Fresno is the medical hub of California's Central Valley. Community Regional Medical Center downtown runs one of the state's busiest emergency departments — roughly 131,600 ED visits a year — and its trauma and surgical services draw patients from across the region. Saint Agnes Medical Center adds another 436 beds of acute care capacity.
High surgical volume means high demand for the professionals who keep operating rooms running — and surgical technologists are at the center of every procedure.
For Central Valley students, surgical technology offers a fast, focused path into hospital and surgery center careers without leaving Fresno.
Imagine America has partnered with Carrington College in Fresno, CA — a 34,000-square-foot campus whose Surgical Technology program is accredited by CAAHEP on recommendation of ARC/STSA. Carrington has trained Central Valley healthcare professionals for decades.
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 Fresno leads to an Associate of Science degree in as few as 15 months. Students complete at least 120 surgical cases during clinical training and graduate eligible for the CST exam through the NBSTSA.
- Associate of Science in as few as 15 months
- CAAHEP-accredited on recommendation of ARC/STSA
- 120+ surgical cases during operating room rotations
- CST exam eligibility through the NBSTSA
What You'll Learn
Training covers surgical procedures, aseptic technique, instrumentation, sterile field management, and patient safety — first in campus labs, then in real operating rooms where students scrub in alongside surgical teams.
Certification and Credentials
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are eligible for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam administered by the NBSTSA — the industry-standard credential for operating room careers.
Where Surgical Techs Work
Fresno's hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty practices all employ surgical technologists. Experienced techs can specialize by service line or advance toward surgical first assistant and OR leadership roles.
Career Outlook in the Central Valley
With Community Regional's high-volume trauma and surgical services and Saint Agnes anchoring the north end of the market, Fresno offers steady operating room demand — in a state that consistently ranks among the top for surgical technologist pay.
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 Fresno?
The Associate of Science program can be completed in as few as 15 months.
Is the Fresno program CAAHEP-accredited?
Yes. The Fresno Surgical Technology program is accredited by CAAHEP on recommendation of the ARC/STSA, which is required for CST exam eligibility.
What jobs can I get after graduating?
Graduates work as surgical technologists in hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, and labor and delivery units across the Central Valley, with advancement paths into specialty service lines.
Are scholarships available for Carrington Fresno 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 get matched.
