Can You Really Get Surgical Tech Training Online for Free?
Can You Really Get Surgical Tech Training Online for Free?
Blog Article
If you’re interested in joining the medical field as a surgical technologist but worried about the cost of education, you might be wondering: Can you really get surgical tech training online for free? The idea of receiving professional training without a price tag is appealing, especially in a high-demand field like surgical technology. While completely free, accredited training isn’t always possible, there are opportunities to begin your journey at no cost. This article explores the options, benefits, and limitations of free online surgical tech training.
What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
Surgical technologists (also known as operating room techs or scrub techs) play a crucial role in the surgical team. They are responsible for:
Preparing the operating room
Sterilizing and arranging surgical instruments
Assisting surgeons during procedures
Ensuring a sterile environment is maintained
Handling surgical specimens
The job requires both theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, which means a combination of coursework and clinical experience is essential.
Is Free Surgical Tech Training Online Really Possible?
The Short Answer: Partially
While fully accredited surgical tech programs are rarely available for free, there are several free online resources that can help you get started. These introductory materials can offer basic education in medical terminology, anatomy, surgical procedures, and more. Think of them as a strong foundation before entering a formal program.
You can find free training resources through:
Public health websites
Open courseware platforms (like edX, Coursera, or Khan Academy)
YouTube educational channels
Nonprofit organizations or community health programs
These resources won’t offer a degree or certification, but they can prepare you for formal education or help you decide if this career is the right fit.
What Topics Can You Learn for Free?
Many reputable platforms offer free content that overlaps with topics in surgical tech programs. For example:
Anatomy and Physiology – Learn the human body’s systems and functions
Medical Terminology – Understand the language used in surgical environments
Infection Control – Explore the basics of sterilization and patient safety
Basic Surgical Procedures – Get an overview of common operations and tools used
Ethics and Patient Care – Study the professional conduct and legal aspects of healthcare
These are all topics found in paid surgical tech programs, and learning them in advance can give you an edge.
Where to Find Free Online Training Resources
Here are a few websites and platforms that offer valuable, free educational content:
Coursera – Offers free audit access to courses on anatomy, surgical skills, and health basics
Khan Academy – Excellent for free, high-quality lessons in biology and human anatomy
edX – Free versions of university-level courses in healthcare topics
YouTube – Channels like RegisteredNurseRN or Osmosis provide helpful videos
OpenStax – Offers free textbooks on anatomy, biology, and healthcare topics
Keep in mind that while these resources are educational, they are not replacements for accredited programs if you're pursuing certification.
What About Free Certification?
Unfortunately, there are no fully free programs that provide accredited certification as a surgical technologist. To become certified, you must complete a program accredited by the CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) or ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) and then pass the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) exam offered by the NBSTSA.
However, some accredited schools offer financial aid, scholarships, or even employer-sponsored training programs that can reduce or eliminate the cost of education.
How to Use Free Training to Your Advantage
Even though you can’t become a certified surgical tech entirely for free, using free training can help you:
Explore the field before committing to a full program
Boost your application with prior knowledge
Prepare for entrance exams to surgical tech schools
Improve your confidence going into a paid or clinical program
In short, free online resources are a valuable supplement to your education journey.
Final Thoughts
So, can you really get surgical tech training online free The answer is yes—but only up to a point. You can access a wide range of educational resources that cover the basics of surgical technology, which is great for preparation and personal development. However, to become a certified surgical technologist and start working in the operating room, you'll still need to enroll in an accredited program with clinical training. Report this page