How to Become a Surgical Tech in Florida

Becoming a surgical tech offers the opportunity to play an integral role in life-saving surgical procedures, working closely with surgeons and medical staff to ensure operations run smoothly.

This career is ideal for those seeking an active role in patient care within the dynamic environment of the operating room, promising both personal fulfillment and professional growth.

Education and Training Programs

To become a Certified Surgery Technologist you must first attend an accredited school. Surgical technology training programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which is necessary for obtaining certification.

Trade Schools with Surgical Tech Programs

How Long Does It Take?

There are different training options ranging from 9 months to 2 years that can lead to a diploma, certificate or associates degree.

Programs are offered through vocational schools, junior colleges, community colleges or medical training colleges.

How Much Does it Cost?

For an associate’s degree the average tuition and fees ranges from $11,000 to $16,000.

The cost of the programs will vary according to the type of school as well as the degree you want to attain.

What Do You Study?

Some of the coursework included in a Surgical Technologist degree includes

• anatomy
• physiology
• microbiology
• medical terminology
• patient care and safety
• sterilization techniques
• surgical procedures

Florida Requirements

In Florida, it is not required that a surgical technologist be certified, however the majority of employers give more credibility to candidates who have achieved national professional certification.

Certification

Certifications are provided by a number of organizations, including the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, and the National Center for Competency Testing.

In order to maintain certification, you must earn 60 continuing education credits over a four-year certification cycle. You can opt to retake the exam every four years rather than earning continuing education credits, but this requires that you pay the testing fees again.

Life Support Training

Basic Life Support provider cards are required in this field. The American Heart Association provides this certification to healthcare professionals, like surgical technicians, to teach them to recognize a health emergency and the proper way to respond to it.

The course teaches CPR and the use of automatic external defibrillators. It requires an online cognitive test and a skills test. Courses are also available through the American Heart Association.

Salary

Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.

Area	Per Hour	Per Year
Cape Coral-Fort Myers	$29.69	$61,750
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin	$26.17	$54,430
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach	$24.98	$51,950
Homosassa Springs	$26.25	$54,610
Jacksonville	$26.96	$56,080
Lakeland-Winter Haven	$26.97	$56,100
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach	$29.28	$60,900
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island	$29.26	$60,860
North Florida	$27.18	$56,530
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton	$26.07	$54,220
Ocala	$26.13	$54,350
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford	$26.62	$55,370
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville	$23.35	$48,570
Panama City	$24.02	$49,970
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent	$24.99	$51,980
Port St. Lucie	$25.78	$53,630
Sebastian-Vero Beach	$29.44	$61,240
South Florida	$28.88	$60,060
Tallahassee	$21.08	$43,850
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater	$27.34	$56,860
The Villages	$24.16	$50,250

_{Occupation:Surgical Technologists (SOC Code292055)
source: data.bls.gov}

As you can see from the data above, wages range from as low as $21.08 per hour in Tallahassee to as high as $29.69 per hour in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area.

Annual earnings similarly range from approximately $43,850 to $61,750, reflecting differences in regional cost of living, market demand, and healthcare facility characteristics.

High-Paying Regions
Some metropolitan and coastal regions offer significantly higher wages.

For example:

• Cape Coral-Fort Myers: Approximately $29.69 per hour, equating to an annual salary of about $61,750.
• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach and Sebastian-Vero Beach: Both regions offer wages close to $29.30-$29.44 per hour, with annual salaries around $60,900 to $61,240.
• Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island: Similar high-end figures at approximately $29.26 per hour and an annual salary near $60,860.
  These areas likely reflect higher living costs and greater demand for specialized surgical skills.

Competitive Salary and Wage Insights

Compensation packages for Surgical Technologists in Florida are designed to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Highlights include:

• Hourly Wages and Weekly Rates:
  • Starting wages at major facilities like HCA Florida North Florida Hospital are approximately $30 per hour.
  • Travel assignments in Tallahassee may offer weekly pay ranging from $2,565 to $2,744.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Competitive benefits packages often include health coverage, retirement plans, housing stipends, and additional incentives to support both career growth and personal well-being.

Career Overview

What Do They Do?

Surgical Technologists, also known as operating room technicians ensure that surgical procedures are executed safely and efficiently by assisting surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals.

Core Job Responsibilities

Surgical Techs perform a range of duties designed to maintain a sterile and efficient operating environment. Their daily tasks typically include:

• Preparing the Operating Room: Setting up surgical trays and instruments according to surgeon preference cards.
• Sterilization and Instrumentation: Cleaning, disinfecting, and assembling surgical instruments and equipment.
• Patient Preparation: Assisting nurses by preparing patients for surgery, including cleaning and disinfecting incision sites.
• Assisting During Procedures: Passing necessary instruments and supplies to surgeons and nurses during operations.
• Supply Management: Monitoring inventory levels and ensuring the availability of sterile supplies.

Work Environment and Shift Details

Surgical Technologists in Florida work in fast-paced, dynamic settings that demand precision and adaptability. Common work environments and shift details include:

• Settings:
  • Hospitals (e.g., UF Health in Jacksonville, HCA Florida North Florida Hospital in Gainesville)
  • Outpatient surgery centers (e.g., BioSpine in Orlando)
  • Physician offices performing outpatient surgeries
• Shift Patterns:
  • Extended shifts often exceeding eight hours
  • Night, weekend, and holiday hours
  • Specific travel assignments with agencies like Host Healthcare offering flexible opportunities

Essential Skills and Certification Requirements

Employers seek candidates who demonstrate both technical expertise and the ability to work well under pressure. Key skills and educational qualifications include:

• Technical and Practical Skills:
  • Manual dexterity and the ability to handle surgical instruments quickly and accurately
  • Knowledge of sterile techniques, instrument assembly, and supply management
  • Proficiency in operating sterilizers and performing quality assurance checks
• Personal Attributes:
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills
  • Strong attention to detail and adherence to hygiene protocols
  • Mental fortitude to manage stressful and unpredictable environments
• Certification and Education:
  • Minimum requirement: High School Diploma or GED
  • Preferred credentials include certification from recognized bodies (e.g., IAHCSMM, CBSPD, or CRCST)
  • Vocational training or an associate degree in surgical technology is highly valued

Interdisciplinary Expertise and Career Flexibility

Employers are increasingly looking for Surgical Technologists who can extend their expertise beyond the operating room. For instance:

• Sterile Processing Skills:
  • Experience in cleaning, decontaminating, and packaging instruments is a plus, as seen in positions with SP Management Services Inc and Johns Hopkins Healthcare.
• Cross-Disciplinary Roles:
  • The ability to work in both surgical tech and sterile processing roles demonstrates versatility, which is highly valued by employers.
• Travel Opportunities:
  • Agencies like Host Healthcare offer travel assignments that provide exposure to a variety of healthcare settings, boosting career development and adaptability.

Conclusion
Florida employers value Surgical Technologists who combine technical proficiency with strong interpersonal skills and interdisciplinary expertise. With competitive salaries and flexible work opportunities, these professionals are well-positioned to contribute to high-quality patient care and efficient surgical operations. Whether working directly in the operating room or supporting sterile processing functions, Surgical Techs in Florida play an essential role in advancing healthcare delivery.

What Employers in Florida Look for in Surgical Technicians

Surgical technicians, or surgical technologists, play a pivotal role in the operating room, ensuring the smooth execution of surgeries by maintaining a sterile environment, preparing instruments, and assisting surgeons and surgical teams. Employers in Florida, particularly in major healthcare facilities, are looking for candidates who exhibit strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. Below are some of the key qualifications and traits that employers in Florida seek in surgical technicians, with a focus on notable employers such as the University of Miami, AdventHealth, Orlando Health, and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center.

Key Qualifications and Traits Sought by Employers

1. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Certification Certification is often a requirement in Florida, as it ensures that the surgical tech has met the standards for practice set by reputable certifying bodies like the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). For example, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center mandates CST certification for their surgical tech positions, ensuring the individual has demonstrated competence in handling surgical instruments, maintaining sterile fields, and assisting with the overall surgical procedure.
2. Experience in the Operating Room Employers value hands-on experience in the operating room (OR). For example, AdventHealth and Orlando Health emphasize the need for technicians to be familiar with OR procedures, equipment, and maintaining a sterile environment. While experience in general surgery is often preferred, specialties like orthopedics, neurology, and cardiac surgery are especially valued, as seen in job listings at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of Miami. These specialized experiences contribute significantly to a surgical technician’s skill set, allowing them to support various surgical teams with precision and expertise.
3. Knowledge of Surgical Instruments and Equipment Surgical technicians are expected to have a thorough understanding of the instruments and equipment used in different types of surgeries. Employers like Orlando Health and the University of Miami look for individuals who can confidently set up surgical instruments, anticipate the needs of the surgical team, and maintain the sterile field throughout the procedure. A deep familiarity with instruments allows surgical technicians to respond efficiently, helping surgeries proceed without unnecessary delays.
4. Ability to Perform Under Pressure Surgery is often high-stakes and time-sensitive, so employers seek surgical techs who can remain calm and focused under pressure. AdventHealth’s job description mentions the importance of multitasking and prioritizing tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment. The ability to maintain a clear and organized work area, as highlighted by both Orlando Health and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, is crucial for preventing errors and ensuring patient safety.
5. Collaboration with the Surgical Team Surgical techs are integral members of the surgical team. They must work seamlessly with surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals. At the University of Miami, for instance, surgical techs must not only prepare surgical tools but also assist with positioning patients and cleaning the operating room post-procedure. A cooperative, team-oriented attitude is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of the surgical process, especially in settings like Orlando Health, where teamwork and collaboration are emphasized.
6. Commitment to Continuous Learning and Professional Growth Surgical technicians are encouraged to stay current with medical advancements and procedural techniques. AdventHealth and the University of Miami offer opportunities for continued education and career development, making it clear that employers value candidates who are committed to ongoing professional growth. This could involve advanced training in specialized surgical procedures, new surgical technologies, or leadership roles within the surgical department.
7. Adaptability to Different Schedules Many surgical tech positions in Florida require flexibility with work hours. For example, shifts at institutions like the University of Miami and Orlando Health may include evenings, weekends, and on-call duties, depending on surgical schedules. Adaptability is crucial for ensuring that surgical technicians are available when needed, especially in hospitals with high surgical volume.

Specific Employer Expectations

• University of Miami (UHealth SoLé Mia): The University of Miami is focused on recruiting surgical technicians who can thrive in a high-pressure academic medical setting. As a new facility opening in 2025, UHealth SoLé Mia is particularly looking for individuals who can handle specialized surgeries in fields like neurology, oncology, and ophthalmology. This hospital emphasizes the importance of maintaining the sterile field, anticipating the surgical team’s needs, and adhering to federal, state, and institutional policies.
• AdventHealth: This health system looks for surgical technicians who can contribute to their “wholeness” approach, focusing on holistic care for the patient. A core part of AdventHealth’s culture is teamwork and collaboration, and surgical techs are expected to work seamlessly with surgeons and nurses while maintaining an organized and sterile environment. Their positions also offer benefits such as student loan repayment, which is attractive for individuals seeking long-term career development.
• Orlando Health: Orlando Health looks for surgical technicians who can demonstrate a clear understanding of sterile techniques and the equipment needed for various surgical procedures. They emphasize the importance of efficient and safe practices in the operating room, as well as the ability to work with surgical teams to anticipate and fulfill the needs of each procedure.
• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center: As a specialized cancer treatment facility, Moffitt values surgical techs who have experience with specialized surgeries such as those related to oncology, neurology, and orthopedics. Their technicians play a critical role in preparing the surgical environment, handling instruments, and ensuring quality patient care, particularly in highly specialized procedures.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

While the primary role of a surgical technician is in the operating room, there is significant crossover into other disciplines. Surgical techs may find themselves working closely with other healthcare professionals, including anesthesiologists, surgical assistants, and even researchers in academic settings. Their work requires a deep understanding of patient care beyond the OR, as they are often involved in preoperative and postoperative support, collaborating with nursing teams, assisting with patient transport, and managing surgical specimens.

In summary, employers in Florida are looking for surgical technicians who are well-versed in operating room procedures, possess specialized certifications, and can work collaboratively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Institutions like the University of Miami, AdventHealth, Orlando Health, and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center are particularly interested in individuals with diverse surgical experience, a commitment to patient care, and an eagerness to grow within their roles.