How to Become a Surgical Tech in Louisiana

Surgical technologists assist doctors, nurses, and other members of surgical teams before, during, and after operations.

Education and Training

To become a surgical tech in Louisiana, you must receive training from qualified professionals at an accredited institution.

From there, you can obtain an official certification and begin applying for surgical tech jobs in Louisiana.

Trade Schools with Surgical Tech Programs

How Much Does Surgical Tech School Cost?

Many  1 year certificate courses for surgical techs in Louisiana cost about $3,500 in tuition, books, and fees.

However, training may cost as little as $2,100 at some schools and $8,400 at others. Associate’s degree programs for aspiring surgical technologists might cost about $20,000.

How Long Does it Take?

Although program lengths differ across institutions, most surgical techs in LA complete their training in about 9 months.

Some undergo more extensive training and finish their courses in 1 year or 18 months.

Those who pursue associate’s degrees in surgical technology and assisting complete their programs in 2 years.

What Do You Study in a Training Program?

While course curriculums differ across schools, most institutions with surgical tech programs offer classes like:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical and Surgical Terminology
• Fundamental Perioperative Techniques
• Surgical Procedures
• Basic Mathematics and Biology
• Principles of Microbiology
• Healthcare Facility Standards and Guidelines

Hands-on Training & Externships

Students perform the practical application portion of their educational programs by completing clinical hours in real medical settings.

Schools typically partner with local healthcare facilities to arrange externships for their students, so you might earn your hours in one of the following locations:

• Physician and Dentist Offices: assisting with minor surgical procedures alongside doctors, RNs, and qualified dental, and nursing assistants
• Hospital Operating Rooms: gaining surgical tech experience during various types of surgical procedures
• Specialized Surgical Centers: working with surgical teams specializing in a particular branch of medicine, such as:
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Neurosurgery
  • Cardiology
  • Organ Transplantation
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Attending an Accredited Program

Before enrolling, make sure that your chosen school has accreditation from one of the following organizations:

• The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
• The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Louisiana Surgical Tech Requirements

While you must complete an accredited training program to qualify for surgical tech jobs in Louisiana, getting an official license or certification is optional.

Even so, obtaining a credential from a nationally-recognized institution like the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) can help you stand out among other applicants when searching for jobs in this field.

NBSTSA Certification

The NBSTSA offers a certification exam for trained surgical technologists who want or need an official license. To register for this test, you’ll need to take the following steps:

1. Submit proof of graduation from a trade school, college, or military surgical tech training program.
2. Complete an exam application form
3. Pay the required application fee

Once you submit an application, you must wait to receive an Authorization To Test (ATT) letter from the NBSTA, certifying that you are eligible for the surgical tech licensing exam. From there, you’ll need to schedule an appointment to take your test, which you can do online or over the phone.

Employee Requirements

Those who pass their NBSTSA exam become certified surgical techs and can start looking for surgical tech jobs in Louisiana. However, you may need to meet additional requirements in order to qualify for a job with a particular employer. For example, most hospitals and clinics only hire applicants who meet the following criteria:

• Pass a criminal background check
• Have updated immunization records
• Pass a drug screening

Salary

Although $51,830 per year is the average surgical tech salary in Louisiana, you might earn more or less than that, depending on where you work.

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

Area	Per Hour	Per Year
Alexandria	$22.28	$46,330
Baton Rouge	$26.91	$55,960
Central Louisiana	$21.37	$44,450
Hammond	$27.06	$56,290
Houma-Thibodaux	$24.72	$51,430
Lafayette	$24.50	$50,970
Lake Charles	$21.49	$44,700
Monroe	$25.61	$53,280
New Orleans-Metairie	$25.35	$52,730
Northeast Louisiana	$20.37	$42,370
Shreveport-Bossier City	$23.67	$49,230

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

Surgical Technologists in metropolitan areas like Hammond and Baton Rouge tend to earn higher wages, likely reflecting higher living costs and greater demand for specialized skills.

Regions with lower wage rates, such as Northeast Louisiana and Central Louisiana, might offer a lower cost of living, but the differences in pay could also indicate varying levels of market competition and facility resources.

Overall, annual salaries range from approximately $42,370 to $56,290, suggesting that while there is variation by region, many areas offer competitive compensation for qualified surgical techs in Louisiana.

Certified surgical techs might be able to negotiate higher salaries than non-certified techs. They might also qualify for more specialized surgical tech jobs in Louisiana hospitals and private surgical centers, which might pay more than $60,000 per year.

Job Description

Employers in Louisiana are seeking Surgical Technologists who can effectively support surgical teams while maintaining a safe, sterile operating environment. These professionals must possess a blend of technical expertise, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to adapt quickly in dynamic healthcare settings.

From preparing operating rooms to ensuring strict adherence to aseptic techniques, surgical techs play a vital role in patient care.

Core Responsibilities and Expectations
Louisiana employers expect surgical techs to perform a variety of critical tasks, including:

• Operating Room Preparation: Setting up the operating room with all necessary instruments, sutures, supplies, and equipment well before procedures begin (as seen at Acadian Medical Center in Eunice, LA).
• Patient and Specimen Care: Preparing patients’ skin for surgery, handling specimens accurately, and actively participating in safety time-outs before procedures.
• Intraoperative Assistance: Assisting surgeons and nurses during procedures by passing instruments, maintaining counts of sponges, needles, and other supplies, and ensuring that sterile techniques are rigorously followed.
• Documentation and Communication: Completing accurate records and communicating effectively with the surgical team to address any discrepancies or issues immediately.

Key Skills and Qualifications
Employers such as CHRISTUS Health in Shreveport and St. Tammany Health System in Covington emphasize the importance of the following skills and qualifications:

• Technical Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate strong manual dexterity, a thorough knowledge of surgical instruments, and the ability to maintain sterile fields.
• Certification and Training: A high school diploma or GED is required, with many positions preferring candidates who have completed an approved Surgical Technology program and hold certifications from recognized bodies like IAHCSMM, CBSPD, or CRCST.
• Interpersonal Abilities: The role requires effective communication, the capacity to work under pressure, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced environments.

Interdisciplinary and Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities
Louisiana employers increasingly value versatility, with several roles showing crossover into related disciplines:

• Sterile Processing: Positions at Northern Louisiana Medical Center and the Sterile Processing Training Coordinator role at St. Tammany Health System highlight the need for skills in cleaning, decontaminating, and managing surgical instruments—a crucial extension of the surgical tech’s responsibilities.
• Surgical Assistance in Dental Settings: At St. Tammany Periodontics & Impl in Covington, surgical assistants support dental procedures, indicating that expertise in surgical tech roles can also translate to specialized fields like dental surgery.
• Travel Assignments: Agencies like Triage Staffing LLC offer travel opportunities that require surgical techs to adapt to various healthcare settings, further broadening their skill sets and career prospects.

Conclusion
In summary, Louisiana employers are looking for Surgical Technologists who combine exceptional technical abilities with strong communication and organizational skills.

With competitive salaries—up to $35 per hour and attractive travel assignment wages—candidates who demonstrate certification, cross-disciplinary expertise, and the ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments will be highly valued.

Employers such as Acadian Medical Center, CHRISTUS Health, and St. Tammany Health System exemplify the standards expected, ensuring that these professionals are well-prepared to contribute to a safe and efficient surgical environment.

What Employers in Louisiana Look for in a Surgical Technician

Employers in Louisiana are looking for highly skilled and adaptable surgical technicians who can contribute effectively in fast-paced, team-oriented hospital and surgical environments. Surgical technicians are responsible for ensuring that the operating room is properly prepared for surgeries, assisting surgeons and surgical teams during procedures, and maintaining a sterile field. These positions require precision, excellent communication, and the ability to respond quickly to any changes or challenges during surgery. Let’s explore what specific employers in Louisiana expect from surgical technicians and the key skills that crossover into other disciplines.

Core Responsibilities

Employers across Louisiana emphasize the importance of surgical technicians maintaining aseptic technique and adhering to universal precautions. At Lake Charles Memorial Health System, technicians must prepare instruments, assist in patient transportation, and handle specimens with care while communicating clearly with the surgical team. They also need to maintain equipment like autoclaves and microscopes, ensuring that all instruments are properly sterilized and ready for use. Additionally, technicians at this facility are required to participate in call duties and contribute to cleaning and sterilizing the operating room after each procedure.

Similarly, Oakdale Community Hospital focuses on similar responsibilities, such as assisting with patient positioning, preparing the operating room, and passing instruments to the surgeon. They require technicians to possess training in sterile technique and to have basic computer skills for equipment handling. Their position demands flexibility in supporting surgeons during diverse procedures and maintaining a safe environment through precise inventory and equipment checks.

Required Skills and Certifications

Employers in Louisiana also seek candidates with specific certifications and practical experience. For instance, Christus Health expects surgical technicians to have a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and previous experience handling surgical instruments, preparing operating rooms, and maintaining sterile fields. They also require candidates to be familiar with decontamination processes and sterilization procedures for surgical equipment.

At St. Tammany Periodontics & Implant, while the focus is on dental surgery, they look for candidates with excellent patient care skills, communication abilities, and the capacity to multitask in a fast-paced, dynamic setting. These skills align closely with those required in general surgery, highlighting the overlap between various surgical disciplines such as dentistry and general surgery.

Crossover into Other Disciplines

A common thread in Louisiana’s surgical tech job listings is the emphasis on multitasking and the ability to adapt to different types of surgeries, from general surgery to dental procedures. For example, while St. Tammany Periodontics & Implant specifically looks for dental surgical assistants, the duties closely mirror those of general surgical technicians. They require individuals who can assist with preparing tray setups, performing X-rays, and ensuring patient comfort—all of which are integral skills in any surgical environment.

Additionally, the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team is essential across all roles. For example, at Lake Charles Memorial Health System, surgical technicians must effectively collaborate with other medical staff, such as nurses and surgeons, to ensure smooth operation procedures. This teamwork is crucial across healthcare settings and makes surgical techs versatile in both hospital and outpatient surgery environments.

Key Employers and Their Expectations

1. Lake Charles Memorial Health System: Emphasizes knowledge of aseptic technique, communication with the surgical team, and readiness to handle emergency situations. They also value technicians who can maintain a safe and organized work environment.
2. Oakdale Community Hospital: Looks for candidates who can handle sterilization, patient transport, and assist with a variety of surgical procedures. The ability to perform environmental and equipment maintenance is key.
3. Christus Health: Requires at least two years of experience and proficiency in decontamination and sterilization processes. BLS certification is mandatory, and they prefer individuals who can maintain patient safety and comfort during surgeries.
4. St. Tammany Periodontics & Implant: Focuses on dental surgical assistants with strong patient care and communication skills. The ability to multitask and work efficiently in both surgical and office environments is highly valued.

In conclusion, surgical technicians in Louisiana must possess a combination of technical skills, certification, and adaptability to various surgical settings. Employers seek individuals who can maintain a sterile environment, assist effectively during surgeries, and work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. Additionally, crossover skills from other medical disciplines, such as dental surgery, enhance a technician’s ability to thrive in diverse surgical settings.