How to Become a Surgical Tech in Virginia

Virginia residents hoping to begin their careers in the healthcare field might consider taking the necessary classes to become surgical technologists.

Education and Training

Once you meet the state’s training requirements and register with the Board of Medicine, you’ll be able to qualify for well-paying surgical tech jobs in Virginia.

Prospective surgical techs in Virginia need to complete a training program with accreditation through one of the following agencies:

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

Once you find a Virginia trade school, community college, or university that offers a surgical tech educational course, you can undergo specialized training to learn the necessary skills for surgical techs in VA.

Trade Schools with Surgical Tech Programs

How Long is Surgical Tech Training in VA?

Most students complete their training and qualify for surgical tech jobs in Virginia in about 18 months. However, there are also 2 year degree programs for those hoping to work with specialized surgical tools at private hospitals and medical research facilities.

How Much Does it Cost?

Some certificate and diploma programs for surgical techs in Virginia may cost anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000. However, exact tuition rates vary by institution.

On the other hand, tuition, textbooks, registration fees, and study materials can cost between $15,000 and $30,000 or more for students in degree programs.

What Do You Study?

Classes at most schools teach the following:

• Medical Terminology
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Principles of Microbiology
• General Psychology and Sociology
• Intro to Surgery
• Fundamental Perioperative Techniques
• Surgical Procedures

VA Surgical Tech Clinical Rotations

In addition to the traditional classroom instruction they get during their educational programs, students receive hands-on training through externships in local healthcare settings, such as clinics and hospitals.

During this portion of their programs, students apply the information they learned in class and develop the skills they’ll need in surgical tech jobs in Virginia.

Hands-On Training

While earning their clinical hours, aspiring surgical techs in VA work with doctors, nurses, sterile processing agents, and other members of surgical teams to perform their duties in actual operating rooms.

Depending on your career goals, you might consider completing clinicals in a facility that practices one of the following surgical disciplines:

• Cardiology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Oral Surgery
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Organ Transplantation
• Pediatric Surgery

Virginia Surgical Tech Requirements

Although there is no mandatory licensing requirement for surgical techs in VA, you will need to pass a certification exam and obtain an official credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

NBSTSA Exam

Take the following steps to register for the NBSTSA exam:

1. Submit proof of graduation from an accredited trade school, college, or military surgical tech training program, such as:
   1. A notarized letter from your program director or a copy of your DD214 for military applicants
   2. A copy of your graduation certificate
   3. Transcripts from your surgical tech program
2. Complete an exam application
3. Pay the $290 fee for first-time applicants

Board of Medicine Registration

After passing their NBSTSA certification exams, surgical techs in VA must register with the state’s Board of Medicine before applying for surgical tech jobs in Virginia.

To do this, you’ll need to create an account on the Virginia Department of Health Professions website, provide documents to show you’ve completed a training course and are NBSTA certified, and complete an online application form.

Employer Requirements

In addition to having the proper certifications, surgical techs in VA might also need to meet specific company standards to work in certain medical facilities.

For example, many employers require applicants to pass a criminal background check and drug screening and have updated immunization records.

Salaries in VA

While the average surgical tech salary in Virginia is about $66,380 per year, your annual earnings depend on your experience.

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

Area	Per Hour	Per Year
Charlottesville	$31.24	$64,980
Lynchburg	$28.01	$58,260
Richmond	$31.62	$65,760
Roanoke	$30.68	$63,820
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News	$28.08	$58,410
Winchester	–	–

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

Most surgical techs in VA earn salaries close to the state’s average while working in general medical hospitals. However, annual earnings may be higher for techs working in private hospitals and specialized surgical centers.

Career Overview

What Do They Do?

Surgical techs in VA assist doctors, nurses, and other surgical team members before, during, and after procedures. Those working surgical tech jobs in Virginia check supplies before each surgery and set up sterile tables with the necessary tools, equipment, and medications for the operating room.

During an operation, a tech keeps the surgical field and tools sterile and passes instruments to the surgical team as needed. Techs also count each supply table item before and after the procedure to ensure all surgical tools are accounted for.

Key Qualifications and Certifications

Employers across Virginia are looking for highly skilled and detail-oriented surgical technologists who can efficiently assist in operating rooms, maintain sterile environments, and support medical teams during procedures. Many positions require:

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Certification, preferred or required depending on the role.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, commonly required by hospitals and outpatient centers.
• Experience in operating room procedures, sterile processing, or surgical assistance.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control protocols, and instrumentation management.

Certain employers, such as Sentara Healthcare and Inova Health System, prefer candidates with prior OR experience or advanced certifications, while others, like Chesapeake Dental Specialists, seek professionals for specialized sterilization roles in dental surgery.

Surgical Tech Roles and Responsibilities

Surgical technologists in Virginia have responsibilities that vary by employer and facility type.

These include:

• Prepping and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment.
• Maintaining a sterile field and assisting surgeons during procedures.
• Monitoring surgical supplies and ensuring availability before operations.
• Handling post-procedure cleanup and decontamination of instruments.
• Coordinating with nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgical teams for efficiency in the OR.

Employers Hiring Surgical Techs in Virginia

Several hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty clinics are actively hiring surgical technologists and sterile processing technicians across the state.

Inova Health System – Leesburg, VA

Inova Health System hires Sterile Processing Technicians for their Loudoun Hospital location. Their technicians are responsible for decontaminating, assembling, and sterilizing instruments, ensuring all procedures meet hospital and industry standards. This position offers competitive pay, benefits, and loan assistance programs.

Sentara Healthcare – Multiple Locations in Virginia

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and Sentara Careplex Hospital in Hampton, VA, are looking for Certified Surgical Assistants and Surgical Techs to work in high-volume operating rooms.

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting with surgical procedures and maintaining a sterile environment.
• Working with the OR team to ensure smooth surgical operations.
• Managing surgical instruments and supplies.

Sentara offers tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, and comprehensive benefits, making it a great employer for those looking to advance their careers.

LewisGale Medical Center – Salem, VA

LewisGale Medical Center is hiring a Certified Surgical Tech – Cardiovascular (CVOR) and is offering a sign-on bonus of up to $20,000. Their techs work on complex cardiovascular procedures, requiring:

• Experience in scrub roles for cardiovascular surgeries.
• Ability to anticipate surgeon needs and maintain sterile fields.
• Knowledge of advanced surgical techniques and instrument handling.

Carilion Clinic – Roanoke, VA

Carilion Clinic employs Sterile Processing Technicians to handle instrument decontamination, sterilization, and equipment distribution in its hospitals. These positions require:

• Experience with steam and EO sterilization methods.
• Ability to inspect and prepare surgical tools.
• Knowledge of infection control and sterilization protocols.

Crossover into Other Disciplines

Surgical technicians often transition into related healthcare fields or gain additional certifications to expand their expertise. Some common crossovers include:

• Sterile Processing Technician Roles – Jobs at LifeNet Health and Carilion Clinic involve sterilizing and processing surgical tools, ensuring they meet infection control standards.
• Endoscopy Techs – Some surgical techs shift into GI labs, handling scope reprocessing and assisting gastroenterologists during procedures.
• Surgical First Assistants – With additional training, surgical techs can assist directly in suturing, cauterization, and retraction during surgeries.
• Medical Device Reprocessing – Employers like LifeNet Health specialize in tissue and organ sterilization, requiring advanced skills in medical device handling.

Work Environment and Schedules

Virginia employers offer varied work schedules to accommodate different facility needs:

• Hospital roles – May include rotating shifts, weekends, and on-call hours.
• Outpatient centers – Typically Monday–Friday schedules with no nights or weekends (e.g., Sentara Outpatient Surgical Center).
• Dental or specialty clinics – Set daytime shifts focusing on specific procedures and sterilization protocols.

What Employers Look for in a Surgical Technician in Virginia

Employers in Virginia seek skilled, certified, and highly adaptable Surgical Technicians who are ready to work in dynamic, fast-paced surgical environments. Across various healthcare systems in the state, Surgical Technologists are valued for their comprehensive knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and patient safety protocols. Let’s explore what key employers like Inova Health System, Virginia Women’s Center, Roanoke Valley Center for Sight, and Sentara Healthcare require, and how these expectations crossover into related disciplines.

1. Certifications and Licensure

Most employers in Virginia require Surgical Technicians to hold a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), and a State of Virginia Surgical Technologist License. For example, Inova Health System mandates certification and Virginia Women’s Center stresses the importance of maintaining certification as part of their job qualifications. Furthermore, Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association is generally required at the time of hire, ensuring that technicians are prepared to respond to emergency situations.

2. Surgical and Operating Room Expertise

Employers like Sentara Healthcare and Roanoke Valley Center for Sight value prior experience in an operating room (OR) setting. Technicians must be well-versed in assisting with surgery preparations, ensuring the sterile field is maintained, and anticipating the needs of the surgical team. For instance, Inova Health System emphasizes the ability to prepare operating rooms by setting up sterile supplies and instruments in accordance with surgeon preferences, while Sentara’s expectations include collaborating with the multidisciplinary team in perioperative care.

These institutions also prioritize aseptic techniques and the proper handling of surgical instruments. Surgical Technicians are expected to work with precision when sterilizing instruments, monitoring patient safety, and assisting in maintaining the sterile environment. A focus on instrument inspection and care is particularly highlighted by employers such as Roanoke Valley Center for Sight, which requires technicians to confirm that instruments are properly working before and after procedures.

3. Experience and Skills in Multiple Disciplines

Many Virginia employers offer roles that require cross-training in related fields. For example, Virginia Women’s Center offers a hybrid role where Surgical Technologists alternate shifts between surgical duties and Medical Assistant responsibilities. In this dual capacity, technicians prepare surgical rooms, assist with patient exams, and manage medical records, allowing them to expand their skill set and gain experience in both surgical and clinical patient care environments. This versatility is especially valued as it allows employers to maintain flexible staffing options while providing employees with a well-rounded career development path.

4. Ability to Work in High-Pressure Environments

The ability to perform under pressure is crucial for Surgical Technicians. Employers like Sentara Healthcare and Inova Health System place significant emphasis on the candidate’s ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and respond quickly during surgeries. This includes the quick retrieval of instruments, accurate counting of surgical tools, and adjusting to real-time changes in the surgical procedure. Sentara, in particular, looks for candidates who can integrate seamlessly into a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating communication and teamwork skills in fast-paced operating room settings.

5. Technical Proficiency and Adaptability

Technical skills and adaptability are central to the role of a Surgical Technician in Virginia. Technicians must be proficient in using advanced surgical instruments and technologies, and capable of troubleshooting any issues that arise during a procedure. Roanoke Valley Center for Sight mentions the importance of inspecting and maintaining the functionality of surgical equipment, while also ensuring instruments are sterilized to meet stringent health and safety standards.

Technicians must be capable of navigating complex procedures, managing surgical inventory, and maintaining meticulous records. The Virginia Women’s Center, for instance, expects Surgical Technologists to prepare and organize equipment and supplies for surgeries while ensuring a sterile and safe environment is maintained throughout the operation.

6. Workplace Benefits and Culture

Employers such as Inova Health System and Sentara Healthcare are known for their excellent benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement planning, and tuition assistance programs. These benefits help to attract and retain skilled Surgical Technologists who are committed to lifelong learning and professional growth. Inova, for instance, supports ongoing education with student loan assistance and mental health support, reflecting their commitment to the well-being of their staff.

Additionally, work-life balance is often a key consideration. Employers like Roanoke Valley Center for Sight offer more flexible schedules, including the option of four-day work weeks, allowing for greater personal time outside of work.

7. Crossover into Other Medical Disciplines

In Virginia, Surgical Technologists are often expected to have experience in multiple medical specialties, which can enhance their employability. For example, Virginia Women’s Center merges surgical technician duties with responsibilities typically assigned to medical assistants, giving candidates exposure to both surgical and clinical patient care tasks. Similarly, some facilities may encourage cross-training in sterile processing and instrumentation management, allowing technicians to perform various duties within the sterile processing departments and gain expertise in a broader set of healthcare roles.

Conclusion

Employers in Virginia seek well-rounded, certified Surgical Technicians who can adapt to the fast-paced nature of surgery while maintaining high standards of patient safety and sterile technique. Inova Health System, Virginia Women’s Center, Sentara Healthcare, and Roanoke Valley Center for Sight each value candidates who bring a blend of technical expertise, multi-disciplinary experience, and a strong commitment to patient care. The growing trend of cross-disciplinary roles and expanding responsibilities in Virginia reflects the evolving nature of healthcare, offering Surgical Technologists opportunities for career development while ensuring the highest quality of surgical care.