Temecula anchors one of Southern California's fastest-growing healthcare corridors. Temecula Valley Hospital — a STEMI receiving center offering open-heart surgery and neuroscience services — sits at the heart of Southwest Healthcare's regional network, alongside Rancho Springs Hospital in Murrieta and Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta.
As Southwest Riverside County grows, so does its surgical volume: cardiac, orthopedic, general, and outpatient procedures all depend on trained surgical technologists in the sterile field.
For students across the Temecula–Murrieta corridor, surgical technology offers a focused 15-month route into that expanding operating room market.
Imagine America has partnered with Carrington College in Temecula, CA — a two-floor, 30,000-square-foot campus with a hospital simulation room. The Temecula Surgical Technology program is accredited by CAAHEP on recommendation of ARC/STSA.
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 Temecula leads to an Associate of Science degree in as few as 15 months. Students complete a minimum of 120 surgical cases during clinical rotations and graduate eligible for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
- Associate of Science in as few as 15 months
- CAAHEP-accredited on recommendation of ARC/STSA
- Hospital simulation room on campus for hands-on practice
- CST exam eligibility through the NBSTSA after 120+ cases
What You'll Learn
The program builds skills in surgical procedures, aseptic technique, instrumentation, sterile field management, and patient safety — practiced first in Temecula's hospital simulation room, then in live operating room rotations.
Certification and Credentials
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are eligible for the CST exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, the credential surgical employers throughout Southern California expect.
Where Surgical Techs Work
Southwest Riverside County's hospitals and surgery centers — from Temecula Valley Hospital's cardiac program to the corridor's outpatient surgical facilities — employ surgical technologists across every service line.
Career Outlook in Southwest Riverside County
The Temecula–Murrieta area's population growth continues to drive new surgical capacity, and California remains among the nation's top-paying states for surgical technologists.
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 Temecula?
The Associate of Science program can be completed in as few as 15 months.
Is the Temecula program accredited?
Yes. The program is accredited by CAAHEP on recommendation of the ARC/STSA — the accreditation required for CST exam eligibility.
What hospitals are near the Temecula campus?
Temecula Valley Hospital, Southwest Healthcare Rancho Springs Hospital in Murrieta, and Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta all operate in the immediate corridor, giving graduates a concentrated local job market.
Are scholarships available for Carrington Temecula 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.
