CertOutlook

Surgical Technologist in Virginia

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

Median annual salary
$63,460
trending_up +1.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Virginia.

engineering
2,250

Jobs (VA)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$425

Licensing fees

schedule
9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Virginia

To become a Surgical Technologist in Virginia, individuals must register with the Virginia Board of Medicine. This requires successful completion of an accredited surgical technologist training program and holding a current national certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or a credential from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or American Allied Health (AAH). The application fee for certification is $75, and certification must be renewed every two years.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $45,960
25th percentile $54,140
50th (median) $63,460
75th percentile $80,330
90th (experienced) $98,450

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

checklist Virginia requirements

Licensing bodyVirginia Board of Medicine
State license Not required
EducationCompletion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.
ExamNBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($350)
Application fee$75
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesVirginia requires registration with the Board of Medicine. Applicants must hold current national certification from the NBSTSA or a credential from NCCT or AAH. Renewal for those certified by NBSTSA requires maintaining that certification. For those certified via military training or who practiced prior to July 1, 2021, 30 hours of continuing education recognized by the Association of Surgical Technologists are required for biennial renewal. The Board of Medicine has a mandatory 1 hour of CE in Human Trafficking for all licensees for the 2024-2025 renewal cycles, but surgical technologists are exempt from this specific requirement as they are certified, not licensed.

Source: Virginia Board of Medicine

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 you get certified as a surgical technologist in Virginia? expand_more
The path to surgical technologist licensure in Virginia: complete the required education (Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.), pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam, and submit your application ($75 fee).
Can I work as a surgical technologist in Virginia without a license? expand_more
surgical technologists in Virginia are not required to hold a state license. Note: Virginia requires registration with the Board of Medicine. Applicants must hold current national certification from the NBSTSA or a credential from NCCT or AAH. Renewal for those certified by NBSTSA requires maintaining that certification. For those certified via military training or who practiced prior to July 1, 2021, 30 hours of continuing education recognized by the Association of Surgical Technologists are required for biennial renewal. The Board of Medicine has a mandatory 1 hour of CE in Human Trafficking for all licensees for the 2024-2025 renewal cycles, but surgical technologists are exempt from this specific requirement as they are certified, not licensed.
What do surgical technologists earn in Virginia? expand_more
surgical technologists in Virginia earn a median of $63,460 annually. This is close to the national median of $62,830. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $45,960, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $98,450.
How expensive is surgical technologist licensing in Virginia? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($350) and application fee ($75) and required training.
How many months or years does surgical technologist certification take in Virginia? expand_more
Most candidates in Virginia complete the process in 9-24 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
What are the continuing education requirements for surgical technologists in Virginia? expand_more
To keep your license active, Virginia mandates 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.

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