Surgical Technologist in Tennessee

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$56,370

trending_down -10.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Tennessee.

engineering

2,470

Jobs (TN)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$350

Licensing fees

schedule

12-24 months for education programs; certification obtained within 18 months of program completion if not certified at hire.

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Tennessee

To become a Surgical Technologist in Tennessee, individuals must meet specific employment qualifications set by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission, though a state license is not issued. Key steps involve completing a nationally accredited surgical technology program and obtaining national certification, such as the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or TS-C (NCCT) credential. While there isn't a state license, employers are responsible for verifying that surgical technologists meet the state's requirements, which also include annual continuing education.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $47,060

25th percentile $50,090

50th (median) $56,370

75th percentile $62,850

90th (experienced) $73,110

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Tennessee. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Tennessee requirements

Licensing body	Tennessee Health Facilities Commission
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a nationally accredited surgical technology program (CAAHEP or ABHES) or a military surgical technology program.
Exam	NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam or TS-C (NCCT) ($350)
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	15.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Tennessee law (TCA 68-57-101) requires surgical technologists to meet one of several qualifications for employment, but does not issue a state license. Qualifications include holding current national certification (CST or TS-C), completing an accredited program and obtaining certification within 18 months of hire, performing surgical technology services before May 21, 2007, or completing a military surgical technology program. Employers must verify qualifications. Minimum age of 18 is typically required for program enrollment. Background checks and drug screenings are also common for program admission. Current certification satisfies the annual 15 hours of continuing education.

Source: Tennessee Health Facilities Commission

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.5%

Faster than average

Annual openings

7,000

Nationwide per year

Total employment

115,600

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.48/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a surgical technologist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a surgical technologist in Tennessee? expand_more

The path to surgical technologist licensure in Tennessee: complete the required education (Completion of a nationally accredited surgical technology program (CAAHEP or ABHES) or a military surgical technology program.), and pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam or TS-C (NCCT).

Is a state license required for surgical technologists in Tennessee? expand_more

surgical technologists in Tennessee are not required to hold a state license. Note: Tennessee law (TCA 68-57-101) requires surgical technologists to meet one of several qualifications for employment, but does not issue a state license. Qualifications include holding current national certification (CST or TS-C), completing an accredited program and obtaining certification within 18 months of hire, performing surgical technology services before May 21, 2007, or completing a military surgical technology program. Employers must verify qualifications. Minimum age of 18 is typically required for program enrollment. Background checks and drug screenings are also common for program admission. Current certification satisfies the annual 15 hours of continuing education.

What is the average surgical technologist salary in Tennessee? expand_more

surgical technologists in Tennessee earn a median of $56,370 annually. This trails the $62,830 national median by 10%. New surgical technologists start around $47,060; seasoned professionals can reach $73,110.

What's the total cost to get surgical technologist certified in Tennessee? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($350). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become a surgical technologist in Tennessee? expand_more

Expect to spend 12-24 months for education programs; certification obtained within 18 months of program completion if not certified at hire. from start to finish in Tennessee — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

What are the continuing education requirements for surgical technologists in Tennessee? expand_more

Tennessee requires 15.0 hours of continuing education every 1.0 year to maintain your surgical technologist license.