How to Become a Surgical Tech in Louisiana

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

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.

Education and Training

Completing an accredited educational program at a Louisiana trade school or community college is an essential first step for those wondering how to become surgical techs in Louisiana.

Required Courses

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

Attending an Accredited Program

To qualify for national certification, surgical techs in LA must complete training programs with the proper accreditation. Before enrolling, make sure that your chosen school has accreditation from one of the following organizations:

Hands-on Training

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

Externships

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

Program Length

Although program lengths differ across institutions, most surgical techs in LA complete their training in about nine months. Some undergo more extensive training and finish their courses in one year or 18 months. Those who pursue associate’s degrees in surgical technology and assisting complete their programs in two years.

How Much Does Surgical Tech School Cost?

Many one-year certificate courses for surgical techs in LA 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.

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:

Submit proof of graduation from a trade school, college, or military surgical tech training program.
Complete an exam application form
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

Surgical Tech Salaries in LA

Although $41,232 per year is the average surgical tech salary in Louisiana, you might earn more or less than that, depending on where you work. Of course, private hospitals and surgical centers might pay more than a small outpatient clinic or general medical hospital. However, the area you work in can affect your wages as well.

Take a look at the list below to learn how much surgical techs make in certain Louisiana cities:

Baton Rouge $43,095
Lake Charles $39,662
New Orleans $42,054
Houma $43,852
Lafayette $39,337
Alexandria $40,935
Monroe $39,331

Certified surgical techs in LA 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

Surgical tech jobs in LA hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics require exceptional attention to detail and communication skills. During their workday, these professionals perform tasks like:

Assisting surgical teams before, during, and after procedures
Receiving surgery instruments and tools from sterile processing technicians
Set up the table of surgical tools and equipment in the operating room
Pass instruments to surgeons as they ask for them during the procedure
Count each instrument and surgical tool to ensure all equipment is accounted for after each surgery
Maintain a sterile work environment throughout the procedure

Career Outlook

According to career outlook reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for surgical technologists in the U.S. is likely to increase by about six percent over the next decade. Trained surgical techs in LA can take advantage of this projected growth rate by earning their certification and meeting employee-specific requirements to qualify for surgical tech jobs in Louisiana.

Surgical Tech in LA