How to Become a Surgical Tech in Maine

Surgical technologists are crucial members of surgical teams.

They have important duties in the operating room before, during, and after surgery.

The key responsibilities of surgical technologists require that they have the education and skills to work in a fast-paced operating room environment.

Maine’s surgical technologists make sure that operating rooms are clean, sterile environments before and after surgery.

They transport patients, pass instruments and supplies to surgeons, and perform other duties under the direction of surgeons.

Learning how to become a surgical technologist in Maine is the first step towards having a career in healthcare that does not require a four-year college degree or attending medical school.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Technologist in Maine

Maine does not require surgical techs to have a license or certification.

The 129th Maine Legislature, First Regular Session decided not to pass an act brought before the state.

The state decided the final disposition on § 1813-A.

Surgical Technologists, An Act Relating to Surgical Technologists and the Practice of Surgical Technology.

The final disposition, given on May 21, 2019, was that it “ought not to pass pursuant to joint rule 310.”

Many employers want their surgical technologists to have completed a surgical tech program and to have certification.

Employers may give preference to job candidates who have completed an accredited program and who have the certification.

3 Surgical Tech Schools in Maine

Maine Health School of Surgical Technology

Maine Medical Center offers a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) program through the Maine Health School of Surgical Technology.

The program is a one-year training program.

The school divides the full-time surgical technologist program into two six-month semesters.

Students complete the first semester at Southern Maine Community College.

They gain knowledge about the basic sciences and primary techniques used in the operating room.

Students also learn about the care and safety of patients.

The second semester includes clinical instruction at a variety of surgical sites.

Students gain practical experience in the operating room.

Program graduates are prepared to sit for the National Certification Examination.

It is offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

They also have the opportunity to consider employment as a surgical tech at Maine Health.

The first semester tuition is $1,400.

The second semester tuition is $1,900.

Students pay a deposit and other fees.

Southern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College offers a four-semester, full-time Surgical Technology Associate Degree program.

The school explains that the Certified Surgical Technologist program is a cooperative effort between Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) and Maine Medical Center.

Students complete a minimum of 22 credit hours of general education and allied health courses during the first year of the program.

The second year of the program starts with on-campus classes.

The classes include instruction on the care and safety of patients, and the principles of operating room technique.

Students gain clinical skills and experience through clinical rotations at several ambulatory surgery sites.

Program graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination, which is offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Graduates earn a Surgical Technology Associate Degree.

The surgical technologist program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

The tuition for in-state students is $96 per credit hour.

Out-of-state students pay $192 per credit hour tuition.

Eastern Maine Community College

The Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program at Eastern Maine Community College starts in the fall semester of each year.

The school features a rolling application process throughout the year.

Students in the accredited program gain a fundamental understanding of human physiology, surgical anatomy, and the concepts of pharmacology.

They also gain proficiency in patient care, surgical aseptic technique, and surgical procedures.

The curriculum prepares students to work as entry-level surgical technologists in general surgery and various specialties.

They have the knowledge and skill to use the appropriate instrumentation and the procedural steps to work in obstetrics-gynecology, orthopedic, eye, vascular, and neurosurgery operating rooms.

Graduates are also prepared to work in operating rooms where surgery is being performed in cardiovascular-thoracic, reconstructive, eye, and plastic surgery.

The 2024 tuition for Maine residents is $96 per credit hour.

The non-resident tuition is $192 per credit hour.

Surgical Technician Schools in Maine – Summary Table

Salary

The 2024 average salary for surgical technologists in Maine is $50,900.

Surgical techs who have more experience earn more than surgical techs working at their first job.

The location in Maine also affects salaries for surgical technologists.

Surgical techs who work in Andover, Maine earn an average salary of $51,200, while surgical techs in Seal Harbor earn an average salary of $49,600.

Regional Salary in Maine