How to Become a Surgical Tech in Arkansas

Want a rewarding career in healthcare but are not ready to spend forever in school to become a doctor?

There are so many positions needing to be filled that require much less schooling.

If the action of surgery is interesting to you, perhaps becoming a surgical tech would be the right direction.

A surgical tech is a healthcare professional who works directly with a surgical team to get the operating room ready for action.

They also get patients ready for surgery and help during the procedure.

Exciting work like this could be your daily routine if you become a surgical tech in Arkansas.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech

To become a certified surgical tech in Arkansas, there are a few steps to be taken.

The first is to complete an accredited program.

That can result in an associate’s degree or certificate.

Next, the Certified Surgical Technologist exam must be passed.

Finally, to keep it current, the certification can be renewed every two years.

5 Surgical Tech Schools in Arkansas

University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College

At the University of Arkansas, you can get an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology in as little as two semesters.

The program typically equates to one school year, so starting in the fall and finishing in the spring.

Upon completion, students have everything they need to qualify for and pass the National Certification exam.

There are 30 credits of general education classes before the 30 required courses specific to surgical technology.

Students must have at least a 2.0 to graduate.

Address: 4600 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242

Phone: (888) 453-3378

Baptist Health College Little Rock

Getting an associate degree in surgical technology can be done in less than three semesters at Baptist College.

Basically, students treat this education as a job.

First, you have to pass an interview to be accepted into the program.

Next, Classes are in session four days a week from 7:30 am to 3 pm.

Clinicals start one hour earlier.

The total program cost is $18,000.

That includes books, lab fees, and tuition.

Address: 11900 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210

Phone: (501) 202-6200

South Arkansas College

To get into the Surgical Technology program at South Arkansas College, students must include three references.

The admin staff wants to know that you are committed to seeing the program through and those around you agree.

To graduate, students must have logged 120 surgical cases.

$9,400 is the cost of the program.

Address: 300 S West Ave, El Dorado, AR 7173

Phone: (870) 862-8131

Northwest Technical Institute

Northwest Tech partnered with the Northwest Arkansas Medical Community to fast-track students to get to work.

Their goal is to get you ready for job placement and to be as independent as possible.

The less on-the-job training, the better.

Surgical techs are deeply needed in the greater medical community.

Surgical technologist programs are focused on pre-op, during surgery, and post-op needs.

Classes are Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4 pm.

From start to finish, it costs less than $8,000 to get your education at NTI.

Address: 709 S Old Missouri Rd, Springdale, AR 72764

Phone: (479) 751-8824

North Arkansas College

It takes two years at North Arkansas College to obtain an Associate of Applied Science.

Within that time, students are focused on patient care during all phases of surgery, including before and after.

Part of the curriculum will be lab time in addition to handling real patients.

Legality and ethics are also part of this degree program.

Address: 1515 Pioneer Dr, Harrison, AR 72601

Phone: (870) 743-3000

Surgical Technician Schools in Arkansas – Summary Table

Salary

Across the state of Arkansas, the median wage for a surgical tech is $48,000 a year.

If you’re in a bigger city with more experience, a $57,600 salary can be expected.

For entry-level, or a smaller area, techs will make around $39,000 a year.

Regional Salary in Arkansas