Requirements for Becoming a Surgical Technologist in Michigan

Michigan does not have any legislative requirements for those looking to become surgical technologists. If you are interested in this career, it’s a great idea to complete a surgical technologist training program that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). [En Español]

These accredited training programs will likely have a minimum requirement of a high school diploma or GED, so it is important to ensure you can provide physical copies of these documents before applying. While completing coursework, it is recommended that you join an internship program to gain hands-on experience within the trade. This hands-on experience will prepare you to sit for the voluntary national exam that will certify you as a surgical technologist. Additionally, the skills and knowledge you will acquire from hands-on experience will add to your list of qualifications when you are ready to search for employment.

Prerequisite Courses for Surgical Technology in Michigan

To be accepted into a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program, you must have completed several prerequisite courses. These classes are typically found in a high school education and within post-secondary institutions. They include:

• Biology

• Human anatomy & Physiology

• Medical Terminology

• Chemistry

• Health Care Ethics

• English

• Math

• Computers

With a completed training program and the necessary certifications, you can begin your search for employment as a surgical technologist in Michigan. In most cases, employers prefer candidates with prior experience in the field; however, most will hire entry-level graduates who show a strong commitment to the trade.

It is important to note that many employers may require additional certifications and that you may need to obtain special licenses depending on the type of work you are performing. It is also helpful to keep up with industry trends and the latest technologies to stay competitive in the job market.

By taking the necessary steps to become a certified surgical technologist, you will be able to find fulfilling employment in Michigan and contribute to the medical community.

Duties of Surgical Technologists in Michigan

Surgical technologists in Michigan typically assist surgeons by setting up the operating room and preparing patients for surgery. They also help pass instruments to the surgeon during the procedure, maintain a sterile environment, and monitor equipment like suction machines. Other duties may include assisting with closing incisions or suturing wounds, taking care of post-operative patients, and cleaning or sterilizing equipment.

In addition to these job duties, surgical technologists in Michigan may be asked to keep patient records, complete paperwork, and help order supplies. It is important to have an understanding of medical terminology and basic anatomy and physiology to accurately perform all of these tasks.

Surgical procedures in Michigan vary, so a technologist needs to remain flexible and be prepared for anything. With the right education and experience, you can become an integral part of any medical team in Michigan.

Surgical Technology Programs in Michigan

The state of Michigan is home to multiple colleges and universities that offer programs in surgical technology.

Surgical technology courses are typically found within a post-secondary institution’s health science or allied health program. These programs offer students the necessary education and hands-on training to become certified surgical technologists in Michigan.

With the right educational background and an eagerness to learn, you can find many intriguing opportunities in this growing field. Attending a CAAHEP

Below is a list of colleges that offer training programs accredited by the CAAHEP in the state of Michigan:

Henry Ford College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology, which takes two years to complete. The cost of attendance per semester is about $4,382 for in-state students and $5,990 for out-of-state students. Henry Ford’s campus is located in Dearborn, Michigan.
Kirtland Community College also offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology which will take two years to complete. You will also have the choice to earn a Certificate of Completion, which can be earned in just one year. Tuition is currently $4,955 for in-state students and $7,625 for out-of-state students. KCC is located in Grayling, Michigan.
Lansing Community College offers an AAS degree in Surgical Technology, which can be completed in-person or online in two years. The annual cost of tuition averages $12,870, and the campus is located in Lansing, Michigan.

Clinical education is a vital part of the surgical technology program. Students must complete clinical hours in an operating room environment to gain valuable hands-on experience.

Find Schools in Michigan

Allied Health Education Programs in Michigan

In addition to surgical technology, Michigan also offers many other allied health programs. Students can pursue a career in medical assisting, dental hygiene, medical coding, physical therapy assisting, and more. Many of these programs are offered at community colleges across the state, making them accessible and affordable for those interested in pursuing a career in allied health.

As you can see, there are a variety of educational opportunities available for those interested in pursuing a career in Surgical Technology and Allied Health in Michigan. With the right resources and dedication, you can be on your way to becoming an expert in this field.

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam

After completing a surgical technology program, the next step is to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. The AST-CST certification exam is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To take this exam you must have graduated from an accredited program, as well as have completed at least 200 clinical hours. This exam is available in both English and Spanish and will test your knowledge and skills related to the surgical technologist profession.

National Certification for Surgical Technologists in Michigan

Surgical technologists in any state are highly encouraged to earn national certification which is offered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). While this certification is not mandatory to find employment, it will set you apart from others in the field by showing that you’re serious about your career and willing to take the necessary steps to exemplify your skillset and knowledge in the field. To sit for the national certification examination, you must provide official documentation of your completion of an NBSTSA-recognized surgical technology program, which will include all surgical technology programs accredited by the CAAHEP or ABHES. Alternatively, candidates can provide documentation that they have completed a military training program in surgical technology. The exam fee is $290, and your continuing competence within the profession is required to be recertified every four years with this exam. You can recertify by either retaking the exam every four years or providing documentation that you’ve completed at least 60 credit hours of surgical technology coursework during the four years between exams.

Outlook and Salary Expectations

Data from the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP) shows that there was a total of 3,690 surgical technologists working in Michigan during 2016. The same data shows that there are expected to be 320 jobs added to the field by 2026, which signifies an 8.7 percent increase in jobs within the 10 years between 2016 to 2026.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows that in 2021, surgical technologists earned an average of $22.92 per hour or $47,670 annually. The highest-paid surgical technologists in Michigan earned more than $61,250 during that same year.

Working as a Surgical Technologist in Michigan

The job market for surgical technologists is expected to see a 6 percent growth nationally by 2021. You can expect to find employment in hospitals, specialized surgical clinics, private practices where surgical operations are performed, or professional environments where medical tools and equipment are handled. You can look forward to earning the highest pay in the cities of Ann Arbor, Canton, and Novi. Learn as much as you can by choosing an accredited training program with high post-graduate employment rates, finding an internship, reaching out to a local clinic to get hands-on training, and completing the NBSTSA certification exam. Follow these steps and you will be well on your way to becoming a top earner within the field.