5 Ways To Cover Surgical Tech School Costs

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Pursuing a career as a surgical technologist can be a rewarding and challenging profession, but the cost of attending surgical tech school can be a significant barrier for many aspiring students. The good news is that there are various ways to cover the costs of surgical tech school, and we will explore five of them in this article.

Surgical technologists, also known as operating room technicians, play a crucial role in the medical field. They are responsible for preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, and assisting surgeons during surgical procedures. To become a surgical technologist, one must complete a formal education program in surgical technology, which can be expensive. However, with the right financial aid and planning, it is possible to cover the costs of surgical tech school and start a successful career in this field.

Understanding the Costs of Surgical Tech School

Before we dive into the ways to cover the costs of surgical tech school, it's essential to understand the expenses involved. The cost of attending surgical tech school can vary depending on the institution, location, and program length. On average, the cost of a surgical technology program can range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more per year. This cost includes tuition, fees, books, and equipment.

1. Federal Student Aid (FSA)

One of the most common ways to cover the costs of surgical tech school is through Federal Student Aid (FSA). The FSA program provides financial assistance to students who need help paying for their education. To be eligible for FSA, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and demonstrate financial need.

There are several types of FSA programs available, including:

• Pell Grants: These grants are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG): These grants are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
• Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students who need help paying for their education.

2. Scholarships

Scholarships are another way to cover the costs of surgical tech school. Scholarships are merit-based awards that are given to students who meet specific criteria, such as academic achievement or community service. There are many scholarships available for surgical technology students, including:

• The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing a career in surgical technology.
• The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing a career in surgical technology and are members of the AST.
• The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP): This program provides scholarships to students who are pursuing a career in a health profession, including surgical technology.

3. Grants

Grants are another type of financial aid that can help cover the costs of surgical tech school. Grants are need-based awards that are given to students who demonstrate financial need. There are many grants available for surgical technology students, including:

• The Pell Grant: This grant is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need.
• The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This grant is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
• The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Grant: This grant is awarded to students who are pursuing a career in a health profession, including surgical technology.

4. Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to their employees who are pursuing a higher education. These programs can help cover the costs of surgical tech school. To be eligible for an employer tuition reimbursement program, students typically must:

• Be employed by the company for a certain period
• Pursue a degree or certificate in a field related to the company's business
• Maintain a certain grade point average

5. Military and Veteran Education Benefits

The military and veteran education benefits can also help cover the costs of surgical tech school. These benefits include:

• The GI Bill: This benefit provides education assistance to military personnel and veterans who have served on active duty.
• The Military Tuition Assistance Program: This program provides education assistance to military personnel who are pursuing a higher education.
• The Veterans' Education Assistance Program (VEAP): This program provides education assistance to veterans who have contributed to the program while on active duty.

Conclusion

Pursuing a career as a surgical technologist can be a rewarding and challenging profession, but the cost of attending surgical tech school can be a significant barrier for many aspiring students. However, with the right financial aid and planning, it is possible to cover the costs of surgical tech school and start a successful career in this field. By exploring federal student aid, scholarships, grants, employer tuition reimbursement, and military and veteran education benefits, students can find the financial assistance they need to pursue their education and career goals.