The exciting world of allied health is bustling with new opportunities for entry-level medical professionals to join and assist top medical professionals like doctors, nurses, and surgeons in providing life-saving care.
If you live in the state of Washington and you have been thinking about trying on a new career as a Certified Surgical Technician, this is the guide for you!
Page Navigation
- Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech in Washington
- 5 Surgical Tech Schools in Washington
- Surgical Technician Schools in Washington – Summary Table
- Salary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech in Washington
Washington is one of the few US states that requires its entry-level surgical professionals to obtain licensure.
The Washington State Department of Health is responsible for issuing and managing licensed local surgical technicians.
Prospective technicians can visit the Department of Health website to apply for licensing online or request a paper application.
Licensing applicants are required to pay a fee for application or renewal of their license which must be renewed annually.
5 Surgical Tech Schools in Washington
Seattle Central College
About the School
The two-year Associate of Applied Sciences degree program in Surgical Technology readies Seattle area students to work as operating room assistants in hospitals, surgery centers, and outpatient clinics.
Their comprehensive program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and follows a national certification track.
Courses Offered
- Surgical Theory
- Surgical Instruments
- Surgical Supplies
- Health Care Provider CPR
- Clinical Practice
Contact Information
- Address: 1701 Broadway, Seattle, Washington – 98122
- Website: Link
- Phone:206-934-3800
Clover Park Technical College
About the School
The Surgical Technology program at Clover Park Technical College follows the guidelines laid out by the Association of Surgical Technologists.
Their six-quarter program prepares students to provide life-saving support to surgical professionals before, during, and after invasive and non-invasive surgery procedures.
This hybrid accredited program features a mix of online and in-person classroom experiences where students learn the fundamentals of how to support operating technicians and maintain patient safety during surgical procedures.
Courses Offered
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Legal Ethics
- Surgical Pharmacology
- Clinical Practice
Contact Information
- Address: 4500 Steilcoom Boulevard Southwest, Lakewood, Washington – 98499
- Website: Link
- Phone: 253-589-5800
Bellingham Technical College 
About the School
Bellingham Technical College operates a Surgery Technology program that awards successful students an AAS degree upon completion.
Completing this accredited program allows students to become licensed as working entry-level surgical technicians within the state.
Students learn the fundamentals needed to support surgical professionals in the operating rooms of local surgical centers, hospitals, and clinics in this comprehensive program with hands-on clinical practice.
Courses Offered
- Surgery Technology I, II, III
- Surgical Technology Labs
- Clinical Practice
- Positioning and Draping Patients
- Sterilization and Instrument Handling
Contact Information
- Address: 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, Washington – 98225
- Website: Link
- Phone: 360-752-7000
Columbia Basin College
About the School
The Surgical Technology program at Columbia Basin College is an accredited program that teaches students the practical and theoretical skills needed to work as entry-level surgery professionals.
Their program focuses on instilling cognitive, psychomotor, and affective training for prospective techs seeking quality surgical education.
Students work side by side with instructors and professionals in local clinical centers to hone their skills in preparation for graduation, certification, and Washington state licensure which allows them to work in a variety of local medical facilities including hospitals, surgery centers, dental clinics, and specialty clinics that hire certified techs.
Courses Offered
- Medical Terminology
- Legal Ethics for Medical Professionals
- Surgical Theory
- Surgical Technology
- Clinical Practice
Contact Information
- Address: 2600 North 20th Avenue, Pasco, Washington – 99301
- Website: Link
- Phone: 509-547-0511
Spokane Community College 
About the School
Spokane Community College offers Washington-based students another local route to gaining surgical technology education.
This local community college operates a six-quarter surg tech program that begins in the fall and ends with graduates earning an Associate of Applied Sciences degree.
SCC’s comprehensive program follows the CST certification track and combines surgical theory with textbook readings, quizzes, exams, and hands-on clinical practice for a complete educational solution.
Courses Offered
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Blood Borne Pathogens
- The Surgical Environment
- Disease Transmission and Control
Contact Information
- Address: 1810 North Greene Street, Spokane, Washington – 99217
- Website: Link
- Phone: 509-533-8400
Surgical Technician Schools in Washington – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Washington
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Seattle Central College | 1701 Broadway, Seattle, Washington - 98122 |
| Clover Park Technical College | 4500 Steilcoom Boulevard Southwest, Lakewood, Washington - 98499 |
| Bellingham Technical College | 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, Washington - 98225 |
| Columbia Basin College | 2600 North 20th Avenue, Pasco, Washington - 99301 |
| Spokane Community College | 1810 North Greene Street, Spokane, Washington - 99217 |
Salary
Washington’s entry-level Surgical Technologists earn well-paying salaries that begin near the national average of around $60,000.00 per year.
Local surgical technicians and technologists can increase their annual salaries by participating in employer benefits programs, gaining education education, certification, and licensing credentials, and earning more years of experience in the field.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Surgical Technologists in Washington
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $57,800 |
| Spokane | $53,500 |
| Tacoma | $56,400 |
| Vancouver | $54,500 |
| Bellevue | $57,800 |
| Everett | $56,800 |
| Federal Way | $56,400 |
| Kent | $56,300 |
| Yakima | $53,000 |
| Bellingham | $53,900 |
Regional Salary in Washington
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 1,180 | $77,460 | $37.24 | $99,090 | $58,040 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 250 | $70,020 | $33.67 | $81,060 | $56,660 |
| Yakima, WA | 70 | $59,420 | $28.57 | $68,470 | $49,490 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take to Become a Surgical Tech in Washington?
Most students who enroll in surgical technology programs online and those operated by local colleges, universities, and workforce development centers can complete their mandatory course and training requirements within one to two years.
Do I Need a License to Work as a Surg Tech in Washington?
Yes.
The State of Washington is one of the US states that monitors entry-level medical professionals and it requires incoming Surgical Technicians to gain licensure through the local Department of Health.
Where Can I Find Work with a Surgical Technology Degree in Washington?
Career options for licensed and certified technicians in Washington include working in traditional medical environments like hospitals, surgery centers, dental clinics, and outpatient care facilities.
There are also employment opportunities for trained techs in specialty clinics and veterinary surgery centers.
