How to Become a Surgical Tech in Vermont

Vermont map

America’s hospitals are filled with patients suffering from simple and complex medical conditions that can be remedied or relieved through surgical procedures.

Well-trained allied health professionals like Certified Surgical Technicians offer hands-on support for licensed medical professionals like doctors and anesthesiologists during invasive and non-invasive surgery procedures.

Read on to get step-by-step guidance on how to become a surgical technician in Vermont, get an overview of two programs operating in the area, and get answers to frequently asked questions about this career path in the guide below.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech in Vermont

Step #1. – Meet Age and Education Requirements

The first step towards becoming a certified operating technician is enrolling in a post- secondary training program.

Applicants will need to reach the age of 18 and have proof of completing a high school diploma or GED before becoming eligible to enroll in a surgical training program.

Step #2. – Research Local Surgical Technician Schools

Locals who meet the basic eligibility requirements for enrollment can begin researching local area schools that offer formal surgical technician training.

Aspiring technicians living in Vermont may find that the options for local training are limited.

Prospective techs can opt to take coursework in neighboring states or enroll in hybrid classes where they take a portion of their classes remotely.

Step #3. Apply and Enroll

Once you’ve found the perfect program that meets your needs for training, scheduling, and cost, the next steps to take are to complete an application for enrollment.

Prospective students will need to meet their chosen programs admission requirements to be officially accepted into a program.

Step #4. Complete National or Regional Certification

The State of Vermont doesn’t currently require its technicians to hold an occupational license.

However, local medical employers like hospitals and outpatient surgery centers will require new applicants to demonstrate competency by showing proof of completing formal education at a local college, university, vocational program or through national certification.

While there are a variety of regional and national certifications available, the top surgical technician certifications accepted by most medical employers include the following:

Certified Surgical Technologist:

The CST certification is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting

Tech in Surgery:

The Tech in Surgery (TS-C) distinction is administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and immediately signals to potential local employers that the applicant has completed formal training in the latest invasive surgery techniques needed to support doctors, nurses, in operating rooms.

Certified Operating Room and Surgical Technician:

The American Board of Surgical Assistants issues the CORST credential that shows potential surgical techs have completed a comprehensive education and training program that readies them to work in entry-level surgery settings.

Step #5. – Find a Surgical Technician Job in Vermont

Once you’ve earned your national or regional certification, the next step is to find a surgical technician job in Vermont.

Most new hires find roles in the following medical facilities and surgery centers around the area.

Step #6. Recertify Your Surgical Technology Credentials

Certified Surgical Technicians working in Vermont will need to periodically recertify their credentials by taking continuing education courses or taking part in activities that count towards recertification.

Surgical Tech Schools in Vermont

Vermont Job LinkVermont Job Link

About the School

The Vermont Job Link maintained by the local Department of Labor offers a pathway for aspiring surgery technicians to get comprehensive training on pre-op, post-op, and invasive surgical procedures.

Students spend 18 weeks in this hybrid course which combines audio, video, lectures, and in-person labs to create comprehensive courses on the latest procedures, tools, and technology used to support doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists in local surgery centers and hospitals.

Courses Offered

  • Workplace Safety
  • Infection Control
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Surgical Instruments
  • Tools Sterilization

Contact Information

  • Address: PO Box 488, Montpelier, Vermont – 05501
  • Website: Link
  • Phone: 802-748-3177

The University of Vermont – College of MedicineThe University of Vermont - College of Medicine

About the School

The Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont trains tomorrow’s operating technicians and surgeons on the latest surgery skills, tools, and practices needed to support medical professionals in the operating room.

  • Patient Care
  • Surgical Research
  • Surgical Theory
  • Surgical Technology
  • Clinical Training

Contact Information

  • Address: Burlington, Vermont – 05405
  • Website: Link
  • Phone: 802-656-3131

Surgical Technician Schools in Vermont – Summary Table

Top 2 Schools in Vermont

School NameAddress
Vermont Job LinkPO Box 488, Montpelier, Vermont - 05501
The University of Vermont - College of MedicineBurlington, Vermont - 05405

Salary

Vermont’s Certified Surgical Technicians make an average salary that falls between $46,000 and $56,000.00 per year.

The average annual salary for US-based surgical technologists and scrub techs is just over $60,000.00 per year.

Annual Salary Range:
$46K
$51K
$56K

Average Salary of Surgical Technologists in Vermont

City NameSalary
Burlington$52,300
Essex$52,300
Rutland$52,400
Colchester$52,300
South Burlington$52,300
Bennington$53,100
Williston$52,300
Montpelier$51,800
Essex Junction$52,300
Barre$51,800
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Vermont

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Burlington-South Burlington, VT30$59,140$28.43$77,970$47,380
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Surgical Technologists, OCC Code 29-2055, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does it Take to Become a Surgical Tech in Vermont?

Most operating room assistant training programs take between a few weeks to a few years to complete.

Training programs offered by workforce development teams and area unemployment services like Job Link offer faster routes for entering the field through their short term programs.

Do I Need a License to Work as a Surg Tech in Vermont?

No.

At this time, the State of Vermont doesn’t require scrub techs to carry an occupational license.

New applicants seeking employment can prove competency through a certificate or diploma.

Where Can I Find Work with a Surgical Technology Degree in Vermont?

While many OR techs work in local area hospitals, you can also find them working in outpatient surgery centers, doctors offices, veterinary clinics, and educational institutions.

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