How to Become a Surgical Tech in North Dakota

A surgical technician plays a vital role in the operating room, from preparing patients to assisting surgeons.

They are responsible for ensuring equipment is in place and helping with pre- and post-surgery.

Without them, surgical rooms would not run as smoothly.

Surgeons often rely on surgical technicians to ensure that their job goes smoothly.

Those looking to become surgical techs in North Dakota will need to know the ins and outs, which we will detail below.

Licensing Requirements to Become

To work as a surgical technician in North Dakota, one must complete an accredited program.

The program is generally at the associate’s degree level.

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

Programs may also be certified by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Educational Schools (ABHES).

It’s crucial to note that attending a non-accredited program will hinder your ability to apply for a certificate.

Before enrolling, ensure the program is accredited.

This is significant because the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) requires students to have completed valid coursework.

If not, they will need to re-enroll in an accredited program.

This information is vital for your preparation as a surgical technician in North Dakota.

In North Dakota, certification is not mandatory.

However, it’s highly beneficial, as most institutions prefer applicants with proper training or a certificate.

While on-the-job training is legal in North Dakota, it can be risky, as being a surgical technician can be high risk if you don’t know everything the role requires.

This underscores the importance of pursuing certification to enhance your career prospects and ensure your competence in the field.

Surgical Tech Schools in North Dakota

A surgical technician in North Dakota must attend an accredited program to take the CST exam and become certfiied.

Students will want to make sure that the college they attend is accredited, which will prepare them to pass the exam.

Unfortunately, there is only one accredited program in North Dakota, and we’ll introduce you to them below.

Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College, located in Bismarck, ND, offers a comprehensive Surgical Technology Program accredited by the CAAHEP.

To complete the program, students must accumulate 65 credits, 49 of which are prescribed technical programs and 16 general education courses.

Additionally, a digital literacy course is required.

This detailed information will help you make an informed decision about your educational path as a surgical technician.

Alternatively, students can also attend a surgical technology three-year degree plan.

The program has a total of 69 credits, 53 of which are in prescribed technical programs and 16 in general education.

While not necessary, a three-year degree program can help give students in-depth knowledge of the operating room and allow them to work on more cases.

That said, most hospitals only require that applicants have certification despite the number of years.

Students who attend the program must maintain a 2.0 GPA to continue the program.

Students who fall below the threshold will be dismissed from the program.

In addition, students will need to get a C or higher in all completed coursework.

For information about tuition, students will need to contact the college, as they don’t post the amount online.

Surgical Technician Schools in North Dakota – Summary Table

Salary

The average salary of a surgical technician in North Dakota is $51,800.

However, the pay can range anywhere from $45,600 to $57,300.

Some only make $41,866 on the low end, while the high end can make $62,307.

The only higher paying position in North Dakota for a surgical technician is if they are willing to travel.

Otherwise, a surgical technician can expect to stay within the $50k range.

Regional Salary in North Dakota