Key Points

• Florida law requires surgical techs to graduate from an accredited program and earn national certification.
• Training programs typically take 12–24 months to complete.
• Job growth for surgical techs in Florida is projected at 12% from 2022 to 2032, more than double the national rate.
• Average salary in Florida is $59,840 per year ($28.77 per hour).
• Hospitals often offer signing bonuses between $7,000 and $15,000 for qualified candidates.

What Does a Surgical Technician Do?

A surgical technician, or surgical technologist, is a vital member of the surgical team. Key responsibilities include preparing the operating room, sterilizing and arranging surgical instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, and directly assisting surgeons during procedures. They anticipate the needs of the surgical team, manage equipment, and help ensure patient safety from start to finish.

How to Become a Surgical Tech in Florida

Follow these steps to start your career as a surgical technologist in the state of Florida.

Step 1 – Complete an Accredited Surgical Tech Program

First, you must graduate from a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). These programs are offered as certificates or associate degrees and combine classroom instruction, lab simulations, and hands-on training.

Common admission requirements include:

• High school diploma or GED
• Prerequisite courses or placement testing
• CPR/BLS certification
• Health screenings and a background check

You can find accredited programs in major Florida cities, including Orlando and Palm Bay.

Step 2 – Complete Supervised Clinical Rotations

Your training program will include mandatory clinical rotations in local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. Under the supervision of experienced professionals, you will gain practical experience in real operating rooms. This is where you apply your knowledge of sterile technique, instrument handling, and operating room protocols.

Step 3 – Earn Your National Certification

Under Florida law, you must earn a national certification to practice as a surgical technologist. The most common credential is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Graduates of accredited programs have 12 months after graduation to pass the exam and obtain their certification.

Step 4 – Apply for Surgical Tech Jobs in Florida

Once certified, you can apply for jobs in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty clinics. You can also see MyNextMove for job postings. With strong job growth and a high concentration of healthcare facilities, Florida offers ample opportunities for newly certified surgical technologists.

Surgical Tech Salary and Job Outlook in Florida

The job outlook for surgical technologists in Florida is excellent. Nationally, the employment is projected to grow by 4% between 2024 and 2034.

Surgical tech salaries in Florida vary widely by source and location. Average annual salary for this vocatioin is $59,840 per year ($28.77 per hour). Job demand remains steady as hospitals rely on trained surgical support staff. For comparison, the national median salary for surgical technologists was $62,830 in May 2024.Some Florida cities offer even higher pay.

How Much Does Surgical Tech School Cost in Florida?

Tuition for a surgical technology program varies by school type. At a Florida College System institution, the tuition for a typical 64-credit Associate in Science (A.S.) degree is approximately $4,607 for in-state residents. Private schools and universities generally have higher tuition rates.

This cost does not include additional expenses for textbooks, uniforms, lab supplies, background checks, and the CST certification exam fee.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Surgical Tech in Florida?

Most surgical technology programs in Florida can be completed in 12 to 24 months.

• Certificate/Diploma Programs: 12–18 months
• Associate Degree Programs: 24 months (2 years)