How to Become a Surgical Tech in TN

This career path offers competitive salaries and the potential for professional growth in a field that values technical skill and teamwork.

Education and Training

Enrolling in and attending a surgical technologist program is mandatory if you want to work as a surgical tech in the state.

Trade Schools with Surgical Tech Programs

How Long Does It Take?

Typically, programs in the state allow students to graduate with a certification in 12 to 18 months.

Some Tennessee trade schools and community colleges offer 2 year associate degree programs that students may attend.

How Much Does it Cost?

The price of surgical tech programs is broad, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the degree.

What Do You Study?

Coursework for a surgical tech can include the following:

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

Related High School Classes

High school students looking to get a career as a surgical tech may want to take classes such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy to have a strong grasp on some of the fundamentals before attending a post-secondary institution.

TN Surgical Tech Requirements

While many states don’t have specific certification or training requirements to work as a surgical tech, the state of Tennessee has several benchmarks you need to meet before you can get employed.

To be a surgical tech in Tennessee, you must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Accreditation

Complete a post-secondary education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

2. National Certification Exam

Have a current national certification as a surgical technologist through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

3. Armed Forces

Complete training in surgical technology as a member of the armed forces.

Additionally, the state also mandates that a surgical tech completes 15 hours of continuing education coursework every year.

Salary

The average salary in TN is about $57,130 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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

Area	Per Hour	Per Year
Chattanooga	$25.10	$52,210
Clarksville	$24.39	$50,730
Johnson City	$26.59	$55,300
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol	$27.03	$56,220
Knoxville	$24.90	$51,790
Memphis	$28.65	$59,590
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin	$29.39	$61,140
North Central Tennessee	$26.17	$54,430
South Central Tennessee	$25.70	$53,460

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

Compensation Insights

Salary ranges for Surgical Technologists in Tennessee vary significantly depending on the role, work setting, and level of specialization.

For instance, travel positions, such as the Sterile Processing Tech role with Tekgo, Inc. in Knoxville, offer weekly wages ranging from $1,360 to $1,580.

In contrast, specialized roles like the Surgical Scrub Technician position at iOrthoBIOLOGIX in Mount Juliet offer competitive annual salaries between $70,000 and $100,000, reflecting the high level of expertise and responsibility required.

Key Observations:

• Variation by Role and Setting:
  • Travel Sterile Processing Tech (Tekgo, Inc.): Offers weekly pay that caters to the flexibility and mobility required in travel assignments.
  • Surgical Scrub Technician (iOrthoBIOLOGIX): Commands a higher annual salary, indicative of specialized skills in high-demand surgical environments, particularly in orthopedic and bio-restorative procedures.
• Comprehensive Compensation Packages:
  • Many employers complement base pay with robust benefits such as housing allowances, travel reimbursements, and tuition or certification reimbursement. These additional incentives help attract and retain top talent in a competitive healthcare market.
• Reflecting Market Demand:
  • The competitive wage data underscores the value placed on surgical tech roles by Tennessee employers. Positions that require a combination of technical proficiency, leadership abilities, and cross-disciplinary skills (e.g., sterile processing expertise) tend to offer higher salaries to reflect these additional responsibilities.

Overall, the salary landscape for Surgical Technologists in Tennessee illustrates an investment in skilled professionals who are crucial to maintaining high standards of patient care and surgical efficiency. The diverse compensation packages not only attract qualified candidates but also support their professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Job Description

Employers in Tennessee are seeking Surgical Technologists who are highly skilled, versatile, and able to thrive in fast-paced, multi-disciplinary healthcare environments.

These professionals are not only expected to excel in traditional operating room (OR) roles—such as preparing sterile fields, assisting during surgery, and ensuring accurate instrument counts—but also to bring additional competencies in related areas like sterile processing and surgical supply management.

Core Responsibilities and Technical Expertise

Tennessee employers require surgical techs to perform a broad range of critical tasks that directly impact patient safety and surgical efficiency.

For example, the Surgical Tech Training Program at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals in Philadelphia (serving the broader regional market, including parts of Tennessee) emphasizes:

• OR Preparation: Ensuring that all instruments, sutures, and supplies are properly assembled and that the operating room is ready at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled procedures.
• Intraoperative Support: Assisting surgeons and nurses by passing instruments, maintaining sterile fields, and managing surgical specimens with precision.
• Sterile Processing: Maintaining and operating sterilization equipment, decontaminating, assembling, and packaging instruments, and keeping accurate quality control records.
• Safety and Compliance: Adhering to strict protocols set forth by OSHA, HIPAA, and other regulatory bodies, as well as participating in infection control programs.

Essential Skills, Qualifications, and Interdisciplinary Competencies

Employers such as Tekgo, Inc. in Knoxville and West Tennessee Healthcare in Jackson seek candidates with a strong technical background and attention to detail. Key qualifications include:

• Educational Background and Certification:
  • A minimum of a high school diploma or GED, with many roles preferring completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program.
  • Nationally recognized certifications, such as those from IAHCSMM, CBSPD, or CRCST, are often required.
• Technical and Organizational Skills:
  • Proficiency in sterilization procedures, including operating autoclaves, ultrasonic washers, and other equipment.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills to manage both the OR setup and sterile processing tasks.
• Interdisciplinary Flexibility:
  • Roles often cross over into sterile processing and supply management. For instance, positions at West Tennessee Healthcare and Blount Memorial Hospital require candidates to handle the cleaning, packaging, and quality control of surgical instruments—skills that extend beyond conventional OR duties.
  • Some positions, such as the Surgical Scrub Technician role at iOrthoBIOLOGIX in Mount Juliet, call for additional patient care skills, ensuring candidates can assist in various surgical specialties like orthopedics and bio-restorative procedures.

Work Environment and Career Opportunities

Tennessee surgical techs are expected to work in dynamic settings, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialized surgical units.

Shifts may vary, with roles like those at Tekgo, Inc. involving 12-hour shifts with on-call and weekend duties, while positions at North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell offer flexible scheduling with robust benefits, such as tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment programs.

Employers also emphasize teamwork and continuous professional development, with opportunities to mentor peers or take on leadership responsibilities in sterile processing departments.

What Employers in Tennessee Look for in a Surgical Technician

Surgical technicians in Tennessee are integral to ensuring that surgeries are performed smoothly, safely, and with high standards of patient care. As a rapidly expanding field within the healthcare sector, employers across the state seek candidates who are skilled in operating room procedures, sterile technique, patient care, and communication, along with the ability to adapt to a variety of specialties. Below are some key qualities and responsibilities that employers are looking for in candidates, including insights from several employers in Tennessee.

1. Technical Skills and Sterile Techniques

A fundamental aspect of a surgical technician’s role is their expertise in maintaining a sterile field and assisting during surgical procedures. Whether working in a hospital or a specialized clinic, such as at Saint Francis Hospital in Memphis, TN, surgical technicians are expected to demonstrate competence in aseptic techniques—such as scrubbing, gowning, and gloving—while ensuring the safety of both the surgical team and the patient. Employers like iOrthoBIOLOGIX in Mount Juliet emphasize the importance of a strong scrub background for candidates involved in cutting-edge procedures such as Bio-Restorative surgery. Similarly, Middle Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center values knowledge in handling instruments and setting up equipment, particularly in an ambulatory setting.

2. Knowledge of Surgical Procedures

Employers are increasingly looking for surgical technicians who are knowledgeable about a wide range of surgical procedures, from orthopedics to oral surgery. For example, Sexton Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Memphis expects their surgical assistants to assist with oral surgeries and diagnostic tasks such as capturing dental x-rays. They also require candidates to be adept in supporting surgeons during procedures, maintaining sterile environments, and handling post-operative care instructions.

In facilities like Saint Francis Hospital and iOrthoBIOLOGIX, which handle more complex orthopedic and spine surgeries, surgical technicians must be comfortable with different types of surgeries, including those involving advanced technology such as stem cell treatments. Versatility in understanding different specialties, such as orthopedics or bio-restorative techniques, is highly valued.

3. Collaboration and Teamwork

Employers seek surgical technicians who can effectively collaborate with surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff. Strong communication skills are essential for successful teamwork in fast-paced and high-pressure environments. For instance, Middle Tennessee Ambulatory SC emphasizes the need for technicians to engage with patients, physicians, and staff to ensure that surgeries proceed efficiently. This collaborative ability is also essential in environments where cross-training is required, such as Sexton Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, where technicians may assist with administrative tasks or patient consultations in addition to their clinical duties.

4. Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills

Employers in Tennessee, like those at iOrthoBIOLOGIX, are looking for surgical technicians who can manage multiple tasks simultaneously, such as preparing surgical equipment, maintaining inventories, and ensuring that all instruments are sterile and ready for use. The ability to manage time effectively and be organized is crucial, especially in busy hospitals like Saint Francis Hospital where surgical technicians are responsible for setting up operating rooms and ensuring that all required materials are in place for each procedure.

5. Certification and Experience

Certification is a key requirement for many employers in Tennessee. Saint Francis Hospital requires candidates to be graduates of an accredited surgical technician program, and while prior experience is preferred, it is not always mandatory. However, employers such as Middle Tennessee Ambulatory SC highly favor candidates who have previous experience in ambulatory surgery centers, where the pace may be faster and the procedures more varied. Certifications like Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) are often required for advanced roles, particularly in specialized areas like orthopedics and bio-restorative surgeries.

6. Cross-Disciplinary Roles

Some employers are also seeking surgical technicians who are flexible and able to cross over into other roles within the healthcare environment. For instance, Sexton Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery expects candidates to assist with both clinical tasks (such as patient preparation and post-operative care) and administrative duties (such as patient documentation). Similarly, Middle Tennessee Ambulatory SC encourages its surgical technicians to engage in quality improvement activities, showcasing the need for technicians who can adapt to evolving hospital or surgery center initiatives.

7. Physical and Emotional Stamina

Employers in Tennessee often highlight the need for surgical technicians to possess the physical stamina required for long hours in the operating room, including the ability to stand for extended periods and manage heavy lifting. The emotional resilience to remain focused and calm in stressful situations is also important. This aspect is particularly emphasized by employers like iOrthoBIOLOGIX, which engages in innovative and potentially high-stress procedures such as stem cell treatments for orthopedic patients.

Conclusion

Surgical technicians in Tennessee must be highly skilled, adaptable, and able to maintain professionalism and a patient-centered approach in a fast-paced environment. Employers such as Saint Francis Hospital, iOrthoBIOLOGIX, and Middle Tennessee Ambulatory SC value candidates who are not only technically proficient but also capable of working in dynamic, multi-disciplinary teams. With a strong foundation in sterile techniques, patient care, and surgical procedures, surgical technicians can thrive in the state’s diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, specialty centers, and surgical practices.