How to Become a Surgical Tech in North Carolina

Surgical technologists work alongside surgeons to help surgeries go smoothly.

Their duties include sterilizing and preparing the OR, retracting tissues, giving instruments to the surgeon, and dressing or suturing wounds.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech in North Carolina

You’ll need to be certified to become surgical tech in North Carolina.

You’ll need to complete a training program and certification exam.

Choosing a Surgical Tech Training Program

You have a few options when choosing a training program.

If you want to begin your career as soon as possible, you can choose a diploma or certificate program.

These programs focus on the skills you’ll need as a surgical technologist, and can be completed in 6 to 18 months.

You can also choose to earn an associate’s degree.

This offers you a well-rounded education, including general courses and surgical technology courses.

An associate’s degree typically takes 2 years to complete.

You’ll need to choose a program that is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited.

Once you’ve completed a surgical technician program, you are eligible to take the CST exam.

CST Certification To be eligible for the CST certification, you’ll need proof you’ve completed a training program.

This can include a letter on the official letterhead that states the date, program, and the degree or diploma you received, a transcript, or a copy of your certificate or diploma.

To take the certification exam, you’ll need to complete an application and pay a fee of $190 for AST members, and $290 for non-members.

The test has 175 questions, with 150 of them being scored.

You’ll need a total of 98 correct answers to pass the exam.

5 Surgical Tech Schools in North Carolina

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville Technical Community College has a limited number of positions each semester.

To become one of 15 students accepted, you’ll need to meet the requirements.

This includes a high school diploma or GED, and a grade of B or higher in science-related courses.

Students will learn to assist surgeons during surgery, maintain sterile conditions, prepare patients for surgery, and prepare supplies, equipment, and instruments.

Program length and costs are discussed if you are accepted into the program.

Central Piedmont Community College

Central Piedmont Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology.

You’ll need to pass the CST certification exam before completing the program.

The program is competitive.

You’ll need to apply to the surgical technology program, in addition to the college.

It’s important to note that not all applicants are accepted.

To enter the program, you must pass a criminal background check, drug screen, and be up to date on immunizations.

You’ll need to be CPR certified as well.

You’ll need a total of 71 credits to complete the program.

18 credits are general education courses, and the remaining 53 credits pertain to surgical technology.

Durham Tech

Durham Tech offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology.

Tuition costs $6,139.

You’ll need 68 credit hours to complete the program.

It typically takes 20 to 21 months to complete the program.

You’ll need to apply to the surgical technology program, in addition to applying to Durham Tech.

Prerequisites include science courses.

You’ll also need a GPA of 2.8.

Courses included in the program include period patient care, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology.

Guilford Technical Community College

Guildford Technical Community College, or GTCC, offers an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology.

You’ll need a total of 66 credits to complete the program.

You’ll complete two fall and spring semesters and one summer semester during the program.

After completing the program, students are eligible to take the CST exam.

During the program, you will learn anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.

You’ll gain valuable surgical technology skills, and communicate professionally with members of the surgical team.

Courses in the program include basic anatomy and physiology, medical technology, surgical procedures, and general psychology.

You’ll also participate in clinical internships.

Pitt Community College

Pitt Community College has partnered with Edgecomb Community College.

Some courses will be completed at Edgecomb.

Courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Intro to Surgical Technology, Perioperative Patient Care, and Surgical Procedures.

You’ll also participate in Clinical Practice to gain real-world experience.

Surgical Technician Schools in North Carolina- Summary Table

Salary

The average salary for a surgical technician in North Carolina is $52,581.

Most salaries range between $47,261 to $57,858.

Regional Salary in North Carolina