How to Become a Surgical Tech in Massachusetts

Surgery is a fact of life with an aging population.

In Massachusetts, one sixth of the population is over age 65, which is about a million people.

This makes the prospect of employment increasing in the future for surgical technicians seem bright.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the need for surgical technicians will rise by 5% in the next 8 years.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Technician in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is not one of the states that requires licensing, but it does require certification.

MassBay Community College

The health sciences program is held at the Framingham campus.

The surgical technology program is 12-months long and includes lectures, laboratory and clinical work.

This is a certificate program.

Both day and evening classes are offered.

The program lasts for three semesters.

Clinical work may be conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Framingham Union Hospital, Framingham, Newton Wellesley Hospital, Newton and many others.

Clinical work is done three times a week during the second and third semester and consists of 8-hour shifts.

Clinical hours can be as early as 6 am and as late as 3:30 pm.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Graduates are qualified to sit for the national certification exam.

The estimated cost is under $9,000 for Massachusetts residents.

North Shore Community College

Classes take place at the Danvers campus, are day only and start in the Fall Semester.

Requirements include national background check, MA CORI, and drug testing.

The NSCC Surgical Technology Program is a Selective Admissions Program.

Those applying are required to attend an Information Session during the academic year prior to admission.

Students must take and pass the ATI TEAS exam Version 7.

An essay must be submitted about why you chose this career path and why you think you are right for this program.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.

The program consists of lectures, laboratory activities, simulation, and operating room experience.

Graduates will earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree or may choose a certificate.

The Surgical Technician Program at North Shore Community College takes 15 months to complete.

This is a four-semester program.

They offer a fully accredited program.

Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Exam.

Tuition and fees for Massachusetts residents are $13,180 plus an additional $450 per term.

Books and course materials, including uniforms and transportation and health insurance are additional.

Financial aid is available.

Lasell University

The Lasell University Surgical Technology Program is a 16-month hybrid program.

Graduates will earn an Associate of Science-Surgical Technology Degree.

Students are required to scrub in for 120 surgeries at clinical affiliated local hospitals and medical centers.

All applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED.

The program requires 62 credits to complete.

All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.

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

Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam.

The program starts in September and May.

Students must have a valid vaccination record, get a background check and be CPR certified.

The Surgical Technology program tuition is $30,000.

Quinsigamond Community College

In-state tuition: $223 per credit and out-of-state tuition $429 per credit and $775 in fees per semester.

The Surgical Technology Program at Quinsigamond Community College requires 4 semesters and 60 credits.

The program takes place at the Healthcare and Workforce Development Center in downtown Worcester.

Students will travel to clinical sites in Worcester County.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.

Prospective students must attend a Health Information Session.

The TEAS (Test for Essential Academic Skills) exam must be passed with a grade of 60%.

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

Students must undergo CORI, SORI, fingerprinting & drug testing annually or each semester.

Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College is located in Boston and Chelsea, Massachusetts.

The Surgical Technology Program is a selective admission program.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.

Students must attend a mandatory information session.

The program begins in the fall semester.

Surgical Technology is a five-semester program with 60 credits. .

Courses are offered in the daytime.

Clinical time is primarily offered on weekdays.

Students must take part in 120 surgical cases in a variety of disciplines.

Medical facilities where clinical work may be done include Brigham and Women’s, Mass General, Tufts, and MetroWest Medical Center.

Specific clinical locations can not be requested.

At the completion of the program, students are eligible to take the certification exam.

Surgical Technician Schools in Massachusetts – Summary Table

Salary

The average salary in Massachusetts for surgical technicians is $56,000.

The closer to Boston you look, the higher the salary gets.

In Boston, it is more than $58,000.

The lowest salaries are in the Berkshires of the western part of the state at around $54,000.

The salary range is from the low 40s to the mid 60s depending on experience.

Regional Salary in Massachusetts