Surgical technology programs in the Houston area
7 accredited programs train surgical technologists in the Houston area. Here is how their graduates do on the CST exam, how many find jobs, and what each publishes as its cost.
The short version
- Houston City College reports the highest CST exam rate in the area, 100% (2023 to 2025), against a Texas program median of 92.5%.
- Results vary widely: Galveston College reports 63.0%, 37 points below the area's best.
- Only College of the Mainland publishes a total cost ($2,315); the others list per-credit tuition or nothing.
- Surgical technologists around Houston earn a median of $71,050, 9% above the Texas median of $65,220.
- Galveston College is below ARC/STSA's benchmark or on probation; see its page for details.
These lines are generated from the numbers on this page and change when the data does.
Every surgical technology program in the area
Highest CST exam rate first. Tap a program for its full outcomes, cost breakdown and sources. 2
| Program | CST exam rate | Job placement | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston City College AAS, Houston | 100% | Not reported | Not published |
| Lone Star College, Tomball AAS, Tomball | 95.0% | Not reported | Not published |
| Galveston College AAS, Galveston | 63.0% | Not reported | Not published |
| College of the Mainland AAS, Texas City | Not reported | Not reported | $2,315 |
| Fortis College, Houston South Degree (level not named on program page), Houston | Not reported | Not reported | Not published |
| San Jacinto College, Central AAS, Pasadena | Not reported | Not reported | Not published |
| The College of Health Care Professions, Houston AAS, Houston | Not reported | Not reported | Not published |
Other career programs in the Houston area
How to read these numbers
Graduates who passed the CST certification exam, divided by graduates who took it, as the program reports it to ARC/STSA. Every graduate of an accredited program must sit for the exam. Job placement: graduates employed in surgical technology or a related field, as the program reports it to ARC/STSA. All Texas surgical technology programs
Sources and dates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Surgical Technologists (29-2055), May 2025 estimates.
- Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (programs accredited by CAAHEP) (ARC/STSA), checked Nov. 2026.
- Houston City College: outcomes, Program page lists 2021-2023 (85%), 2022-2024 (100%) and 2023-2025 (100%); page modified Aug 12, 2026.
- Lone Star College, Tomball: outcomes, Program page lists 2024 (89.4%), 2025 (95%) and 2026 (95%) with students entering/graduating 28/19, 30/19 and 30/20.
- Galveston College: outcomes, Program page lists cohorts 2022 to 2026; no retention or placement.
- College of the Mainland Surgical Technology program page, Estimated clinical costs (undated, live page).
Every number was checked against its source on Nov. 4, 2026. Spot an error? Report it. Program Outcomes is independent and not affiliated with any school or ARC/STSA. Our independence policy