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How to Become a Surgical Technologist

Every route into setting up the sterile field and passing instruments through every case.

Median pay$57k

Median pay is the midpoint of 49 recent Surgical Technologist postings in that index that published a salary range — not a national average.

Where are you starting? (no signup)

Every route in

Accredited surgical technology program

20 months · about $15.3k

  1. 1

    Anatomy, sterile technique, and lab

    Months 1–10

    • Infection Control
    • Medical Terminology
    • Patient Care
  2. 2

    Clinical rotations and the CST exam

    Months 11–20

    • Surgical Instrumentation
    • Operating Room Workflow

    Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) · National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) · about $290 · about 18 months

    Programme details →

Start in sterile processing

30 months · about $15.3k

  1. 1

    Work sterile processing and learn the trays

    Months 1–12

    • Infection Control
    • Surgical Instrumentation
    • Medical Terminology
  2. 2

    Finish an accredited program and certify

    Months 13–30

    • Operating Room Workflow
    • Patient Care

    Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) · National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) · about $290 · about 18 months

    Programme details →