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In Georgia, the demand for skilled surgical techs continues to grow, with an average salary of $59,620 and strong job prospects across hospitals and surgical centers. This guide will walk you through how to become a surgical technician in Georgia—from choosing an accredited program to earning your certification and starting a rewarding healthcare career in the Peach State.

Key Points

• Make sure to enroll in an accredited surgical tech program in Georgia (typically 1–2 years). Accredited programs include hands-on clinical training (around 120 surgical cases of experience during rotations)​.
• While Georgia does not license surgical techs by law​, earning the CST certification by passing the NBSTSA exam is highly recommended. Employers often require certification for new surgical tech hires​.
• Surgical tech training programs in Georgia can cost anywhere from roughly $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the school and degree​.
• Surgical technologists in Georgia earn about $59,000 per year on average (around $28–$29/hour)​
• Job prospects are strong – Georgia projects 20% growth in surgical tech jobs from 2020 to 2030 (faster than the ~6% national average​), especially as Atlanta’s hospitals and surgery centers continue to expand.
• With experience and further training, a surgical tech can advance to roles like First Surgical Assistant, Surgical Tech Instructor, OR manager, or medical device sales representative, among other opportunities.

What is a Surgical Technician?

Surgical technicians, also known as operating room technicians, are healthcare professionals who assist surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other members of the surgical team during surgical procedures. Their primary responsibilities include preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and passing instruments to the surgeon during the operation.

Where Do Surgical Technicians Work?

Surgical technicians typically work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities that perform surgical procedures. They may also work in outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, and even in the military.

How to Become a Surgical Technician in Georgia

To become a Surgical Technician in Georgia, one must first complete an accredited educational program, typically an associate's degree. Next, they must obtain certification by passing the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Once certified, they can then search for job opportunities in hospitals, surgical centers, or other healthcare facilities to earn a competitive salary.

Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum prerequisite for surgical tech programs. You should be at least 17–18 years old and may need to complete basic biology or health science classes in high school to prepare for college-level coursework.

2. Graduate from an Accredited Surgical Technologist Program

Enroll in a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. Surgical technology classes will teach you about anatomy, medical terminology, surgical procedures, aseptic (sterile) techniques, and more. In clinical rotations you'll be in real operating rooms – accredited programs require students to scrub in on around 120 surgical cases across various specialties to build hands-on skills​.

3. Pass the National Certification Exam (CST)

After graduating, to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, you’ll need to submit proof that you completed your accredited program (and sometimes documentation of your clinical cases) when applying to take the exam. Spend time reviewing your coursework, using practice exams, or even attending a review seminar if available. Once you pass the exam, you’ll earn the CST credential, proving you meet national standards for surgical technologists.

4. Apply for Surgical Tech Jobs and Start Your Career!

Update your résumé to highlight your surgical tech training, clinical rotation experience, and certification. Many surgical technologists in Georgia find work in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics, or even physician offices that do in-house procedures. You can search job boards, hospital career websites, and attend healthcare job fairs. Networking with instructors and colleagues from your program can uncover leads as well​!

Continued learning is important too – to maintain your CST certification, you’ll need to complete required continuing education or re-test every four years to stay up-to-date.

Educational Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED – Basic eligibility requirement.
• Completion of Accredited Program – Choose CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited programs.
• Clinical Training – Mandatory hands-on experience as part of your education.
• Optional Certification – CST certification through NBSTSA is highly recommended.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Surgical Technician

After gaining experience, Surgical Technicians can explore advanced roles such as:

• Surgical First Assistant: Assist directly with surgical procedures.
• Operating Room Manager: Oversee surgical teams and operations.
• Medical Sales Representative: Work with surgical device companies.
• Educator: Teach future surgical technologists.
• Specialist Tech: Focus on fields like neurosurgery, orthopedics, or cardiovascular.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is surgical tech school in Georgia?

Surgical tech school in Georgia typically takes about 12 to 24 months to complete. This duration includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field.

How much do surgical techs make in Georgia?

In Georgia, surgical technologists earn around $55,000 to $60,000 per year on average, which works out to roughly $26–$29 per hour. New graduates just might earn closer to the lower end of that range around the mid-$40,000s annually. As you gain experience, it’s not uncommon for experienced CSTs in Georgia to make $65k+ annually, especially if they take on team leadership roles or work overtime shifts. For context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median salary of about $59,620 in GA​.

Do I need to be certified or licensed to work as a surgical tech in Georgia?

You do not need a state license – Georgia does not license surgical technologists as some other states do​. However, you will almost certainly need to be certified.

Can I take surgical tech classes online in Georgia?

Partially, yes – but not entirely. Surgical technology is a hands-on field, so no program can be 100% online. However, some Georgia schools offer hybrid surgical tech programs where you complete certain classes online.

What state do surgical techs make the most?

Surgical technicians earn the highest salaries in Connecticut, where the average annual wage is around $79,080, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2023. This higher salary is often due to the cost of living and the demand for skilled surgical techs in the state.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a surgical technician in Georgia can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. With the right education, certification, and job search strategies, you can take the first step towards a successful career in this in-demand healthcare field.

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