A career as a surgical technologist could be a fantastic fit for detail-oriented individuals passionate about helping others by working in the medical field.
These essential care surgical team workers answer to many names, including surgical technician, scrub tech, operating room technician, and operating department practitioner.
Whatever you call this rewarding position, it’s a vocation that supports practitioners making a difference.
Beyond preparing the patient for surgery by prepping the area and moving the patient, the surgical technologist guarantees that the operating room is sterilized, well-stocked, and responsible for surgical instruments.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech in Kansas
The minimum formal schooling required is a high school diploma or equivalent, and Kansas doesn’t mandate that surgical technologists possess a license or certificate.
Individual employers determine if having the CST credential is necessary for employment.
However, many healthcare facilities in Kansas have stringent requirements regarding hiring surgical technicians.
However, if candidates are interested in becoming certified surgical technologists (CST), which opens up job opportunities, they must pass the NBSTSA exam.
Before taking this exam, candidates need to have finished an associate degree program or surgical technology certificate accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Depending on which Kansas surgical technician associate degree or certificate program candidates choose, many programs lead to a certificate or diploma.
These are often roughly one year of two semesters of full-time study to earn between 30 and 40 credits.
An Associate’s degree can be completed in two years, usually taking 60 to 70 credits.
While some courses focus strictly on the theory of surgical technology, others focus on practical clinical skills.
After mastering practical skills in laboratory-based surgical tech courses, the next step is clinical rotations, which are mandatory in any accredited surgical tech degree.
5 Surgical Tech Schools in Kansas
Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
Explore a surgical technology program that allows candidates to excel in the operating room environment by integrating classroom, lab teaching, and clinical experiences.
Graduates are ready to take the national certification examination.
The Associate of Applied Science is generally a 2-year program.
Contact:
- https://wsutech.edu/
- 4004 N Webb Rd, Wichita, KS 67226, United States
- 316-677-9400
Washburn Tech
Discover a surgical tech program that prepares candidates with the knowledge essential to become a crucial player on the surgical team.
After completing an A.A. degree, candidates can take the national certification exam to achieve the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential.
Contact:
- https://wsutech.edu/surgical-technology/
- 5724 SW Huntoon Topeka, Kansas, 66604
- 785-670-2200
Metropolitan Community College
To become a surgical tech, consider a competitive, three-semester program.
Classes begin in June, and the program accepts approximately twenty-five students per cohort.
Candidates can sit for the NBSTSA national certification as part of the program.
After passing the exams, students will have earned certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist, CST.
Contact:
- https://mcckc.edu/
- 3200 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64111
- 816-604-1000
Concorde
Prepare to work in hospitals, private practices, and clinics as you learn to assist with surgery, during procedures, and operating rooms in a program that unites classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical rotations.
Candidates can earn their associate degree program and be ready to begin work in 17 months.
- https://www.concorde.edu/patient-care-programs/surgical-technology/kansas-city
- Campus Support Center 6701 W. 64th St. #200 Overland Park, KS 66202
- 1-800-693-7010
Hutchinson Community College
Application to the Surgical Technology program is from December 15th to May 15th for the class starting the following August.
Some courses that students will take include the following:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- General Microbiology
- Surgical Technology
Contact:
- https://www.hutchcc.edu/
- 1300 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501
- 620-665-3500
Surgical Technician Schools in Kansas City – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Kansas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology | 4004 N Webb Rd, Wichita, KS 67226, United States |
| Washburn Tech | 5724 SW Huntoon Topeka, Kansas, 66604, United States |
| Metropolitan Community College | 3200 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64111, United States |
| Concorde | Campus Support Center 6701 W. 64th St. #200 Overland Park, KS 66202, United States |
| Hutchinson Community College | 1300 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501, United States |
Salary for Surgical Technicians in Kansas
The annual pay for a surgical tech in a major city, let’s say, Kansas City, is an average of $53,5800.
However, that salary can vary, ranging from $43,228 to $63,861, and education, experience, special certifications, certifications, diplomas, and skillsets impact it.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Surgical Technologists in Kansas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Wichita | $49,000 |
| Overland Park | $51,200 |
| Kansas City | $51,300 |
| Topeka | $48,500 |
| Olathe | $51,000 |
| Lawrence | $49,500 |
| Shawnee | $51,200 |
| Salina | $48,400 |
| Manhattan | $48,000 |
| Hutchinson | $48,400 |
Regional Salary in Kansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan, KS | 30 | $52,720 | $25.35 | $59,540 | $40,280 |
| Topeka, KS | 130 | $59,070 | $28.4 | $67,250 | $39,560 |
| Wichita, KS | 290 | $49,890 | $23.99 | $60,680 | $39,420 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How will my classes lead to a CST certificate, so I can work as a surgical tech in Witchita?
Look for college surgical technologist programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education.
Upon graduation (and congratulations!), candidates sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credentialing exam as part of the program.
How can I take the test to become a surgical tech?
Candidates become CST-certified technologists by taking the NBSTSA exam.
The exam for Certified Surgical Technologists is given under the auspices of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to graduates of a CAAHEP-accredited learning institution.
The testing fee is $190 for members and $290 for non-members.
Is the CST certification good for all time?
It’s vital to renew every four-year licensure period.
This includes providing evidence of at least 60 continuing education credits that can be obtained through taking workshops or attending classes, conferences, or seminars.
What does future employment look like for surgical techs in Kansas?
The short answer is excellent.
The longer answer is that there is a fantastic opportunity for growth in the field due to an aging population and an increasing number of advanced surgeries.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says surgical tech opportunities will grow 9% from 2020 to 2030.
