How to Become a Surgical Technician – In 6 Steps

Surgical technicians are an integral part of the healthcare system.

And the best part of this thriving field is that it doesn’t take eight years of college to qualify.

As a surgical technologist, you are part of a surgical team.

A few of your duties may include prepping for an operation or assisting a surgeon.

Found in hospitals, dental offices, outpatient clinics, and even psychiatry clinics, these professionals ensure safe procedures.

Steps to Become a Surgical Technician

Many states have unique education, experience, and licensing requirements.

So it is essential to check your state before making a final choice.

However, here are the basic steps to becoming a surgical technician.

1. Earn a High School Diploma

Most surgical technician programs require a minimum high school or GED education level for admission.

2. Enroll in an Accredited Surgical Technician Program

Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

These programs can be found both in the classroom and online and often include optional externships.

3. Research State Requirements

Some states may require registration or licensing in addition to certification.

While researching an online CTS education program, verify that the education standards will meet the state requirements.

4. Certification

Obtain a Certified Surgical Technologist (NCST/NRST) credential by passing one of the various comprehensive exams from recognized organizations, such as the Tech in Surgery TS-C (NCCT) or the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam.

Certification exam fees are often included in the price of a surgical technician education program.

Typically, they range from $199 to $300.

5. State Licensing and Registration

Apply for the necessary state licenses or registrations.

Some states may require registration or licensing in addition to certification.’

6. Professional Advancement

Once employed, consider joining a national professional association such as the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) to keep up with professional education and changes.

Licensing Requirements to Become A Surgical Technician

A state agency usually defines a surgical technician’s licensing and registration regulations, which often closely follow the national Certified Surgical Technologist requirements.

Basic licensing requirements include a(n):

• Minimum age of 18 (21 in some states)
• Certificate of completion from an accredited program
• National Certification
• Complete a set number of experiential hours.
• Clean background check – no felonies or convictions for moral turpitude.
• Ability to pass a drug screen
• Continuing education is generally required to renew both licenses and certifications as a surgical tech.

While not a complete list, national certification to work as a surgical technician is required by the following states:

• Oregon
• Idaho
• Connecticut
• Indiana
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Nevada

States that require surgical technicians to be licensed and registered through state health or licensing agencies include:

• Colorado
• Virginia
• Washington
• District of Columbia
• Illinois
• Arkansas
• North Dakota

Online Training Programs

Online surgical technician training programs vary in length and cost.

Some are two years long, with students receiving a broad-based Associate’s Degree.

Other programs are streamlined and self-paced with an average completion time of roughly four months (16 weeks).

These programs can cost between $2,500 and $25,000.

Here are a few program details to help you decide which is best for your career goals.

Preppy

This university-affiliated surgical technician program is unique.

It can be taken 100% online and self-directed.

A Certificate of Completion is received from the University of Auburn.

The streamlined curriculum focuses on the basic skills of a surgical technician.

The Preppy course recognizes that experience is vital and includes a volunteer externship to gain clinical hours in the 16-week program.

Upon course completion, students are ready to take the National Certified Surgical Technologist (NCST) exam.

The cost is $1,599 and includes:

• Free Laptop
• Books and Resources
• Comprehensive training
• Certification Preparation
• Externship arrangements
• Job services

While FAFSA student loans are unavailable, the program has a flexible payment structure.

Health Tech Academy

The Health Tech Academy is a healthcare education company that offers a four-month (16-week) program exclusively online.

Course requirements include:

• A High School Diploma
• A Bachelor’s Degree (or previous equivalent health care experience).
• The program syllabus lists the following core surgical technician courses:
• Infection Control
• Sterilization
• Surgical Techniques

The whole program costs $3,450.

Financial aid is not available.

However, cash discounts and payment plans apply.

The cost includes: a free laptop, coursework, e-textbooks, and the NCCT TS-C exam fee.

Graduates are also offered externship placement assistance, post-course assistance, and career mentoring.

After completion of core classes, students are provided with exam prep for the NCCT TS-C certification exam.

Stepful

Stepful is an online, four-month curriculum that prepares students to become surgical technicians.

Highly rated, Stepful claims a 75% completion and certification rate across all its healthcare programs.

The Stepful program is accredited by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and blends self-paced with instructor-led Zoom-style classes.

To apply, students must be 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Stepful strongly suggests some experience in healthcare, but this is not an admission requirement.

Online courses focus on:

• Basic anatomy and physiology
• Sterilization procedures
• Pharmacology
• Surgical equipment
• Microbiology
• Surgical Techniques
• Radiological Treatments

The surgical scrub technician program also requires the completion of external experience in 125 first-scrub cases ( 4-6 volunteer months) to graduate.

The $5,000 cost includes all coursework, textbooks, exam prep, mentoring, and assistance with externship and job placement.

However, laptops and technology are not included in the price.

Payment plans are available.

Financial Aid does not apply to the surgical technician course.

MedCerts

MedCerts, founded in 2009 by the McManus family, Joel Kestenberg, and Samson Chu, is an online educator that offers over 50 certifications in healthcare and IT.

It is a recognized Military and professional development training company.

The surgical technician program is an 18-week program that is divided into two components: online coursework and a 125-case clinic-based externship.

To apply to the MedCerts Surgical Technician courses, individuals must be 18 years old and have a valid high school diploma (or GED).

During registration, students must also verify arrangements for an off-site externship with either an employer or a healthcare sponsor providing surgical clinical experience hours.

The online courses are instructor-led video courses with integrated testing to ensure competency.

The course schedule is structured.

The basic curriculum includes:

• Professionalism in Healthcare (2 weeks)
• Medical Terminology (6 weeks)
• Surgical Technology (10 weeks)

The complete MedCert program costs $4,000.

Monthly payment programs are available, but standard financial aid is not.

MedCerts also recognizes Military discounts, active duty grants, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Workforce Grants in over 30 states.

Online education makes certification as a surgical technician accessible.

However, the cost of these programs remains significant.

Is a surgical technician certification worth the expense and time commitment?

Many also wonder if the compensation for surgical technician positions will be worth the effort.

Salary Information for Surgical Technicians

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average for entry-level surgical technicians is $62,480.

Top employees with additional specialty training, certifications, and extensive experience can earn $72,520.

Salaries are higher in urban metroplexes, while entry-level positions earn roughly $33,420.

In healthcare, benefits packages contribute to overall compensation.

These basic perks often include: healthcare, continuing specialty training, paid time off, and other lifestyle benefits.

The field is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade.

Positions for surgical technicians can be found in various environments, including hospitals, specialty clinics, outpatient surgery centers, and dental offices.