Surgical Technologist in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.
Jobs (LA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a surgical technologist in Louisiana
To become a Surgical Technologist in Louisiana, a state license is not required. However, most employers expect candidates to hold a national certification, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This typically involves completing a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program and passing the NBSTSA CST exam. While there is no state licensing body, applicants for national certification must generally be at least 18 years old and pass a background check.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Louisiana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Louisiana requirements
| Licensing body | Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. |
| Exam | NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($350) |
| Application fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | Louisiana does not require a state license for surgical technologists; however, employers typically require national certification such as the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. Applicants for national certification must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. A clean background check is mandatory. |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk