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Operating room
Surgical Technologist
Handing the surgeon the right instrument before they ask.
Typical pay
$48k-$78k
How you get in
12-24 month program plus CST certification
Outlook
Growing with surgical volume
Surgical techs set up the sterile field, pass instruments and anticipate what the surgeon needs next. It is intensely focused work where sterile technique is absolute and the room moves fast.
A day in the life
- 5:45aArrive, review the day's case schedule
- 6:30aSet up the first room, count instruments
- 7:30aScrub in — first case of the day
- 11:00aTurn the room over, set up the next case
- 1:00pLunch between cases if the board allows
- 3:00pFinal case, break down, restock
How to get in
Accredited surgical technology program
Duration
12-24 months
Cost
$6,000-$30,000
Credential
CST certification
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program
- Finish clinical rotations scrubbing real cases
- Pass the CST exam
- Start in general surgery, then specialize in ortho, cardiac or neuro for higher pay
Military training
Duration
Service commitment
Cost
$0 — paid and trained
Credential
CST via military experience
- Train as a military surgical technologist
- Gain trauma experience most civilian techs never see
- Test for CST certification
- Transition directly into hospital work
Hospital-based program
Duration
12-18 months
Cost
$2,000-$12,000, sometimes free with a work commitment
Credential
CST certification
- Apply to a hospital-run surgical technology program
- Train inside the facility that intends to hire you
- Pass the CST
- Expect a service commitment in exchange
What people love
- · Into the OR with a 1-2 year credential
- · Strong pay for the training time
- · No patient conversations — the work is technical
- · Call pay adds up significantly
What wears people down
- · Standing motionless for hours
- · On-call nights and weekends
- · Surgeons can be difficult to work with
- · Zero tolerance for a break in sterile technique