How to Become a Surgical Tech in Minnesota

Whether you call them surgical technologists, surgery techs, surgical technicians, scrub techs, scrubs, OR techs, surgical assistants, operating room assistants, or surgical techs, here is a great career opportunity.

As a vital part of the medical team, surgical techs do everything, from prepping the patient for surgery to maintaining a well-stocked and sterilized operating room.

Plus, they’re responsible for all surgical instruments.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech in Minnesota

How do you get to be a surgical tech?

There are numerous paths to becoming a surgical technician.

While not every employer demands a degree, the accepted and most accessible steps to building a successful career:

• High school diploma or equivalency
• Training program
• Certification

Minnesota doesn’t regulate vocational requirements for surgical technology career path entry.

However, most employers seek candidates who have successfully passed an accredited program and certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Certification, which demonstrates a candidate’s commitment, education, and experience.

The more comprehensive surgical technical schooling usually involves an associate’s degree plus specialized training.

The shorter schooling options may not include a degree.

Surgical tech schooling varies by program but typically lasts between 12 and 24 months.

Candidates can receive training at various education/ training institutions, such as community and technical colleges, online, or military medical programs.

Candidates should check that the surgical training program is accredited.

6 Surgical Tech Schools in Minnesota

Anoka Technical College

The Anoka Technical College Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree helps candidates acquire the skills to perform all operating room procedures and techniques in a 60-credit program.

In addition to surgical procedures, surgical instruments, equipment, and operating room techniques, candidates learn about surgical microbiology, medical terminology, anatomy, surgical pharmacology, physiology, sterile technique, and patient prep for surgery.

• https://www.anokatech.edu/programs/surgical-technology/
• 1355 West Highway 10 Anoka, MN 55303
• 763-433-1100

St. Cloud Technical and Community College

Offerings include a 49-credit diploma program or a 60-credit associate degree program, and they’re ranked 3rd in a nationwide assessment of Best Surgical Tech Associate Degree Programs by Best Accredited Colleges.

The program prepares students to assist, set up, and maintain instruments during surgical procedures.

• https://sctcc.edu/news/03-03-2023/surgical-technology-recognized-nationally
• 1540 Northway Drive St. Cloud, MN 56303
• 800-222-1009

Rochester Community and Technical College

Candidates can earn a 60-credit Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree in a program offering hands-on work experience in hospitals like the Mayo Clinic.

Candidates acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in working with a medical team and gain clinical experience at Mayo Clinic Hospitals in Rochester and other hospitals in southeastern Minnesota.

• https://www.rctc.edu/program/st/
• 851 30th Ave SE Rochester, MN 55904-4999
• 507-285-7557 / 1-800-247-1296

Mayo Clinic, College of Medicine & Science / Surgical Technology Clinical Rotation

With a student size of 25 students a year and a program length of six months, candidates at affiliated schools finish six months of surgical rotations in general/specialty areas in the Surgical Technology Program at Mayo Clinic during the final year of their education.

After graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program and passing a national certification examination set by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, candidates earn the Certified Surgical Technologist or CST.

The Surgical Technology programs at Mayo Clinic-affiliated educational institutions include classroom studies, clinical experiences, and labs to prepare students to aid surgical team members.

Affiliated schools: Rochester Community and Technical College, South Central College, Southeast Technical Sioux Falls, Western Technical College, and Minnesota West Community and Technical College

• https://college.mayo.edu/academics/health-sciences-education/surgical-technology-clinical-rotation-minnesota/
• 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905
• 507-255-9200

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

When studying to become a surgical technologist, some typical courses that a student might take include the following:

SURT1200 – Introduction to Surgical Technology

SURT1210 – Surgical Technology I, II, & III

• https://www.minnesota.edu/
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College has several campuses in Minnesota to meet students’ needs, including:
  • Detroit Lakes
  • Fergus Falls
  • Moorhead
  • Wadena
• 877-450-3322

Saint Paul College

Candidates will learn anatomy, medical terminology, physiology, and more!

Possessing a degree in Surgical Technology allows candidates to contribute to the medical team in an essential role.

Discover a program that prepares candidates for clinical experience and the medical field.

Professionalism, teamwork, and excellent communication and organizational skills are the benchmarks of patient-centered training.

• https://www.saintpaul.edu/programs/surgical-technology/
• 235 Marshall Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55102
• 651-846-1600

Surgical Technician Schools in Minnesota – Summary Table

Salary for Surgical Technicians in Minnesota

On average, the annual salary for a surgical technician in Minneapolis, MN, is $55,500; the range generally runs between $49,900 and $61,400.

Elements that influence the rate include the institution, education, experience, certifications, and additional skills that candidates bring to the operating theater table.

Regional Salary in Minnesota