How to Become a Surgical Tech in Nevada

Surgical techs work with surgeons in the operating room.

They prepare the operating room, assist the surgeon during surgery, and clean up the OR after an operation.

To become a surgical tech in Nevada, you must be certified.

This helps keep patients safe and ensures they get the proper care.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech in Nevada

To become certified as a surgical tech in Nevada, you’ll need a Certified Surgical Technologist, or CST, through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, or NBSTSA.

Certification Eligibility

To become certified, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements.

You’ll need to complete a surgical tech program that is approved by the CAAHEP or ABHES.

Applying for the CST

You’ll need to provide proof you’ve completed the program, and pay a fee.

If you are a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists, or AST, you’ll pay $190.

If you are not a member, you’ll pay $290.

You’ll also complete an application.

Once you are accepted, you’ll receive an email.

Then, you can schedule your examination.

You’ll need to bring 2 forms of identification when you arrive at the testing center.

Passing the CST Exam

The CST exam has 175 questions.

150 of these questions are graded.

To pass, you’ll need to get 98 out of 150 questions correct.

You’ll be allowed to do a practice test before beginning the examination.

This allows you to get familiar with the computer testing process.

Once the test begins, you’ll have four hours to complete the exam.

You can take breaks during the test, but the clock doesn’t stop.

Be sure to allow yourself enough time to complete the exam.

Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive your CST certification.

You can add CST to your name.

NCCT Certification

You can also get an NCCT certification.

To qualify, you must be in an approved NCCT certified program, or have graduated from an approved program in the last 5 years.

You can also qualify if you have three years of experience as a surgical tech.

Once you qualify, you can take the TS-C exam. If you pass the exam, you’ll receive your TS-C certification.

5 Surgical Tech Schools in Nevada

Truckee Meadows Community College

Truckee Meadows Community College offers a surgical tech Associate of Applied Science degree.

The program requires 64.5 credit hours.

The course includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on learning.

You’ll also complete three clinical rotations during the program.

During the first rotation, you’ll work in a supportive role in a surgical suite.

During the second and third rotations, you’ll work in a Level 1 trauma and surgical center or hospital.

Before beginning the program, you’ll need to complete some prerequisite courses.

These include Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2, English, Medical Terminology, and Introduction to Surgical Technology.

You must get a C or better in each class to qualify for the surgical technology program.

Only 10 students are admitted into the program, which begins each August.

You’ll complete the program in one year, which is three semesters.

College of Southern Nevada

The College of Southern Nevada offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology.

The program typically takes two years to complete.

You’ll need to take some prerequisite courses before being accepted into the surgical technology program.

You’ll complete 31 general education courses.

This includes English, Mathematics, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences electives.

You’ll also complete 33.5 credit hours for the surgical technology program.

These include introduction to surgical technology, principles and practices of surgical technology, and surgical fundamentals.

You’ll also complete three clinical rotations during the program.

During the first rotation, you’ll work in a support role.

However, during the second and third rotation, you’ll take a more hands-on approach.

You’ll be assisting with surgical duties.

Nevada Career Institute

The Nevada Career Institute offers an Associate of Occupational Science in Surgical Technology, or AOS.

The college has a 77% pass rate for the CST exam.

During the program, you’ll learn to prepare operating rooms for surgery, how to sterilize equipment, stock the OR before surgery, and preparing patients for surgery.

During surgery, you’ll help the surgeon by passing them instruments or supplies.

You’ll also count supplies, including sponges and instruments.

Health Tech Academy

Health Tech Academy offers an online surgical technician training program.

The program takes 16 weeks to complete.

It’s self paced, so you can learn when it’s convenient for you.

Once you’ve completed the learning and assessments, you’ll start the examination prep course.

Then, you’ll take the NCCT TS-C exam.

After the exam, you’ll receive support from mentors and career services.

MedCerts

MedCerts also offers an online surgical technology program.

Tuition typically costs $4,000.

It’s self paced, but students usually complete the program in 3 to 6 months.

After completing the program, you can take the NCCT TS-C exam for certification.

Surgical Technician Schools in Nevada – Summary Table

Salary

The average salary for a surgical tech in Nevada is $54,991.

Salaries range from $49,427 to $60,510.

Regional Salary in Nevada