Key Points
- Texas law requires surgical technologists to hold a national certification before practicing in a healthcare facility.
- Training programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- The two accepted credentials are the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C).
- Accredited programs take between 9 and 24 months to complete and include a mandatory clinical externship.
- Surgical technologists in Texas earn a median annual wage of $62,640 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment is projected to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034.
What Does a Surgical Technician Do?
Surgical technicians, also called surgical technologists or scrub techs, are members of the operating room team who work under the supervision of surgeons and registered nurses. Their primary role is to maintain a sterile surgical environment and support the surgical team throughout each procedure.
Daily responsibilities include preparing the operating room, arranging sterile instrument trays, and sterilizing equipment and supplies before surgery. During procedures, surgical technicians pass instruments to the surgeon, handle tissue specimens for laboratory analysis, and perform counts of sponges, needles, and instruments.
After surgery, they assist with cleaning and restocking the operating room for the next case. Surgical technicians work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, trauma centers, and specialty clinics.
How to Become a Surgical Technician in Texas
Texas regulates the surgical technology profession to ensure patient safety in the operating room. Follow these steps to meet state requirements and begin working as a certified surgical technologist.
1. Complete an Accredited Surgical Technology Program
Enroll in and graduate from a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. These are the only two accrediting bodies recognized for surgical technology education in the United States. Graduating from an accredited program is required to sit for a national certification exam.
Accredited programs combine classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and a mandatory clinical externship. Core coursework covers anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, sterile processing techniques, and surgical procedures across multiple specialties. The clinical rotation places you in a hospital or surgery center where you gain direct experience in live surgical cases.
Programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, and career training institutions across Texas. Dreambound lists accredited surgical technician programs to help you compare options by location, format, and schedule.
2. Pass a National Certification Exam
After graduating from an accredited program, you must pass a national certification exam. Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 259, mandates that surgical technologists hold an approved certification to work in any healthcare facility in the state.
Two certifications satisfy this requirement:
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST): Administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). The CST is the most widely recognized credential in the field. The exam fee is $230 for members of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and $340 for non-members.
Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C): Administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). This is an alternative certification accepted under Texas law.
Both exams test knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, sterile technique, and patient care. Study materials and practice exams are available through each certifying organization's website.
3. Apply for Surgical Technologist Positions
With your certification in hand, you are eligible to work as a surgical technologist in Texas. Most entry-level positions are in hospital operating rooms. Additional opportunities exist in outpatient surgery centers, trauma centers, and specialty practices such as orthopedic or cardiovascular surgery.
Some accredited programs offer job placement assistance through their career services departments. Building relationships during your clinical externship can also lead directly to employment offers.
How Much Does a Surgical Technician Make in Texas?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $62,640 for surgical technologists in Texas as of May 2024. That translates to approximately $30.12 per hour.
Major metropolitan areas in Texas report higher mean annual wages. Surgical technologists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area earn a mean annual wage of approximately $69,130, followed by Austin at $67,330, and Houston at $66,790.
For national context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $62,830 for surgical technologists across the United States as of May 2024. Additionally, employment is projected to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. An aging population is expected to drive increased demand for surgical procedures, creating a greater need for surgical technologists across healthcare settings.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Surgical Technician in Texas?
The timeline depends on the type of program you choose. Certificate programs, which focus exclusively on surgical technology coursework and clinical training, take 9 to 16 months to complete. Associate degree programs, which include general education requirements alongside technical coursework, take 18 to 24 months.
All accredited programs include the minimum clinical hours required for certification exam eligibility. After graduation, allow additional time to schedule and pass your certification exam before beginning work.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Surgical Tech in Texas?
Tuition for accredited surgical technology programs in Texas depends on the type of institution, program format, and whether you attend a public community college or a private vocational school.
Additional expenses beyond tuition include textbooks, uniforms, background checks, immunization records, and certification exam fees. The CST exam costs between $230 and $340 depending on AST membership status.
Some schools accept financial aid or offer payment plans. Dreambound helps you find online surgical technology training options.
