Surgical Technology

At the present time, our Surgical Technology program is offered in partnership with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.* If you would like to discuss partnering with us to offer the Surgical Technology program to your hospital employees, please contact Janine West. 

*This program is NOT offered to traditional degree-seeking University of Memphis students at this time. 

Surgical technologists, sometimes referred to as scrub techs or operating room technicians, are an important part of medical teams, assisting medical doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers in performing surgical procedures. Most surgical technologists work in hospitals, although some may work in outpatient care centers or physician's offices.

The field of surgical technology is expanding, with a projected job market growth of 7% through 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for a surgical technologist is $48,300.

In partnership with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH), the College of Health Sciences offers a 15-month Surgical Technology program. This is part of the University of Memphis MLH Associate Advancement Program (MAAP). 

The curriculum is offered through a combination of online and in-lab/in-class learning, broken into five terms of three months each. During the initial two terms (months one-six), you complete online coursework in Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, Microbiology, Pharmacology and related topics.

You also meet in person (once per week for eight hours) to work through lab-intensive courses, learning about common equipment and aseptic techniques used within the operating room. During the latter three terms (months seven-15), you continue with your online coursework and work two days per week (approximately 16 hours total) in an operating room environment. You develop the essential hands-on skills necessary to function in this fast-paced career.

Accreditation

Institutional Accreditation

The University of Memphis is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate.  The University of Memphis also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.  Questions about the accreditation of the University of Memphis may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4501, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

Programmatic Accreditation

The University of Memphis College of Health Sciences Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th St. North, #7709
Seminole, Florida 33775
727.210.2350
caahep.org

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)
19751 East Mainstreet, #339
Parker, Colorado 80138
303.694.9262
arcstsa.org

Graduates from an accredited program will be eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the NBSTSA.

Student Testimonials

“I love how hands-on all the instructors are, and I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity. I would like to commend Ms. Janine Scott and rest of the instructors for offering the training virtually and in person as it allowed me to take part in the program while also still being able to work full time. I am looking forward to this journey into my new career.” – Rochelle Mull