The short answer: no.

Becoming a certified surgical technologist requires hands-on training to be able to perform the day-to-day requirements of the job. This isn’t something you can learn entirely from online coursework. You will need to graduate with an associate degree from an accredited surgical technologist program like Herzing’s.

However, there is an online component of the Herzing program—you may complete some of your general education classes online.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for surgical technologists in Louisiana is $51,830 per year ($24.92 per hour).* Pay depends largely on where you work, the type of healthcare institution you work for, your education and level of experience. Keep in mind this is not an entry-level salary; you will need to work towards this level of pay.

Surgical Technologists are also cross trained for several different departments related to surgery, and also have the option of over-time pay, and shift differential. Additionally, many of our affiliate hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for employees, enabling the surgical technologist to advance their education.

Are surgical techs in high demand?

As the number of surgeries increases to meet the needs of our aging population, so will the career opportunities for surgical technologists. The BLS projects a 5% increase in demand nationwide for surgical technologists from 2022-2032.*

The surgical technology associate degree program takes about 20 months to complete on average, meaning you can earn your degree and start your new career in 2 years or less.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for nurse practitioners are expected to grow by 45% from 2022-2032.* Given the projected growth in the baby-boom population the need for advanced medical care is expected to rise, and nurse practitioners will continue to be leaned on as primary contributors in this level of healthcare.

Depending on where you live, there are certain guidelines related to licensure. You will need to check with your state board of nursing.

At Herzing University, we assist you in identifying which certification exam meets your needs. We also encourage testing within the first 90 days of graduation to help you take the next step in your career. Once you have successfully become certified then it is important to connect with your state board to meet their requirements.

At Herzing University, we strive to provide an affordable, career-focused education for all students. Financial aid options include loans, scholarships & grants, VA / military benefits and more. You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University Tuition Wizard.

Here’s a selection of the most common types of nurse practitioners:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Each specialty has its own unique requirements in terms of job experience and certification.

The time needed to become an NP varies depending on the type of certification you’re applying for. Different types of specialties such as pediatrics, acute care and women’s health have their own unique certification requirements.

Candidates for Herzing's online PMC - Family Nurse Practitioner certificate program must complete 9 courses consisting of 33 credits and 675 clinical hours.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $128,490 per year ($61.78 per hour). Pay depends on many factors, including your location, what healthcare institution you work for and your level of experience.*

Discover the average nurse practitioner salary by state and find out what nurse practitioners make on average near you.