![North Dakota map](https://www.exploremedicalcareers.com/wp-content/themes/edu-project/images/maps/north-dakota-small.png)
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.
Page Navigation
- Licensing Requirements to Become
- Surgical Tech Schools in North Dakota
- Surgical Technician Schools in North Dakota – Summary Table
- Salary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you take surgical technician training online in North Dakota?
- Can you do on-the-job training as a surgical technician in North Dakota?
- Are there other places to become certified in North Dakota?
- What is the city in North Dakota with the highest pay for surgical technicians?
- How many seats are in the surgical technician program at Bismarck State College?
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 Logo](https://www.exploremedicalcareers.com/wp-content/uploads/Bismarck_State_College_logo-1-150x57.jpg)
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
Top 1 Schools in North Dakota
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Bismarck State College | 1500 Edwards Ave, Bismarck, ND 58506, United States |
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.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Surgical Technologists in North Dakota
City Name | Salary |
---|---|
Fargo | $50,200 |
Bismarck | $52,000 |
Grand Forks | $49,200 |
Minot | $51,200 |
Mandan | $52,000 |
Dickinson | $51,200 |
Jamestown | $50,300 |
West Fargo | $50,200 |
Williston | $51,200 |
Wahpeton | $49,400 |
Regional Salary in North Dakota
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bismarck, ND | 80 | $54,160 | $26.04 | $60,310 | $47,880 |
Fargo, ND-MN | 160 | $52,770 | $25.37 | $60,890 | $48,950 |
Grand Forks, ND-MN | 40 | $53,220 | $25.59 | $60,000 | $47,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take surgical technician training online in North Dakota?
No, you can’t take surgical technician training online.
Surgical technicians will have to have hands-on training in the operating room.
This doesn’t translate well in a virtual setting.
So, students may only get training by attending an in-person course.
Can you do on-the-job training as a surgical technician in North Dakota?
Since surgical technicians don’t have to be certified, on-the-job training can be supplemented.
Those who do will need a high school diploma or GED.
While this is possible, most surgical rooms will opt for certified surgical technologists, as not being properly trained is a high risk during surgery.
Are there other places to become certified in North Dakota?
The only accredited surgical technician program in North Dakota is at Bismarck State College.
Those wanting to get formal training will have to take a certificate or associate program in another state.
Currently, South Dakota has available degree programs at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls and Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City.
What is the city in North Dakota with the highest pay for surgical technicians?
The top-paying city in North Dakota is Grand Forks.
A surgical technician makes an annual salary of $107,271.
The following cities are Minot, Fargo, and Jamestown.
Of course, the pay will change depending on experience, training, and location.
How many seats are in the surgical technician program at Bismarck State College?
The surgical technology program at Bismarck State College is highly selective, with restricted seats.
Only 16 students can attend per cohort.
To qualify, previous experience working in a related field and a high GPA are best.
Students should also take prerequisite courses to ensure entry.