Does surgery fascinate you? Do you have dreams of becoming a surgical technician?
If so, this guide will discuss what it takes to become a surgical technician in Montana.
Surgical technicians are typically in charge of assisting the surgeon during various operations.
In addition, surgical techs are responsible for monitoring patients’ vital signs during procedures and sterilizing surgical instruments.
If this sounds like something you think you can do, continue reading to learn all about the required education and the licensing needed to practice as a surgical tech in Montana.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Technician
To become a surgical technician in Montana, you must first meet the educational requirements.
It must be an accredited surgical technology program.
These programs normally take anywhere between 12 and 24 months to complete.
You will then earn a certificate or an associate’s degree.
Following the program, you must pass the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) exam to earn a certificate.
You should also know that Montana does not require surgical technicians to obtain a license to work.
However, certain employers prefer those who have a national certificate over those who do not.
You can get this certificate through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
5 Surgical Tech Schools in Montana
1. Flathead Valley Community College
777 Grandview Drive l Kalispell MT 59901 l 406-756-3822
One of the many options you have is to earn an associate’s degree in surgical technology from Flathead Valley Community College.
Once students have completed this program, they will have the necessary skills to enter the field as a surgical technician.
Some of the courses that students will take in this program include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology for Health Sciences
- Introduction to Psychology
- Medical Terminology
This program takes about 24 months to complete and students will have earned a total of 70 credit hours.
Tuition starts at just $69 per credit hour.
2. Montana State University
Culbertson Hall 100 l Bozeman MT 59717
Great Falls College at Montana State University offers a program where students can earn an AAS degree in surgical technology.
This is also a two-year program where students are given plenty of options to pursue their career dreams.
Through this program, students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to begin a career as a surgical tech.
Students will learn the theoretical foundations for various techniques within the operating room.
Students will also gain hands-on training via clinicals and labs.
Tuition here costs about $127.72 per credit hour.
3. University of Montana 
32 Campus Dr l Missoula MT 59812 l 106-243-5600
The University of Montana also offers an associate’s program for students to earn a degree in surgical technology.
If you are accepted to the program, you must maintain a minimum grade of C or better to continue in the program.
Upon completion of this program, students will have earned a total of 65 credit hours.
There are a total of 16 surgical technology prerequisite courses and 49 surgical technology courses in this program.
The program takes 24 months to complete.
In-state tuition typically costs $28,906 for 12 or more credits.
4. City College at Montana State University Billings
3803 Central Ave l Billings, MT 59102 l 406-247-3000
Finally, students have the option of taking classes to earn a surgical technology degree from City College.
Classes here will be taught via the Great Falls campus, but students have the option of attending classes in one of the many classrooms.
The program also takes two years to complete and students will have earned a total of 70 credit hours upon completion of this program.
For 12 or more credit hours, students will pay around $4,840 for this program.
5. Montana Technological University
1300 West Park St l Butte MT, 59701 l 800-445-8324
Montana Technological University provides students with the option to earn an AAS in surgical technology on the Butte campus.
Students will start their studies at Highlands College and will continue on the butte campus with both coursework and clinical work.
Following the completion of this two-year program, students will have earned a total of 67 credit hours.
Some of the courses that students will take in this program include:
- Surgical Procedures
- Medical Ethics
- Surgical Clinical
- Surgical Internship
- Operating Room Techniques
- Microbiology
For 12 or more credits, the cost for students is $4,130 for in-state students and $10,950 for out-of-state students.
Surgical Technician Schools in Montana – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Montana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Flathead Valley Community College | 777 Grandview Drive l Kalispell MT 59901 |
| Montana State University | Culbertson Hall 100 l Bozeman MT 59717 |
| University of Montana | 32 Campus Dr l Missoula MT 59812 |
| City College at Montana State University Billings | 3803 Central Ave l Billings, MT 59102 |
| Montana Technological University | 1300 West Park St l Butte MT, 59701 |
Salary
If you’re wondering how much money you could make as a surgical technician in Montana, the annual average salary is $46,500.
Moreover, the range can fall anywhere between $41,800 and $51,400.
Many factors can determine the amount you make, including certification, skills, education, and experience.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Surgical Technologists in Montana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $50,800 |
| Missoula | $44,800 |
| Great Falls | $46,600 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | $44,800 |
| Bozeman | $44,800 |
| Helena | $45,600 |
| Kalispell | $47,900 |
| Havre | $45,800 |
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | $44,800 |
| Miles City | $50,000 |
Regional Salary in Montana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 110 | $58,150 | $27.96 | $74,430 | $48,590 |
| Missoula, MT | 60 | $58,610 | $28.18 | $74,410 | $45,650 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Montana require licensees to maintain their certification as a surgical technician?
Yes, after you receive your license, it doesn’t end there.
Montana requires that you maintain your certification by meeting particular continuing education requirements.
But what does this mean, you ask?
This ensures that you remain current with any new advancements in the field.
Moreover, every four years, you must enroll in continuing education classes to meet the requirements.
What career opportunities are there for a surgical technician working in Montana?
You have many options and will get to choose which career path you’d like to go down as a surgical technician.
For instance, you may decide working in a hospital is best for you.
You can also become a travel surgical tech, or work out of an ambulatory surgical center.
What education requirements must I meet in Montana to become a surgical technician?
You’ll find that the majority of employers require surgical technicians to have already completed a surgical technology program.
These programs are typically available in community colleges, universities, and vocational schools.
