San Antonio, TX – Surgical technologist (Surg Tech) programs, essential to operating rooms and surgical teams nationwide, may face significant federal aid challenges as new student loan and grant regulations take effect in 2026. Although these programs are typically longer and more comprehensive than other entry-level healthcare certificates, they still fall under the federal government’s expanded accountability measures.
According to federal guidance, surgical technology programs that are unaccredited, non-credit, or below 150 instructional hours cannot receive Title IV funding. Programs between 150 and 600 hours must now qualify for Workforce Pell, requiring a 70% completion rate, 70% job placement rate, and tuition that does not exceed graduates’ value-added earnings measured three years after completion.
Beginning July 1, 2026, surgical technologist programs must also pass the federal “low earnings outcomes” test. Under this rule, a program loses access to Direct Loans if graduates earn the same or less than adults with only a high school diploma for two out of three measured years. While surgical technologists generally earn higher wages than other allied health certificates, programs in low-wage regions or hospitals with limited entry-level pay scales may still face compliance pressure.
Hospitals and educators warn that federal restrictions could further strain the surgical workforce during a period of increasing OR staffing shortages.
