BECOME A CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS

When you complete the program, you'll earn a University of Missouri–St. Louis Certificate of Completion.

The Surgical Technologist curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current healthcare industry standards, helping you build the clinical and administrative skills employers value while preparing for the TS-C certification exam.

Our Surgical Tech program is designed for beginners, so you don't need previous healthcare experience to get started.

The curriculum is designed to help you develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for your next career opportunity.

Yes! UMSL's Surgical Technologist program is built for busy adults. Whether you're working full-time, caring for your family, or balancing other responsibilities, you can complete your coursework on a schedule that works for you.

Because the program is self-paced, you can study when it's most convenient and move through the material at your own pace. While many students complete the program in 3–6 months, you'll have up to 12 months to finish your training.

This flexibility makes it easier to prepare for the TS-C certification exam and a new healthcare career — without putting the rest of your life on hold.

Yes, your certification exam voucher is included with tuition at no additional cost.

That means you won't pay extra for the exam voucher needed to earn your credential — you can focus on completing your training and preparing for certification.

You can get started as soon as you're ready. There are no application deadlines or semester start dates to wait for.

Once you enroll, you'll receive access to your online coursework so you can begin learning on your own schedule. Because the program is self-paced, you can start when it makes sense for you and progress at a pace that fits your life. While many students complete their training in 3–6 months, you'll have up to 12 months to finish the program.

Virtual surgical simulations are immersive, interactive learning experiences that let you practice real surgical procedures in a realistic operating room environment before beginning clinical training. Rather than simply reading about surgery, you'll actively participate in complete procedures from start to finish while building the skills used by surgical technologists every day.

Throughout the simulations, you'll practice identifying and sequencing surgical instruments, following proper sterile technique, understanding OR workflows, and anticipating the surgeon's needs during a procedure. You'll receive objective performance feedback and can repeat each simulation as many times as needed to build confidence and master the material.

UMSL offers a flexible, career-focused pathway to prepare for a future in surgical technology—without putting your life on hold.

As an NCCT-approved Surgical Technologist program, UMSL combines the academic quality of a regionally accredited university with innovative online learning, immersive surgical simulations, and real-world clinical experience. Through self-paced coursework and interactive simulation-based training, you’ll build confidence with essential surgical technology concepts, including sterile technique, surgical procedures, instrumentation, patient care, and operating room workflows.

You’ll prepare for the Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) certification exam with included exam preparation resources, then apply your knowledge through a required 300-hour externship experience in a healthcare setting. With UMSL’s support throughout your training, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Missouri–St. Louis while developing the skills and experience needed to take the next step toward a career in surgical technology.

Yes! UMSL's Surgical Technologist program is designed to help you build the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for the Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) exam administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) — even if you're just starting your healthcare journey.

• Beginner-friendly: No prior experience required

• Career-focused: Learn the surgical, sterile processing, instrumentation, and patient care skills surgical technologists use every day

• Step by step: Build your knowledge and confidence through guided online coursework

• Practice along the way: Reinforce key concepts with quizzes, assessments, and real-world scenarios

• Certification preparation: Complete a curriculum designed to prepare you for the TS-C certification exam

Our goal is to help you feel confident, prepared for certification, and ready to begin your career as a surgical technologist.

All required digital course materials are included with your tuition at no additional cost.

You'll have access to the online lessons, learning resources, quizzes, and other materials needed to complete your program. There are no required textbooks to purchase, so you can get started right away without worrying about unexpected costs.

You'll have support throughout your learning journey.

From your first lesson to your job search, we're here to help you succeed.

Learner Support: Get help with course content, assignments, and navigating the online learning platform whenever you need it.

Career Support: Receive guidance on resumes, interviews, and job readiness as you prepare to pursue opportunities in healthcare.