How to Become a Surgical Tech: Requirements & Salary

Surgeries—both big and small—can be life or death. Although surgeons perform surgeries, their entire health care team is crucial to ensuring a successful outcome and the well-being of patients. The primary objective of a surgical technologist is to prepare everything in the operating room for surgeons.

In this career guide, we'll discuss how to become a surgical technologist to help you pursue your goals in the right direction.

What Is a Surgical Technologist?

Surgical technologists are essential members of a health care team, often referred to as “surgical techs” or “scrub techs.” They work in the operating room (OR) alongside surgeons, nurses, and other specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical techs ensure that tasks run smoothly during a procedure by preparing instruments, organizing supplies, and maintaining a sterile environment. Surgical technologists also learn human anatomy, sterile techniques, and the principles of different surgical procedures. Their primary goal is to support surgeons before, during, and after the operation.

Roles and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of a surgical tech vary according to the type of facility and surgery. Generally, a surgical tech will:

• Sterilize sterilize surgical instruments and prepare the operating room for surgery.
• Position and drape patients, disinfecting incision sites to reduce infection risk.
• Select and organize instruments for specific procedures.
• Hand supplies, instruments, and other equipment to surgeons during an operation.
• Hold retractors, organs, or other instruments when surgical maneuvers require additional support.
• Take inventory post-operation, ensuring nothing remains inside a patient.
• Maintain a clean, sterile surgical area at all times.
• Contribute to patient safety by applying dressings and bandages properly.

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How to Become a Surgical Technologist?

Step 1: Earn Your High School Diploma

Before you can enroll in a surgical technology program, you will typically need to earn a high school diploma or GED. High school science classes—like anatomy or biology—are especially helpful if you plan to become a surgical technologist. They can help lay the groundwork for the terminology and core concepts you’ll study in your surgical tech certificate or degree program.

Step 2: Enroll in a Surgical Tech Program

Once you have your high school diploma, the next step in how to become a surgical tech is to pursue a formal education program. Surgical techs generally complete either a diploma, certificate, or associate degree in surgical technology. According to O*Net data, 41% of surveyed surgical technologists stated that an associate degree was required, while 23% said a post-secondary certificate was sufficient. Depending on your state, there might be specific regulations on the minimum educational level or certification requirements.

Program Accreditation

When selecting a surgical tech program, confirm that it’s accredited by a reputable agency, such as the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduation from an accredited program can be important for eligibility to sit for certain certification exams and for meeting any state-specific requirements.

Step 3: Get Certified

While many states don’t mandate certification to become a surgical technologist, earning a recognized certification can significantly enhance your job prospects. Prospective employers value the dedication and competence that certification represents. Two primary organizations offer surgical tech certification:

• National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT): The NCCT administers the Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) exam. Eligibility criteria, including official transcripts and a skills competency form , are detailed on the NCCT website.
  
  According to the NCCT route , existing surgical techs and those trained through the military may also sit for the TS-C exam.
• National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA): The NBSTSA offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. Eligibility requires completing an accredited associate degree program. Applicants mail in documents and application forms, then receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) after processing. Once you pass the CST exam, you earn your certification.

Step 4: Find a Job

After completing your education and, if desired, obtaining certification, you can begin applying for surgical tech roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , around 71% of surgical technologists work in hospitals, making hospitals the largest employer for this occupation. Surgical techs can also find opportunities in outpatient surgical centers, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities that require surgical procedures.

Step 5: Advance Your Career

Many surgical technologists choose to specialize in areas like neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, or pediatrics to gain deeper expertise. As noted by an HHS infographic , there are two main paths to advance:

• First Assistant: The primary surgical tech in the OR, often performing advanced duties like handling specialized instruments or assisting with suturing.
• Central Supply Supervisor: Responsible for overseeing operating room instruments, including sterilization procedures and inventory management.

Becoming a first assistant or a central supply supervisor usually requires additional training or experience, but can lead to higher pay and responsibilities.

How Long to Become a Surgical Tech?

For those wondering “how long does it take to become a surgical tech,” most associate degree programs require 64 to 66 credits and can be completed in about two years if you study full-time. Certificate or diploma programs might take anywhere from 12 months to 18 months, depending on your schedule. Although the length of time may vary, all programs include mandatory classroom instruction and practical training in a clinical setting. Some specialized tracks, like open-heart or pediatric surgery, may require additional coursework.

Who Is a Good Fit?

If you’re comfortable working closely with surgeons and other medical professionals, enjoy hands-on tasks, and can maintain focus under pressure, you might be an excellent fit for a surgical tech career. Attention to detail, active listening, teamwork, and strong organizational skills are key traits. Becoming a surgical technologist offers a relatively quick entry into a specialized medical role compared to other healthcare paths that require longer-degree programs.

Surgical Tech vs Technician

Many people use the terms “surgical technologist” and “surgical technician” interchangeably, but there can be slight distinctions in responsibilities and training. Generally, a surgical technologist has more formal education and certification, often performing a broader range of duties such as preparing the OR, assisting the surgeon during complex operations, and monitoring patient safety. A surgical technician, on the other hand, might have more on-the-job training and may focus on patient transfer, emotional support, and maintaining OR cleanliness. However, these roles often overlap depending on the healthcare setting.

Pros and Cons

As with any career, there are advantages and challenges to consider before choosing to become a surgical technologist:

Pros

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% growth in surgical technologist roles from 2020 to 2030.
• You can enter the field relatively quickly, as many programs last between 12 to 24 months.
• According to O*Net Online , the average annual salary for surgical techs is around $48,530 ($23.33 per hour).
• The job can be highly rewarding, as you assist in life-saving procedures and contribute directly to patient outcomes.

Cons

• You’ll often stand for long periods, which can be physically demanding.
• Some positions require on-call hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• You may handle sharp instruments, bodily fluids, and other hazardous materials daily.
• The high-stakes environment leaves little room for error, making the job potentially stressful at times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to become a surgical tech?

Many students find the coursework challenging, but not unmanageable. You’ll study human anatomy, microbiology, sterile techniques, and surgical procedures. With dedication and proper study habits, you can successfully meet the requirements to become a surgical technologist.

Is surgical tech harder than nursing?

While both paths require stamina and commitment, they involve different responsibilities and educational requirements. Surgical tech programs are often shorter, while nursing degrees typically take longer and require passing a licensure exam to become a registered nurse. Some individuals may find nursing school more demanding due to its broader scope of practice and clinical responsibilities.

What is the average salary?

According to O*Net Online , the average salary for surgical techs is approximately $48,530 per year. Salaries vary by region, certification level, and specialization, so you may earn more if you choose to work in a highly specialized area or in a state with higher wage scales.

Who makes the most money?

Pay can be higher for surgical techs who specialize in areas like neurosurgery or open-heart procedures, particularly if you become the first assistant in those subspecialties. Additionally, those taking on supervisory roles or working in higher-cost-of-living regions tend to earn more.

Closing Thoughts

Learning how to become a scrub tech or surgical technologist is a rewarding journey that offers an opportunity to contribute directly to patient care in a high-stakes environment. The field’s projected growth, relatively short training period, and hands-on nature make it an attractive option for those eager to join the healthcare world without a long academic path. If you’re passionate about surgical procedures and thrive in a fast-paced setting, then this career path may be the perfect choice for you.