Becoming a surgical tech can be a rewarding career path for those interested in the medical field, offering the opportunity to assist in life-saving procedures and play a critical role in operating rooms. However, before embarking on this journey, one important question arises: How much does it cost to become a surgical tech? This is a crucial consideration, especially for those weighing the benefits of traditional educational routes versus more modern, cost-effective approaches. In this article, we will explore the costs associated with different surgical tech education programs, the hidden expenses often overlooked, and an innovative alternative to traditional programs that can save you both time and money.
Traditional Surgical Tech Education: The Cost Breakdown
The traditional route to becoming a surgical tech usually involves enrolling in an on-campus program. These programs can be either a two-year associate degree program or a one-year certificate program. On the surface, this seems like the natural choice for those who want a structured, hands-on education. However, attending a full-time, on-campus program comes with several challenges, the biggest of which is the cost.
Problem #1: High Tuition Fees
One of the most significant barriers to entering a traditional surgical tech program is the high cost of tuition. For an associate degree program, tuition fees can soar up to $40,000. Even a one-year certificate program can cost as much as $15,000 or more. This means that, on average, you are looking at spending tens of thousands of dollars just on tuition.
To make matters worse, many students must rely on student loans to finance their education, which can lead to years of debt repayment after graduation. This financial burden is a significant concern for many adults who already have responsibilities such as mortgages, car payments, and family obligations. Taking on such a large amount of debt can complicate your financial situation and delay your long-term financial goals.
Problem #2: Hidden Costs
In addition to tuition, there are numerous hidden costs associated with attending a full-time, on-campus program. These hidden costs can add up quickly and make your education even more expensive than initially anticipated.
- Transportation Costs: Most programs require you to attend classes on campus multiple times a week, which means driving to and from school. The cost of gas, parking permits, and vehicle maintenance can accumulate over time, especially if your campus is far from home.
- Childcare: If you are a parent, you may need to arrange for childcare while you attend classes, adding another expense to your education. Babysitters or daycare services can be costly and add to the financial strain.
- Books and Training Materials: Many programs require students to purchase textbooks and other training materials, which are often not included in the tuition fee. These costs can easily add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your overall expenses.
- Food and Miscellaneous Expenses: Attending classes full-time means you may have to buy meals on campus or while commuting. These small expenses can also add up over time, further increasing the cost of your education.
Problem #3: Long Program Duration
Another significant drawback of traditional surgical tech programs is the time commitment. An associate degree program typically takes two years to complete, while a certificate program can take around 12 months. During this time, you will be attending classes full-time, leaving little room for work, family, or other obligations.
According to research.com, only 37.5% of students enrolled in associate degree programs complete their studies within six years. This means that for many students, it can take much longer to finish their education than originally planned. If life circumstances force you to take time off from your program, you may have to wait months to re-enroll in the same class, delaying your graduation even further.
The bottom line is that traditional, on-campus programs are time-consuming and expensive. But is there an alternative?
A Revolutionary Alternative: The Preppy Approach
For those who are hesitant to take on the financial and time commitment of a traditional surgical tech program, there is a new, more flexible option. This method offers a radically different way to get the education and training you need to become a surgical tech without the hefty price tag or the long course duration.
What is the Preppy Approach?
Preppy is designed to help students complete their surgical tech training in as little as four to six months, with all of the coursework delivered 100% online. This approach offers several key advantages over traditional programs:
- Lower Cost: Unlike traditional programs that can cost tens of thousands of dollars, the Preppy Approach costs less than $2,000. This dramatically reduces the financial burden of becoming a surgical tech and eliminates the need for student loans.
- Learn on Your Own Schedule: The Preppy Approach allows you to learn at your own pace. Because the program is fully online, you can complete the coursework on a schedule that works for you, whether you need to balance it with work, family, or other commitments.
- University Certification: Upon completion of the Preppy Approach, you will receive a university-issued certificate, which holds the same weight as certificates from more expensive programs.
- Hands-On Externship Opportunity: In addition to the online coursework, the Preppy Approach includes an externship opportunity, allowing you to gain the hands-on clinical experience required to work as a surgical tech.
Why Choose Preppy?
Preppy is an excellent choice for those who want to become surgical techs without spending years in school or accumulating large amounts of debt. In a world where the average student loan debt exceeds $30,000, this online surgical tech course offers an affordable and efficient way to get started in the healthcare field.
Moreover, the flexibility of the program means you can balance your education with other life commitments. Whether you are a working professional looking for a career change or a parent trying to juggle family and education, Preppy offers a solution that fits into your life, rather than forcing you to put your life on hold for two years.
Conclusion: The Choice is Yours
When it comes to becoming a surgical tech, there are two main paths you can take. The traditional route involves attending a full-time, on-campus program that can cost tens of thousands of dollars and take up to two years to complete. This path often comes with hidden expenses and the risk of accumulating student debt.
Alternatively, Preppy offers a faster, more affordable way to achieve the same goal. For less than $2,000, you could complete your surgical tech training in as little as four months, all while learning on your own schedule and gaining hands-on experience through an externship opportunity.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you value time, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, Preppy may be the perfect solution for launching your career as a surgical tech.
Also read: Get CRCST Certification Online in 4 Months – HSPA Sterile Processing Technician Certification
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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