers smoothly into Franklin’s B.S. in Public Health or B.S. in Healthcare Administration, giving you a clear path to expand your options.
Every successful surgery depends on a skilled team, and with an A.A.S. in Surgical Technology, you can be at the heart of it. As a surgical technologist, you’ll create safe, sterile environments, prepare critical instruments, and assist during procedures. At Franklin, you’ll gain the technical skills and clinical experience to thrive in high-demand operating rooms and make a real difference where it matters most.
At Franklin, you won’t just study surgical technology – you’ll experience it from the start. You’ll move through our program taking 12-week didactic courses alongside lab and clinical experiences, so every concept you learn is reinforced with hands-on practice. By your second semester, you’ll be in the operating room applying what you’ve learned alongside experienced surgical teams. Plus, our curriculum follows the AST Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology (7th edition), so you’ll graduate with training that meets today’s industry standards.
Choose from eight start dates each year – fall (August, September and November) or spring (January, February and March) or summer (May and June).
Franklin University offers a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future. Our per credit hour tuition rates (vs. per year or per term rates) enable you to get a realistic estimate of exactly how much your degree will cost - especially once you've factored in transfer credit. Our 2024-2025 tuition rate is $398 per credit hour and with our tuition guarantee, you can lock-in your tuition rate from your first term through graduation. Ask our helpful staff about available financing options and financial aid programs. Visit MyTransfer Credit to see how transfer credits could help you save time and money.
Complete your A.A.S. in Surgical Technology in about 24 months through our structured, hands-on program. Franklin’s 12-week courses include a paired lab or clinical experience, so you’ll gain real-world, patient-focused skills while you learn, preparing you for the fast-paced, high-pressure, team environment of the operating room.
Licensure Disclaimer
State Licensure Information
In order to be compliant with federal and state regulations related to distance education and professional licensure programs, not all professional licensure programs are open for enrollment or completion of required clinical experiences in every state or U.S. territory. To see which locations are open for enrollment, please check the “Program Availability” list at the top of this page, or search by program or location through our Program Availability by Location tool.
Requirements for licensure vary by state and may involve more than successful degree completion. For more information, including a list of locations where Franklin’s programs meet state educational requirements for licensure and state licensure board contact information, please see the Professional Licensure Information section of the State Authorization & Professional Licensure webpage.
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