Bakersfield's surgical footprint keeps expanding with Kern County's population. Adventist Health Bakersfield, Kern Medical — the region's Level II Trauma Center — and Dignity Health's Memorial and Mercy hospitals all run busy operating rooms, alongside a growing number of outpatient surgery centers.
Every one of those ORs depends on surgical technologists: the professionals who prepare sterile fields, pass instruments, and keep procedures running safely.
For Kern County students, surgical technology offers a direct route into the operating room in less than a year and a half, without the years of schooling other surgical careers require.
Imagine America has partnered with Carrington College in Bakersfield, CA, whose Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) on recommendation of ARC/STSA — the accreditation surgical employers and the CST exam require.
About Imagine America Foundation (IAF)
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) is a nonprofit organization supporting students pursuing career-oriented education at recognized trade schools and career colleges across the U.S. Since 1982, the Foundation has helped students navigate the financial aspects of technical and vocational training.
IAF provides scholarship programs including the Imagine America High School Scholarship for graduating seniors, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) for adult learners, and the Military Award Program (MAP) for veterans. The Foundation also offers financial literacy guidance, career exploration tools, and resources for choosing the right program.
Over $10 million in tuition assistance is provided annually to students attending career and technical colleges nationwide.
Start Your Surgical Technology Career with Carrington College
Carrington's Surgical Technology program in Bakersfield leads to an Associate of Science degree in as few as 15 months. Students complete a minimum of 120 surgical cases during training and graduate eligible for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam through the NBSTSA.
- Associate of Science in as few as 15 months
- CAAHEP-accredited on recommendation of ARC/STSA
- Minimum 120 surgical cases completed during clinical training
- CST exam eligibility through the NBSTSA
What You'll Learn
The curriculum covers surgical procedures, aseptic technique, sterile field preparation, surgical instrumentation, anatomy, and patient safety, moving from lab simulation into real operating room rotations where students scrub in on actual cases.
Certification and Credentials
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are eligible to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting — the credential most surgical employers expect.
Where Surgical Techs Work
Surgical technologists work in hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, and labor and delivery units. With experience, techs can specialize in service lines like orthopedics or cardiovascular surgery, or advance toward surgical first assistant roles.
Career Outlook in Kern County
Bakersfield's hospital systems and growing ambulatory surgery market create local demand for certified surgical technologists, and California is consistently among the top-paying states for the profession.
Training Services
- Surgical Procedures & Case Preparation
- Aseptic Technique & Sterile Field Management
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Surgical Anatomy & Physiology
- Patient Safety & Positioning
- Sterile Processing Fundamentals
- Operating Room Clinical Rotations (120+ cases)
- CST Exam Preparation
Take the First Step Toward Your Career Today
A strong foundation from the right training program sets the stage for a successful career. Explore training programs, meet expert instructors, and discover how quality education can lead to a rewarding future.
Start Your Surgical Tech Career TodayFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the Surgical Technology program at Carrington Bakersfield?
The Associate of Science program can be completed in as few as 15 months.
Is the program accredited?
Yes. The Bakersfield Surgical Technology program is accredited by CAAHEP on recommendation of the ARC/STSA — the programmatic accreditation required for CST exam eligibility.
What certification will I be eligible for?
Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam through the NBSTSA, after completing a minimum of 120 surgical cases during training.
Are scholarships available for surgical tech students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors, adult learners, and military members attending Carrington College. Create a free profile to see what you qualify for.
