How to Become a Surgical Tech in Pennsylvania

If you enjoy helping others and want to work in the healthcare field, then a career as a surgical tech may be suited for you.

These workers play an important role in patient care, as they assist doctors during surgery, prep patients, and help maintain a sterile environment during surgeries.

Becoming a Surgical Tech

The path to becoming a surgical technologist is very straightforward.  You must complete a training program that will prepare you for the CST exam.  Once you pass the exam, you can apply for jobs.

Education and Training

You will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and enroll in an accredited program within the state. Below are some options.

How Much Does It Cost?

It’s possible to attend a surgical tech program for under 10k, while getting an associate degree may cost over 35k.

How Long Does It Take?

Generally, surgical technologist programs take around 1 to 2 years to finish.

What Do You Study?

Some classes and topics that surgical tech students will likely take during their coursework are:

• Anatomy
• Microbiology
• Physiology
• Patient Care
• Medical Ethics
• Surgical Room Methods
• Medical Terminology
• Aseptic Methods

Becoming a Surgical Tech in PA Video Summary

Pennsylvania Surgical Tech Requirements

There are currently no state-mandated laws mandating the requirements necessary to become a surgical tech in Pennsylvania.

However, most employers will require you to have completed an accredited surgical technologist program and pass the CST exam.

Attending a Surgical Tech Program

If you’re looking to start a career as a surgical technologist, enrolling in an accredited program is the first step you’ll need to take.

Whether you attend a surgical tech program in a Pennsylvania trade school, community college, or vocational school, you’ll be able to gain the knowledge and training needed to thrive.

Earning a Certification

Earning a certification is mandatory for getting most surgical tech jobs. Once an individual has completed the necessary education and training, they will have to take the national CST exam to earn their certification.

The exam will require a $290 fee and you will need to provide proof that you’ve finished a surgical technology program.

Maintaining Certification

You will need to maintain your status as a certified surgical technologist. This will require you to recertify every four years, which involves retaking the CST exam or providing proof that you have completed at least 60 credit hours of surgical technology coursework between CST exams.

Surgical Tech Salaries in PA

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

Area	Per Hour	Per Year
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton	$28.71	$59,710
Altoona	$21.27	$44,240
Bloomsburg-Berwick	$26.10	$54,280
Erie	$25.65	$53,340
Harrisburg-Carlisle	$29.19	$60,700
Lancaster	$28.29	$58,850
Northern Pennsylvania	$26.71	$55,560
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington	$30.00	$62,390
Pittsburgh	$26.59	$55,310
Reading	$29.55	$61,470
Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton	$25.25	$52,520
Southern Pennsylvania	$25.60	$53,250
Western Pennsylvania	$25.20	$52,410
Williamsport	$30.90	$64,280
York-Hanover	$28.98	$60,290

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

Wages range from a low of $21.27 per hour in Altoona to a high of $30.90 per hour in Williamsport, with annual salaries spanning from about $44,240 to $64,280.

High-Wage Areas

• Williamsport: Tops the list with $30.90 per hour and an annual salary of approximately $64,280.
• Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington: Offers competitive wages at $30.00 per hour, translating to about $62,390 per year.
• Harrisburg-Carlisle and Reading: Both offer wages around $29.19 and $29.55 per hour, with annual earnings of roughly $60,700 and $61,470 respectively.

Job Description

What Do They Do?

Employers in Pennsylvania are seeking Surgical Technologists who not only excel in traditional operating room duties but also demonstrate versatility across related disciplines.

These professionals are integral to ensuring that surgical procedures run safely and efficiently by preparing operating rooms, maintaining sterile environments, and assisting surgeons during complex procedures.

Top employers such as Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Altus Spine are at the forefront of these hiring initiatives, expecting candidates to embody both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills.

Core Responsibilities and Expectations

Pennsylvania healthcare organizations require Surgical Technologists to perform a broad range of duties that include:

• Operating Room Preparation:
  • Setting up operating rooms by ensuring all instruments, sutures, and supplies are ready well before scheduled procedures (as emphasized by Thomas Jefferson University’s Surgical Tech Training Program).
  • Preparing sterile fields and confirming that equipment functions properly, guaranteeing a safe environment for both patients and surgical teams.
• Intraoperative Support:
  • Assisting during surgical procedures by passing instruments, maintaining accurate counts of sponges, needles, and other supplies, and managing surgical specimens according to established protocols.
  • Serving as a preceptor for fellow staff members and students, sharing expertise and helping to maintain high-quality standards in patient care.
• Sterile Processing and Equipment Management:
  • Demonstrating proficiency in cleaning, decontaminating, assembling, packaging, and sterilizing surgical instruments—skills that are increasingly valued as roles often cross over into sterile processing.
  • Utilizing computer systems (such as T-DOC, EPIC, or Coupa) to track instrument usage and maintain accurate records.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

Employers across Pennsylvania, including North Pittsburgh Oral Surgery Association LTD and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, look for candidates with:

• Technical Expertise:
  • A solid understanding of human anatomy, pathophysiology, and surgical procedures.
  • Hands-on experience in operating room techniques, including scrubbing, gowning, gloving, and maintaining aseptic conditions.
• Certification and Training:
  • Completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program is highly preferred.
  • Relevant certifications, such as those from IAHCSMM, CBSPD, or CRCST, are often required, and some positions may even seek candidates with additional licenses like an LPN or EMT-I.
• Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills:
  • Strong communication abilities to effectively collaborate with surgeons, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
  • A compassionate and reliable demeanor that enhances patient care and fosters a positive work environment.

Interdisciplinary and Cross-Functional Competencies

In addition to core surgical tech responsibilities, many employers in Pennsylvania value cross-disciplinary skills that broaden a candidate’s role within the healthcare system:

• Sterile Processing Crossover:
  • Positions at facilities such as Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and All’s Well require proficiency in sterile processing tasks. This includes decontaminating instruments, operating sterilization equipment, and managing inventory, thereby ensuring that surgical supplies are safely prepared and readily available.
• Surgical Support in Specialized Settings:
  • At Altus Spine, candidates are expected to not only assist in standard surgical procedures but also provide specialized support in spine surgeries. This role demands advanced knowledge of spine anatomy and the ability to coordinate surgical equipment logistics, reflecting a blend of technical surgical support and internal sales or customer interface skills.
• Leadership and Training:
  • Some positions, like the Lead Sterile Processing Technician at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals, emphasize leadership roles. Here, the candidate must coordinate team activities, mentor junior staff, and manage quality control processes—highlighting the importance of both technical acumen and managerial capabilities.

Employer Highlights and Career Opportunities

• Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals:
  • Their 14-week Surgical Tech Training Program is designed for individuals with backgrounds such as CNA, MA, LPN, or EMT-I, offering on-site clinical training at their main hospital in Center City Philadelphia. This program emphasizes readiness, sterile technique, and a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and surgical processes.
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP):
  • CHOP’s Surgical Supply & Processing Technician role underlines the critical nature of maintaining sterile environments and accurate instrument processing. This position requires candidates to manage both surgical instrumentation and the associated documentation, ensuring adherence to stringent regulatory standards.
• Altus Spine:
  • In West Chester, Altus Spine is a leader in surgical support for spine procedures. They seek candidates who can manage surgical systems, coordinate equipment logistics, and provide in-service training to operating room and sterile processing staff—demonstrating the expanding scope of surgical tech roles into areas like internal sales and equipment management.

What Employers in Pennsylvania Look for in a Surgical Technician

Surgical Technicians in Pennsylvania play a critical role in the success of medical procedures, ensuring the operating room runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Employers across the state look for highly skilled and knowledgeable candidates who can maintain a sterile environment, assist during surgeries, and handle various technical aspects of patient care. Below is an extensive breakdown of what employers like Wills Eye Hospital, Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals, and CSA Surgical Center expect from Surgical Technicians.

Key Skills and Expertise Sought by Employers

1. Sterile Technique and Aseptic Practices
   • Employers emphasize proficiency in maintaining a sterile field throughout surgical procedures. This includes preparing instruments, equipment, and supplies in accordance with strict aseptic protocols to prevent infections. At Wills Eye Hospital, for instance, candidates are expected to maintain proper sterile techniques, including gowning, gloving, and surgical scrubbing.
2. Surgical Support and Equipment Handling
   • Surgical Technicians must assist in positioning patients, passing instruments to surgeons, and ensuring the necessary equipment is available during procedures. Employers like Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals seek candidates who can efficiently handle surgical instruments, manage the surgical area, and assist with patient positioning under the supervision of nurses and physicians.
3. Patient Care and Safety
   • A critical responsibility is ensuring patient safety, particularly during anesthesia administration and while positioning the patient for surgery. CSA Surgical Center outlines the importance of ensuring patient confidentiality and providing physical safety during procedures, with a focus on anticipating the needs of the surgeon and assisting with anesthesia management.
4. Instrument and Supply Management
   • Employers require candidates who can properly assemble and sterilize surgical instruments and materials. The role also involves organizing supplies and ensuring they are available for each surgical case. Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital and CSA Surgical Center highlight the need for Surgical Technicians to manage both the preoperative and postoperative care, ensuring all instruments are properly sterilized and organized for each procedure.
5. Collaboration and Communication
   • Surgical Technicians must work effectively as part of a team, communicating with physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff. Employers like Wills Eye Hospital stress the need for technicians to form good working relationships with peers and maintain a cooperative attitude. Furthermore, participating in OR quality initiatives and adhering to hospital protocols are common expectations.
6. Adaptability and Flexibility
   • Many hospitals, including Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals, seek Surgical Technicians who can adapt to changes in schedules, cases, and responsibilities. Whether the technician is called upon to assist in different areas of the hospital or handle last-minute surgical changes, employers appreciate flexibility and accountability in their staff.

Industry-Specific Expectations

• Surgical Specialties: Employers across Pennsylvania, including Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital, require Surgical Technicians with experience or the willingness to work in specialized areas. At Hickory, for example, technicians are expected to assist in soft tissue, orthopedic, emergency, and elective procedures, highlighting the broad scope of experience needed in this field.
• Veterinary vs. Human Surgery: Although many skills overlap, there are key differences when working in human surgery versus veterinary care. In veterinary settings like Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital, Surgical Technicians also assist with animal anesthesia and postoperative care, setting them apart from those working in human hospitals. The role involves unique responsibilities such as dental care and animal-specific surgical procedures.
• Certified Technicians: Most employers require Surgical Technicians to have specific certifications, including a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. This is emphasized by institutions like CSA Surgical Center, which mandates certification and experience to ensure high standards in patient care and surgical procedures.

Crossover into Other Disciplines

• Perioperative Care: At facilities like CSA Surgical Center, Surgical Technicians are closely involved with the perioperative process, assisting in patient care not just during surgery but also in preparation and recovery stages. The crossover into other medical disciplines, such as anesthesia or post-operative care, is often expected, with some hospitals providing cross-training opportunities for staff to support other surgical team members.
• Infection Control and Safety: Surgical Technicians in Pennsylvania are also expected to play a role in infection control. Hospitals like Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals place a strong emphasis on compliance with hospital safety standards, including those for infection control, biohazard waste disposal, and maintaining a clean operating environment.

Conclusion

In Pennsylvania, employers look for Surgical Technicians who are adaptable, highly skilled in maintaining sterile techniques, and capable of supporting surgeons during complex procedures. Those with specialized experience, including in veterinary care or specific surgical specialties, may find unique opportunities. Overall, the role requires a mix of technical proficiency, teamwork, and a strong commitment to patient safety and care. Whether working in a human or veterinary setting, Surgical Technicians in Pennsylvania must demonstrate the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, making them indispensable members of the surgical team.