A.A.S. in Surgical Technology

Credit Hours

76%

Max Transfer Credit

Class Type

Online coursework

Cost Per Credit

$398

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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.

Program Availability

Online

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In , this program may be offered through select employer partnerships. Please contact your employer to learn if you qualify.

On Site

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.

Your Best Value A.A.S. in Surgical Technology

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$23,880

Total Tuition
(After Partner Discount)

Highly Recommended

98%

STUDENT SATISFACTION

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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Curriculum & Course Descriptions

Non-technical Curriculum

General Education

PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferrable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for time management, goal setting, reading comprehension, and advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments.

OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments. The assignments and activities in the course are created to closely simulate teamwork found in the workplace.

AND

SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)

This basic public-speaking course intends to improve the student's ability to think critically and to communicate orally. Theory and practice are provided in various speaking situations. Each student is required to speak before an audience, but class work also involves reading, gathering and organizing information, writing, and listening.

OR COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)

By using applied critical and creative thinking, students in this course will develop a set of communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional relationships and endeavors. This course will focus on skill development in key areas such as self, perception, listening, verbal messages, conversations, relationships, conflict management, persuasion, and presentation skills.

AND

4 credits from the following subjects: HUMN, SOSC, PSYC, SOCL

English Composition

ENG 120 - College Writing (4)

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.

Mathematics

At least 4 credits from the following courses:

MATH 140 - Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning (4)

This is the first course in algebra specifically designed for students who are enrolled in programs that DO NOT require College Algebra. The course will include traditional beginner algebra topics, including basic numeric/algebraic skills and reasoning, solving linear equations, systems and inequalities, basic functions, basics of graphing (including algebraic and statistical graphs), and some data literacy. The topics will be addressed in a contextualized format incorporating a pedagogy that promotes problem solving and critical thinking skills through collaborative work and technology tools.

MATH 150 - Fundamental Algebra (4)

This course will address the outcomes of introductory and intermediate algebra. Topics include: basic algebraic properties, integers, simplifying and factoring polynomials, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, solving systems of equations in two variables, functions, rational expressions, quadratic and rational equations, absolute value, radicals, graphing systems of equations, and other selected topics. Applications will be emphasized, and numeric, algebraic, and graphical modes will be used.

MATH 105 - Fundamentals of Mathematics (3)

This course is a survey of pre-college algebra. An intuitive approach using practical examples is emphasized to help students understand and use mathematics. Topics include sets, logic, probability, statistics, number theory, algebra, consumer mathematics, and the metric system. This course is designed for students enrolled in programs that do NOT require College Algebra. Prerequisite: Math 040 or Placement by examination; PF 121 or PF 321. Course used as a part of the Associate of Applied Science curriculum.

MATH 215 - Statistical Concepts (4)

This course introduces you to statistics with applications to various areas. The course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics included are: sampling techniques, data types, experiments; measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, graphical displays of data, basic probability concepts, binomial and normal probability distributions, sampling distributions and Central Limit Theorem; confidence intervals, hypothesis tests of a mean, or a proportion for one or two populations, and linear regression.

MATH 160 - College Algebra (4)

This course is designed to prepare students for Applied Calculus and Discrete Mathematics and to provide the mathematical background needed for the analytic reasoning used in other courses. Topics include functions and their graphs, including exponential and logarithmic functions; complex numbers; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; basic principles of counting and probability; and other selected topics. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

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.

Science

SCIE 244 - Foundations of Anatomy & Physiology (4)

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.

SCIE 254 - Health & Human Disease (4)

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.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

PSYC 110 - Introduction to Psychology (4)

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.

Technical Curriculum

PUBH 201 - Introduction to Public Health (4)

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.

HCM 210 - Healthcare Foundations (2)

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.

HIM 150 - Medical Terminology (2)

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.

HEA 205 - Anesthesia and Pharmacology for Surgical Technology (2)

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.

BIO 261 - Microbiology for Health Professionals (2)

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.

SURG 101 - Foundations of Surgical Technology (3)

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.

SURG 101C - Foundations of Surgical Technology Clinical (1)

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.

SURG 102 - Surgical Techniques (3)

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.

SURG 102C - Surgical Techniques Clinical (1)

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.

SURG 104 - Sterile Processing (2)

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.

SURG 201 - Surgical Procedures (3)

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.

SURG 201C - Surgical Procedures Clinical (1)

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.

SURG 202 - Complex Surgical Procedures (3)

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.

SURG 202C - Complex Surgical Procedures Clinical (1)

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.

Microcredentials Align with Job Essentials

In today's dynamic work environments, adaptive professionals thrive. A microcredential - either as a stand-alone course or integrated into your degree program - is a short, skill-specific recognition that enables you to demonstrate your competency in a distinct area. Like Franklin's degree programs, microcredentials are aligned with market and industry demand to ensure what you learn can be put to use right away. Microcredentials are easily shared via digital badges and can be stacked to create a unique portfolio of in-demand skills.

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A.A.S. Surgical Technology Program Details

Tuition Costs

2025 - 2026 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition	$398
B.S. in Nursing	$298
Current service members	$250
International students (Nonresident Alien)	$526

Degree Requirements

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.

Admission Requirements

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

Program Handbook

The A.A.S. Surgical Technology Handbook provides a robust overview of the program, processes and requirements, ensuring that students are well-informed and prepared for their academic journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an A.A.S. in Surgical Technology?

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.

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Surgical Technology?

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.

Why get an A.A.S. Surgical Technology degree?

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.

What makes Franklin’s A.A.S. Surgical Technology unique?

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.

When can I start my A.A.S. Surgical Technology degree?

Choose from eight start dates each year – fall (August, September and November) or spring (January, February and March) or summer (May and June).

How much will my Surgical Technology A.A.S. cost?

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.

How long does it take to get an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology?

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.

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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.

Class Type

Cost Per Credit

Prepare for the operating room with an A.A.S. Surgical Technology

Launch Your Career

Gain the Edge

Stay Focused, Finish Strong

A.A.S. in Surgical Technology Program Overview

Start in the Classroom, Finish in the OR

From Classroom to Career in 24 Months

Your Best Value A.A.S. in Surgical Technology

Keep the Credit You've Earned

Partner? Pay Less.

Highly Recommended

Tuition Guarantee

Non-Profit = Student Focused

Instructor Led

Curriculum & Course Descriptions

Microcredentials Align with Job Essentials

Get College Credit for What You Already Know

A.A.S. Surgical Technology Program Details

See How Franklin Compares

Overall Residency Requirements

Course Level Requirements

Business Core Requirements

Major Area Requirements

Capstone Requirement

Subsequent Degree Requirements

Additional Degree Requirements

Transfer Credit

Frequently Asked Questions

Licensure Disclaimer

Partnership Interest