How to Become a Surgical Technician in Michigan

By Athena KanUpdated May 20, 2026

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To become a surgical technician in Michigan, you will need a high school diploma or GED, followed by completion of an accredited certificate or associate degree program in surgical technology. While Michigan does not require a state license, earning a national certification like the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is highly recommended by employers. The average salary for a surgical tech in Michigan is approximately $61,710 per year.

Programs for you

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Key Points

A surgical tech is the steady support in every operation, making sure tools are ready, the environment stays sterile, and the surgical team can focus fully on the patient.
Surgical technology programs in Michigan typically take 9 to 24 months to complete.
Training costs can range from $4,000 to over $17,000, depending on the program and school.
The average surgical tech salary in Michigan is about $61,710 per year, or $29.67 per hour.
While Michigan does not require certification, earning the CST or TS-C credential is the industry standard and significantly improves job prospects.

What is a Surgical Technician?

A surgical technician, also known as a scrub tech or OR tech, is a vital member of the surgical team who works alongside surgeons and nurses. Their primary role is to maintain a sterile environment and ensure all surgical instruments and supplies are organised and ready for the procedure.

Key duties include preparing the operating room, passing instruments to the surgeon, and assisting with patient care before, during, and after surgery.

Requirements to Become a Surgical Technician in Michigan

To enroll in a surgical technology program in Michigan, you must have a high school diploma or GED and complete prerequisite courses like anatomy and medical terminology with a minimum grade. Applicants typically need a GPA of 2.0 or higher, up-to-date immunisation records, and a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. All accredited programs require passing a background check and completing supervised clinical training to graduate.

How to Become a Surgical Technician in Michigan: Step-by-Step

The path to becoming a surgical technician involves four main steps. First, find and apply to a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. Second, complete your formal training, which includes classroom instruction, lab work, and hands-on clinical rotations. Third, after graduating, pass a national certification exam to demonstrate your competency. Finally, use your new credentials and experience to apply for jobs in hospitals and surgical centres across Michigan.

1. Search for Accredited Surgical Tech Programs

Use Dreambound to compare surgical tech programs in Michigan by location, cost, and schedule. If you're in West Michigan, explore Surgical Tech schools near me in Grand Rapids to find local accredited options. Ensure any program you consider is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), as this is required for certification.

2. Complete Your Formal Training (9-24 Months)

Your training will include classroom theory, hands-on lab practice, and supervised clinical experience in real operating rooms. This comprehensive education builds your technical skills, knowledge of sterile technique, and readiness for the surgical environment.

3. Earn Your National Certification

After graduating from an accredited program, you are eligible to take a national certification exam. While not legally required in Michigan, certification is the industry standard and is expected by most employers.

4. Find a Surgical Tech Job

With your training and certification complete, you can begin applying for jobs. Highlight your clinical experience and certification on your resume. Michigan is projected to have 3,910 annual job openings for surgical technologists, offering opportunities in hospitals, outpatient surgery centres, and specialty clinics. You can use MyNextMove to discover local opportunities in Michigan.

Surgical Technician Certification in Michigan

While Michigan does not mandate a state license, national certification is the standard for employment. The two main credentials are the CST and the TS-C.

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

The CST is offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To be eligible, you must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program.

Exam Fee: $190 for AST members, $290 for non-members.
Exam Format: 175 multiple-choice questions administered over four hours.
Passing Score: You must correctly answer at least 98 of the 150 scored questions to pass.

Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C)

The TS-C is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Eligibility can be met by graduating from an accredited program or through qualifying work experience.

Exam Fee: $199.
Exam Format: A multiple-choice exam administered over four hours.
Passing Score: A scaled score of 70 or higher is required to pass.

Renewing Your Surgical Technician Certification

Maintaining your certification requires ongoing education and periodic renewal.

CST Renewal: The CST credential must be renewed every two years. This requires earning 30 continuing education (CE) credits, including at least four live credits, and paying a $40 renewal fee.
TS-C Renewal: The TS-C credential requires annual renewal. To maintain it, you must complete 14 CE contact hours and pay an $89 recertification fee each year.

How Much Do Surgical Tech Programs Cost in Michigan?

The cost of surgical technology training in Michigan varies, with certificate programs typically ranging from $4,000 to $25,000. Associate degree programs may cost more.

Students can offset these costs through federal financial aid via the FAFSA, state grants, and potential tuition reimbursement from employers. Contact your school's financial aid office to explore your options.

How Much Do Surgical Techs Make in Michigan?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists in Michigan earn an annual mean wage of $61,710, or $29.67 per hour. Wages depend on experience, certification, and location.

10th percentile (entry-level): $41,530 per year
90th percentile (experienced): $78,030 per year

The state is projected to have 3,910 annual job openings for surgical technologists through 2034, indicating steady demand for skilled professionals.

Career Paths for Surgical Technologists in Michigan

After gaining experience, surgical technologists can advance into specialised or leadership roles. Opportunities include becoming a Surgical First Assistant, specialising in fields like neurosurgery or cardiovascular surgery, or moving into management as an Operating Room Coordinator. Experienced techs can also transition into education, training the next generation of professionals in college or hospital settings.

Related entry-level roles that can provide valuable experience include:

Sterile Processing Technician: Focuses on cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing surgical instruments.
Operating Room Assistant: Supports the surgical team by transporting patients and stocking supplies, a role with skills that overlap with patient care technician training in Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is surgical tech school in Michigan?

Most surgical tech programs in Michigan take 9 to 24 months to complete. Certificate programs are often shorter, while an associate degree takes closer to two years.

What is the fastest way to become a surgical tech?

The fastest way to become a surgical tech is to complete a certificate program, which can often be finished in 9–12 months. These programs focus directly on the essential skills needed for the job.

Do surgical techs need a license in Michigan?

No, surgical techs in Michigan do not need a state license. However, most employers require or strongly prefer national certification from bodies like the CST (NBSTSA) or TS-C (NCCT).

Final Thoughts

Becoming a surgical technologist in Michigan offers a direct path to a rewarding healthcare career where you play a crucial role in patient safety and surgical success. With steady demand and a clear training pathway, you can enter the field in under two years.

If you are ready to begin, explore accredited surgical technology programs in Michigan to find the right fit for your goals.

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