Is becoming a certified surgical technician your dream career?
Surgical technicians are often referred to as surgical technologies.
They are a part of the medical field and their main job is to assist surgeons during surgery.
Surgical techs are also in charge of ensuring the operating room is well-prepared, sterilizing instruments, and making sure that all required equipment is on hand.
So, if you live in South Dakota and are unsure where to get started, this guide is for you.
Continue reading to learn all about the licensing requirements in your state as well as the various schools that offer training to become a surgical technician.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech
So are you wondering what the licensing requirements are in South Dakota to become a surgical technician?
First, you should know that there are legal and educational requirements that you must meet.
With regard to education, you must have a high school diploma at the least.
Many employers may prefer those who have already completed a program for surgical technology.
Moreover, you must be certified in order to work as a surgical tech in South Dakota.
You must take and pass the exam to become a surgical tech which is provided to you by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Finally, to be eligible to take the exam, you must first graduate from an accredited surgical tech program.
Clinical experience is also required.
Once you have received your certificate, you must then take continuing education courses to maintain your license.
5 Surgical Tech Schools in South Dakota
SouthEast Technical College
2320 N Career Ave l Sioux Falls, SD 57101 l 605-307-8305
SouthEast Technical College is a great place to consider earning a certificate to become a surgical technician if you live in or near Sioux Falls.
The curriculum for this program includes a total of 63 credits over a period of 24 months.
You will take various courses, including Surgical Procedures, General Psychology, Applied Anatomy/Physiology, and Surgical Asepsis.
The total cost for this program is $255 per credit hour.
National American University
4020 Jackson Blvd Suite 1 l Rapid City, SD 57702 l 800-621-7440
National American University offers a program for those interested in becoming surgical techs.
Following completion of their program, you will receive an associate’s degree.
This program takes 24 months to complete.
The top four courses you will take in this program are:
- Surgical Cases
- Surgical Technology Externship
- Surgical Procedures Labs
- Intro to Surgical Technology
General tuition is $342 per credit hour to earn anywhere between 46 and 90 credits.
Western Dakota Technical College
800 Michelson Dr l Rapid City, SD 57703 l 605-718-2400
Consider earning an associates of science degree from Western Dakota Technical College to become a surgical tech.
This program has a total of 60 credit hours and takes 18 months to complete.
This program is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and dedication needed to become a successful surgical tech.
Some courses that you will take under this program include:
- Anatomy & Physiology for Health Professions
- Medical Terminology I
- Surgical Technology Clinicals
- Surgical Procedures
The total cost of this program is around $9,786.
Lake Area Technical College
1201 Arrow Ave l Watertown, SD 57201 l 605-882-5284
Another school to consider in South Dakota for surgical technology is Lake Area Technical College.
This is a 20-month program where students will study theory.
Students will also gain hands-on experience on various applications.
Some of the things that students will learn in these programs include preoperative procedures, sterilization procedures, postoperative procedures, and much more.
Standard tuition rates here are $124 per credit hour.
South Dakota State University
1015 Campanile Ave l Brookings, SD 57007 l 605-688-4121
Finally, consider South Dakota State University’s associate of applied science degree program in surgical technology.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will have earned 51 technical course credits.
Some of the courses that students will take under this program include:
- Intro to Sociology
- Medical Law & Ethics
- Surgical Procedures
- Surgical Pharmacology
If you’re a resident of South Dakota, tuition is about $259 per credit hour for undergraduates.
Surgical Technician Schools in South Dakota – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in South Dakota
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| SouthEast Technical College | 2320 N Career Ave l Sioux Falls, SD 57101 |
| National American University | 4020 Jackson Blvd Suite 1 l Rapid City, SD 57702 |
| Western Dakota Technical College | 800 Michelson Dr l Rapid City, SD 57703 |
| Lake Area Technical College | 1201 Arrow Ave l Watertown, SD 57201 |
| South Dakota State University | 1015 Campanile Ave l Brookings, SD 57007 |
Salary
Are you wondering how much a surgical technician makes in South Dakota?
On average, surgical technicians working in the state of South Dakota make about $46,600 per year.
However, the typical range is between $41,900 and $51,500.
The actual salary you make depends on various factors such as skills, certificate, education, and more.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Surgical Technologists in South Dakota
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $47,600 |
| Rapid City | $46,700 |
| Aberdeen | $43,400 |
| Watertown | $46,800 |
| Brookings | $46,800 |
| Mitchell | $46,800 |
| Pierre | $44,200 |
| Yankton | $46,500 |
| Huron | $45,100 |
| Vermillion | $46,100 |
Regional Salary in South Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 80 | $51,890 | $24.95 | $65,660 | $39,450 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 270 | $50,690 | $24.37 | $64,250 | $40,320 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a job as a surgical tech in South Dakota?
If you’re wondering where to look for work as a surgical tech in South Dakota, you can begin by reaching out to local hospitals and surgical centers near you.
You can do this in addition to searching for postings online.
However, many healthcare centers have their own websites where they post employment opportunities.
Are there any requirements in South Dakota for obtaining your surgical tech certification?
Yes, after you have passed the CST exam and received your certificate, you must maintain your certification by adhering to the requirements set forth by the NBSTSA.
Some of the requirements you must meet include taking continuing education courses.
In addition, you must renew your license every four years.
Are there any optional certifications available in South Dakota I can earn to enhance my skills?
Yes, in addition to you receiving your CST certification, there are further licenses you may want to consider pursuing if you’re interested in advancing your skills.
For instance, you may want to consider earning a certificate as a Certified Surgical First Assistant through the NBSTSA.
Another organization you may want to check out is the National Healthcareer Association to earn additional certifications.
