To become a surgical technologist, you must earn a high school diploma or GED and graduate from an accredited degree program, such as an associate degree.
If you want to learn more about how to start your healthcare career in the operating room, read more details about each step, including what you learn in a surgical technician program and passing a national certification exam.
What Does a Surgical Technician Do?
A surgical technologist, also known as a surgical technician or “surg tech,” prepares operating rooms, assists surgeons during procedures, and ensures a strictly sterile environment. These professionals work alongside surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff in hospitals and similar settings.
The primary duties of a surgical technician include:
- Setting up operating rooms with the correct surgical instruments and equipment.
- Establishing and maintaining a sterile field to prevent infection.
- Preparing patients for surgery.
- Passing instruments to surgeons during procedures.
- Anticipating the surgical team's needs to minimize delays.
- Managing instrument counts and pulling case carts before and after surgery.
How to Become a Certified Surgical Tech
To work as a surgical technologist, you must complete certain educational milestones, including completing a program approved to prepare you for national exams, such as the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Another accrediting board is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
The basic steps to becoming a surgical technician or technologist are:
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. This is the baseline requirement for entering any college-level program.
- Complete prerequisite college coursework. Take foundational science and health classes to qualify for admission into a clinical program.
- Graduated from an accredited degree program. Complete a certificate or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology, which combines classroom theory with hands-on clinical rotations.
- Pass a national certification examination. Earn your official credential to legally and professionally practice in a hospital or surgery center.
After graduating, you’ll need to register for and pass a comprehensive national examination. Typically, you must maintain your certification throughout your career through continuing education or meeting other requirements established by the examination boards.
New Mexico-Specific Requirements for Surgical Technologist Careers
Some states set out specific guidelines for state licensure or certification. New Mexico does not require additional certification or employment requirements; however, many facilities in the state require candidates to be certified and to have certain experience to be hired.
For example, in 2026, job postings in New Mexico for surgical technology roles indicate that surgical technician candidates are preferred to have:
- Six months to one year of documented experience in an operating room or similar environment
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
To meet these requirements, you will either need to earn experience after finishing a program, or pursue a surgical technician program that includes clinical experience in the curriculum.
Certificate vs Associate Degree in Surgical Technology
When researching surgical technology programs, you will encounter options for both certificate programs and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. While a certificate provides a faster route to the operating room, earning an associate degree offers distinct long-term career advantages.
Many employers may prefer candidates holding associate degrees because the expanded curriculum builds a comprehensive understanding of patient care and surgical microbiology. An AAS degree also positions you for a higher starting salary compared to a certificate holder. Furthermore, an associate degree provides foundational college credits, establishing a clear path for further education, such as a bachelor's degree in nursing or healthcare administration.
How Long it Takes to Become a Surgical Technologist
Becoming a surgical technologist can take anywhere from one to three years. You must complete a program, including prerequisite coursework, and potentially earn on-the-job experience to meet certification requirements.
- Certificates can be completed in around one or one and a half years.
- Associate degrees can be completed in around two years.
- Some programs, like the associate degree in Surgical Technology at San Juan College (SJC), include clinical experience within the program.
Cost of Becoming a Surgical Technologist
Costs associated with becoming a surgical technician include the program cost and fees to register for a certification exam. Community college programs offer an affordable route to this credential compared to private technical schools, making it a highly accessible entry point into the healthcare industry. They also offer financial aid options. In New Mexico, it’s possible to attend community college for free or very low cost.
When budgeting for a surgical technology program, consider the following expenses and funding options:
- Tuition and Fees: Community colleges offer lower tuition rates, but students must also pay specific program fees for clinical management.
- Supplies: Budget for textbooks, required scrubs, proper footwear, and safety equipment.
- Administrative Costs: Anticipate fees for background checks, drug screenings, immunizations, and the final NBSTSA certification exam.
By investing in a surgical technology education, your long-term career earnings can easily offset your initial costs. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that surgical technicians earn an average annual salary of $62,480. Completing your training through a low-cost option, such as a community college, significantly enhances the return on your educational investment. Moreover, graduates with an associate degree frequently secure higher starting wages than those with certificates.
Learn more about the financial benefits of choosing community college.
What Do You Learn in a Surgical Technology Program?
A comprehensive surgical technology program combines rigorous classroom instruction with extensive clinical rotations. Students learn the science behind surgical procedures and apply that knowledge directly in real-world operating rooms. The curriculum prepares graduates to assist surgeons and independently ensure positive patient outcomes.
| Classroom Instruction | Clinical Skills Application |
|---|---|
| Human Anatomy & Physiology: Understanding body systems, organs, and surgical intervention sites. | Sterile Technique: Setting up a sterile field and putting on sterile gowns and gloves without contamination. |
| Microbiology & Infection Control: Studying pathogens and the strict principles of aseptic technique. | Instrumentation Management: Preparing case carts, organizing Mayo stands, and passing the correct tools rapidly. |
| Surgical Procedures: Learning the steps, necessary equipment, and potential complications of various surgeries. | Patient Care in the OR: Assisting with patient transport, positioning, and skin preparation under supervision. |
| Medical Ethics & Law: Understanding patient privacy, informed consent, and professional accountability. | Emergency Response: Anticipating the surgeon's needs and reacting quickly to sudden changes during a procedure. |
Requirements for Admission to Surg Tech Programs
Admission into accredited surgical technology programs requires foundational academic preparation and a strong application. While specifics vary by institution, prospective students must meet several standard criteria to enter a clinical cohort.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Educational Background: A high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
- Academic Performance: A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA), often ranging between 2.5 and 2.75.
- Prerequisite Courses: Successful completion of foundational subjects like Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Microbiology.
- Application Packet: Submission of a formal application and completion of required background checks or health screenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the terms surgical technician and surgical technologist refer to the same position and duties in the operating room. Certifying bodies like the NBSTSA use the title "surgical technologist" as the formal professional title. Healthcare facilities use both terms interchangeably in job postings, though technologist serves as the modern industry standard.
To specialize in veterinary or neurophysiology surgical technology, first earn your certification as a surgical technologist (CST). Gain one to two years of general operating room experience, then pursue targeted continuing education, on-the-job training, or advanced certificates in your chosen field.
While both roles support patient health, a surgical technician prepares operating rooms and assists during complex surgeries, whereas a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides daily, bedside patient care. Furthermore, their required education and work environments differ significantly.
Read more about types of entry-level healthcare careers and learn about different nursing degrees, including CNA programs.
A surgical technician primarily manages the sterile field and instrument handoffs, while a surgical assistant takes an active, hands-on role in the surgical procedure itself. Moving from a technician to an assistant is a natural career progression that requires advanced training.
Surgical Technician Responsibilities:
- Preparing the operating room and organizing case carts.
- Passing the correct instruments and supplies directly to the surgeon.
- Managing instrument counts before, during, and after the procedure to ensure patient safety.
Surgical Assistant Responsibilities:
- Performing hands-on physical interventions under the surgeon's immediate direction.
- Controlling bleeding (hemostasis) and suturing closed wounds.
- Providing optimal physical exposure to the surgical site using retractors.
Becoming a surgical assistant requires significant prior operating room experience compared to a technologist, and completion of a specialized advanced certificate program.
Yes, transitioning into surgical technology is an excellent option for a career change, thanks to its manageable training period and industry demand.
- Adult learners bring critical communication and organizational habits from previous careers.
- You can often complete prerequisite courses online or on a flexible schedule before committing to the intensive clinical core program.
- Community colleges provide dedicated advising, tutoring, and support systems tailored specifically for non-traditional students re-entering higher education.
Yes, accredited surgical technology programs accept a recognized GED as equivalent to a high school diploma.
- You must still complete all required college-level prerequisite courses before full program admission.
- Admissions committees heavily weigh your college GPA in those foundational courses.
- Holding a GED will not prevent you from taking the national certification exam or securing employment after you graduate from an accredited program.
Why Choose San Juan College for Surgical Technology
An associate degree from San Juan College provides a direct, supported pathway into the surgical technology field. Our AAS in Surgical Technology equips you with the academic foundation and clinical hours necessary to excel in the operating room.
SJC offers a fully approved program that prepares you for national examination at a community college price point, with numerous opportunities for tuition-free education for New Mexico Residents.
Take the first step toward an exciting, fast-paced career in the operating room. Explore our programs or request more information today.
