Are Surgical Technologist (CST) Certifications Worth It?

Is a Surgical Technologist (CST) Certification Right for You?

If you’re wondering, ‘Are CST certifications worth it?’, we’ll discuss the answer here. We’ll tackle their cost and benefits, steps toward certification, and many more. You’ll then be able to make an informed decision based on the information presented below.

What is a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification? It is a professional credential with the following main features:

• Awarded to surgical technologists who have met the eligibility standards 
• Offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
• Signals the bearer’s professional knowledge and skills vital in the operating room

So, are CST certifications worth the time, effort, and money? In general, yes, these certifications are worth the investment. But whether it’s worth it in your case is another story. Your unique circumstances (e.g., goals and interests) will determine its value in your life.

What Is a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)?

As a CST, you have a wide range of roles and responsibilities in a surgical team. You’ll work with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses in the operating room.

But your job doesn’t start and end in the operating room either. You’ll also work with a surgical team before and after the operation, too.

Here’s a quick look at your daily roles and responsibilities as a CST.

• Prepare the operating room for surgical procedures.
• Ensure all surgical tools and equipment are sterilized and in good working order.
• Assist the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses in putting on gowns, gloves, and masks.
• Pass the requested supplies and instruments to the surgeons during a surgical procedure.
• Anticipate the surgical team’s needs and respond to their requests promptly.
• Maintain the operating room’s sterile environment.
• Count the instruments, tools, and supplies to ensure none are left inside the patient’s body.
• Handle a patient’s specimens taken for laboratory tests.
• Clean, restock, and reset the operating room after a procedure.
• Transfer patients to the recovery room and apply dressings, but limited in scope.

CSTs work in a wide range of work settings, too, including:

• Hospitals, particularly in surgical suites and operating rooms
• Specialty surgical clinics
• Outpatient surgical centers
• Physician offices where minor surgeries are performed
• Trauma and emergency departments
• Labor and delivery units
• Military medical facilities

We must emphasize that CSTs are different from surgical assistants (e.g., CFSA).

	Surgical Technologists	Surgical Assistants
Primary responsibility	Prepares the operating room	Provides direct assistance to surgeons (i.e., advanced tasks)
Level of Responsibility	Supportive (i.e., operating room setup)	Advanced (e.g., hemostasis, suturing)
Required education	Accredited surgical technology program	Additional degree and training in surgical assisting
Supervision	Close supervision by the surgeon and nurses, with lesser autonomy	Works closely with the surgeons; has greater autonomy
Earning Potential	Moderate	High
Career Path	Entry-level	Advanced-level

Think of the CST credential as a faster and cheaper pathway to enter the healthcare industry. As an entry-level certification, it’s a stepping stone toward more advanced roles.

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How Do You Become a Surgical Technologist?

Here’s a basic step-by-step guide on how to become a surgical technologist. You must set realistic expectations about the rewards and challenges of the journey. The intensive education and training are physically and academically demanding.

• Earn a high school diploma or GED. Build strong math, science, and English communication skills. Focus on biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. Basic math and algebra skills are a must, too. Take health science classes or EMT prep courses, if available.
• Explore your options in affordable surgical technologist programs. Check for valid CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation. Consider the pros and cons of on-campus and online programs.
• Enroll and complete your choice in a surgical technologist program. Depending on its structure, you’ll spend 9-24 months in it. Certificate programs have a faster time-to-completion than associate’s degree (2 years) programs. You’ll tackle didactic courses and clinical experiences. Courses include:
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Surgical procedures and instrumentation
  • Microbiology and infection control
  • Medical terminology
  • Patient care and safety protocols
• Apply for and pass the NBSTSA-administered CST exam after graduation. Clinical training, or externships, are usually in surgical centers and hospitals.
• The computer-based exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have four hours to complete it.

The CST credential has a two-year validity. You must either retake the certification exam or complete CEUs to renew it. If you choose the latter, you must complete 30 CEUs every two years. Live CEs, such as conferences and workshops, are examples.

If you’re interested in advanced roles, consider pursuing a specialization. Neurosurgery, orthopedic, and cardiovascular are popular specializations.

What Does a CST Certification Cost?

The surgical technologist certification cost is half of the question of whether it’s worth it or not. The other half is its return on investment (ROI).

Let’s first consider its cost, from education and training to certification.

Tuition, exam fees, and related expenses

Your actual costs will depend on many factors, including:

• Type of school. Community colleges usually offer more affordable tuition than private schools. Technical-vocational colleges fall in between.
• Geographical location. Urban-based colleges tend to be more expensive than rural-based schools.
• Delivery format. In general, online programs have more affordable costs than on-campus programs.
• Financial aid availability. The more financial aid you get, the lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Here are general estimates of tuition and fees in different institutions:

• Community colleges: $3,000-$6,000. (Ask about subsidized tuition for in-district residents to reduce costs)
• Technical-vocational schools: $10,000-$20,000. (Career-driven programs are their strongest suit)
• Private colleges: $20,000-$40,000. (Offers associate’s degree programs)

Certification exam fee

The NBSTSA exam has different fees, as follows:

• $190 for graduates of NBSTSA-accredited programs
• $290 for retakers and non-members

Textbooks and learning materials

Budget $500-$1,000 for these materials.

Uniforms and clinical supplies

Between $100 and $500 is a sensible budget.

Background checks, immunizations, and drug screenings

Set aside $100-$300 for these requirements.

If you’re worried about the cost, find affordable CST programs by doing the following:

• Choose a community college or an online program.
• Apply for financial aid. File your FAFSA on time. Explore scholarships, grants, and work-study.
• Request your employer for tuition assistance.
• Check for military education benefits.
• Buy used textbooks or e-books.

The high initial cost shouldn’t be a hindrance. Plan well in advance, save money, and practice good financial management habits.

Can You Get Financial Aid for CST Programs?

Yes, you can get financial aid for surgical tech programs. Here are the best financial aid opportunities to take advantage of.

• Federal financial aid via FAFSA. Pell Grants, federal student loans, and federal work-study are offered.
• Scholarships and grants for low-income and minority students. Check out the financial aid offered by:
  • Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
  • Health Professions Education Foundation
  • State scholarships and grants (e.g., New York’s TAP)
• Nonprofit and private scholarships offered by the likes of:
  • Hispanic Scholarship Fund
  • United Negro College Fund
  • American Indian College Fund
• Hospital foundation scholarships are available from:
  • Fort HealthCare Foundation
  • Memorial Healthcare System Surgical Technology
  • Norman Regional Health Foundation Scholarship
• Apprenticeships and employer-sponsored training programs (e.g., Intermountain Health)
• Military education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, among others

But none of these options are handed on a silver platter either. You must be proactive in exploring and applying for financial aid.

What’s the Salary and Job Outlook for Surgical Techs?

The moderate-to-high certified surgical technologist salary is among the reasons for its popularity. Surgical technologists earned $62,830/year in median wages (BLS, May 2024).

Even the lowest earners raked in $43,290/year; note that the median annual wage for all occupations is $49,500. The highest earners raked in more than $90,700/year.

Even better, most surgical technologists enjoy full-time employment. But there are downsides to the job, too. Being on call during weekends, holidays, and nights is common. Work shifts can also be more than eight hours long.

The strong certified surgical technologist job outlook is another reason for its popularity. Projected job growth is 6% (BLS, 2023-2033), a faster-than-average rate.

As with many healthcare occupations, the strong demand for CSTs is due to several reasons:

• An aging population, especially the baby-boom generation, will increase the demand for surgeries.
• There is an increasing demand for surgical procedures among all age groups.
• Advancements in surgical technology that demand trained professionals, including CSTs, are evident.
• The healthcare industry is expanding.
• There are apparent workforce shortages.

As the healthcare industry evolves, so do the roles and responsibilities of CSTs. More advanced training and work experience mean higher salaries, too. This also means more flexible career choices and more diverse workplaces.

Is a CST Certification Worth It? Pros and Cons

A balanced perspective is a must to make an informed decision. Consider these CST certification benefits and challenges for this purpose.

Pros:

• More affordable than a four-year bachelor’s degree, especially with financial aid 
• Career stability, thanks to the strong demand for surgical technologists
• Competitive Salary without a four-year college degree
• Fast education and training timeline, usually between nine months and two years
• Faster entry into the healthcare industry
• Diverse work settings that contribute to career flexibility
• High-impact, hands-on work in life-saving procedures

Cons:

• Fairly high upfront costs
• Demanding work that can take its toll on the mind and body. Standing for long hours is a common job hazard.
• Long work shifts and irregular hours
• Limited upward mobility (i.e., advanced education is a must for career progression)

And then there’s the popular surgical tech vs. nursing comparison. Both are good choices in a healthcare career, but each one has its unique features.

Here’s a comparison table so you can make an informed choice. CSTs and LPNs have similar aspects (e.g., support role and scope of practice).

	Surgical Technologist (CST)	Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Education and Training Duration	9-24 months	12-18 months
Primary role	Prepares the operating room; Participates in procedures	Provides basic bedside care
Scope of Practice	Setup of the operating room and surgical support	Administration of medicines, wound care, and taking of vital signs
Supervision	Works under surgeons and nurses	Works under doctors and nurses

Tips for Choosing an Affordable CST Program

Becoming a CST demands time and money investments. So, it makes sense to choose the right program that aligns with your needs and goals.

• Always check for valid accreditation. Without it, you aren’t eligible to take the CST certification exam.
• Consider the pros and cons of the best CST programs online and on campus. There’s no right or wrong choice – only what’s best for you. Go for a hybrid program if you want the best of both worlds. Choose an online program if you want more flexibility and affordability. Go for in-person programs if you thrive in traditional classroom settings.
• Always compare at least three programs before making your choice. Look beyond the costs, too. Consider their student support services and graduate outcomes.

Is a CST Certification Worth It? Here’s What to Remember

So, is the CST certification worth it? Let’s look at the other half of the equation – its ROI.

The ROI formula is: (We used conservative estimates)

• ROI = Net Annual Gain x 100 / Cost

Where:

• Net Annual Gain = Salary after certification ($62,800) less Salary before certification ($43,000) [$19,800]
• Cost = $10,000 (Without financial aid)

The ROI is 198% in the first year. You’re getting almost $2 in return for every dollar you spent. That’s an impressive ROI right there.

But being a CST isn’t for everybody either. You must weigh its ROI against your interests and goals. If you answered ‘yes” to all these questions, you’re an ideal candidate.

• Do you have the financial resources or access to financial aid?
• Do you want a faster entry into the healthcare industry?
• Are you comfortable in high-pressure environments?

If you’re ready to plan your CST journey, here are useful resources you can explore.

• FAFSA to apply for federal aid
• NBSTSA for certification information
• CAAHEP to find accredited programs

In conclusion, the journey toward becoming a CST isn’t easy. But if you become one, you’ll appreciate the benefits that it brings.