Key Points

• A Surgical Technologist is a vital healthcare professional who prepares operating rooms, arranges sterile equipment, and assists doctors and nurses during surgical procedures.
• To work in New Jersey, you must graduate from an accredited surgical technology program and earn a national certification, both of which are required by state law.
• Surgical Tech certificate or diploma programs typically take 9 to 15 months, while an associate's degree takes about two years to complete.
• The median annual salary for a Surgical Technologist in New Jersey is approximately $71,370.
• As of May 2024, there were approximately 4,450 Surgical Technologists employed in New Jersey.

What is a Surgical Technician?

A Surgical Technician, more formally known as a Surgical Technologist or Scrub Tech, is an indispensable member of the surgical team. They are the experts in sterile procedure, surgical instrumentation, and operating room efficiency. Working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, they ensure that every surgical procedure is safe, sterile, and runs smoothly from start to finish. Their ability to anticipate a surgeon's needs is crucial for a successful and efficient operation.

What does a Surgical Technician do?

• Preparing the operating room by sterilizing equipment and arranging surgical instruments.

• Assisting surgeons during procedures by passing instruments and supplies.

• Monitoring patients' vital signs and providing support as needed.

• Handling specimens for laboratory analysis.

• Maintaining a sterile environment in the operating room.

Where does a Surgical Technician work?

Surgical technicians can work in various healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals: They are a vital part of surgical teams in both general and specialized hospitals.

• Ambulatory Surgical Centers: These facilities focus on providing outpatient surgical care.

• Physician Offices: Some surgical technicians work directly with surgeons in their private practices.

• Labor and Delivery Units: They may assist with cesarean sections and other obstetric procedures.

Requirements to Become a Surgical Technician in New Jersey

New Jersey state law mandates specific requirements for anyone working as a Surgical Technologist to ensure a high standard of patient care.

• Education: You must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a training program.
• Accredited Education: You must successfully graduate from a surgical technology program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
• Professional Certification: New Jersey law requires all practicing Surgical Technologists to hold and maintain a valid certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
• Background Check: You must be able to pass a criminal background check to be eligible for clinical training and employment.

How to Become a Surgical Technician in New Jersey?

Following the state's official pathway is the only way to become a Surgical Technologist in New Jersey, here's everything you need to know to secure your license in no time!

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before you can enroll in a program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong performance in science courses like biology and anatomy is highly beneficial. You will also need to be prepared to pass a background check and drug screening as required by all healthcare facilities for your clinical training.

2. Enroll in an Accredited Surgical Technology Program

Your most critical step is to enroll in a surgical technology program that is accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, as this is a legal requirement in New Jersey. These programs, which can range from a 9-month certificate to a two-year associate's degree, combine intensive classroom learning with hundreds of hours of hands-on clinical training in local hospital operating rooms.

3. Earn Your National Certification

In New Jersey, certification isn't just a suggestion—it's the law. Earning this credential is the final step that qualifies you for legal employment in the state.

How to Get a Surgical Technician Certification in New Jersey?

To obtain the mandatory Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, you must:

• Graduate from your CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program.
• Apply to take the CST examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
• Pass the comprehensive exam, which covers the foundational knowledge of aseptic technique, surgical procedures, and patient safety.

4. Apply for Surgical Technician Jobs

Once you are a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), you are ready to enter the job market. A great place to explore the specific skills employers look for is MyNextMove.org.