Everything you need to know about certification, career support, scrub cases, and getting career-ready — without putting your life on hold. Still have questions? You’re in the right place.
Preppy is not a college or university, which means this program is not eligible for institutional accreditation.
However, the program is designed to prepare students for nationally recognized medical coding certification exams. Many employers prioritize certification and demonstrated skills over school accreditation.
We always recommend checking job listings in your area to understand employer preferences.
Preppy’s Surgical Tech program is not accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, and it is not an NBSTSA-approved program.
Our program is designed specifically to prepare students for the NCCT TS-C (Tech in Surgery – Certified) exam pathway.
Many students choose this route because it offers a more flexible and accessible path to certification compared to traditional, in-person degree programs.
If your goal is to take the CST exam through NBSTSA, you would need to graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program.
No. Graduates of this program are not eligible to take the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) exam offered by NBSTSA.
However, our program is designed to prepare students for the NCCT TS-C certification exam, which is a nationally recognized credential.
Always check with employers in your area to confirm which certification they require.
Our program is delivered 100% online and self-paced, and we do not include traditional in-person clinical rotations as part of the core coursework.
Instead, students complete comprehensive online training designed to prepare them for certification and real-world surgical tech responsibilities. Clinicals are completed separately from the Preppy program.
The NCCT requires candidates to complete 125 scrub cases in order to qualify through certain eligibility pathways.
Preppy provides guidance and support to help students understand the requirements and explore ways to obtain qualifying scrub experience. However, students are responsible for securing their own scrub case opportunities.
We recommend reviewing NCCT eligibility requirements directly and speaking with potential employers or healthcare facilities in your area to understand local expectations.
The program includes required learning materials. Materials are provided digitally.
Students receive access to their online course materials shortly after enrollment.
If you’re having login issues, we can help you reset your password and make sure your credentials are working. If the issue continues, we’ll connect you with our Support team to get it resolved as quickly as possible.
If you don’t see your welcome email, double check your spam folder and the email address you used to enroll. We can also check your enrollment status on our end. If the issue continues, we’ll loop in Support to get everything sorted.
Certification exam fees are not included. Keeping exam costs separate helps us offer programs that are as affordable as possible, without requiring student loans or added fees.
Externship opportunities may be available depending on your location and facility participation.
While we provide guidance and support, externship placement is not guaranteed and may vary by region.
If you choose to pursue an externship opportunity, the length can vary depending on the healthcare facility and your availability.
Externship timelines are not fixed and are typically arranged directly with the facility providing the experience.
Externship settings depend on the healthcare facility offering the opportunity.
Many surgical tech externships or scrub experiences take place in operating room environments, but placement settings can vary. Students are responsible for confirming the type of hands-on experience offered before committing.
Most students complete the Surgical Tech program in 3–6 months, but since it’s fully self-paced, you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule.
Yes. The coursework is fully online and can be completed from anywhere. There are no mandatory in-person classes.
No prior experience is required. The program is designed to help beginners build foundational knowledge and prepare for certification.
Graduates receive:
For additional questions about enrollment, tuition, or how Preppy works, visit our full FAQ page.