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Surgical Technology State Licensing Boards

There are certifications that can be taken for surgical technology. Holding certification is not required to work as a surgical tech in Alabama, but many employers prefer that surgical techs be certified.

Alabama Board of Medical Examiners
P. O. Box 946
Montgomery, Alabama 36101-0946

There is a small number of states that require surgical technologists to follow certain regulations before becoming employed, but Alaska is not one of them.



Surgical technology is not regulated in the state of Arizona. A license or national certification is not required to become a surgical tech in the state, but many employers prefer to hire those who are certified. Many employers require basic life support (BLS) and CPR certification.



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In 2017, legislation was passed that requires surgical technologists to register in the state of Arkansas. Registration is regulated by the Arkansas State Medical Board. To apply to register as a surgical technologist in the state you must complete an accredited surgical technology education program and hold national certification, or you must have completed a surgical technology training program while in the army.



To practice in the state of California, you do not need any licensure or certification. However, legal requirements and employer hiring standards are two entirely separate things.

The Medical Board of California
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1200
Sacramento, CA 95815

Colorado requires that anyone performing the duties of a surgical technologist be registered. The Office of Surgical Assistant and Surgical Technologist Registration regulates individuals that perform the duties of a surgical assistant or surgical technologist. The Office is a director model program and has no Board. The Director of the Division of Professions and Occupations, or his or her designee, has the authority to make decisions for the program.



Certain states have legislative requirements for surgical techs before they can begin practicing, but Connecticut is not one of them.



In order to become a surgical technician in Delaware you will need to complete an accredited surgical tech program. Surgical tech programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as well as the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).




Some U.S. states have laws in place to regulate the practice of surgical technology; however, Washington D.C. does not. Individual employers will decide the specific skills and education level you鈥檒l need in order to join their surgical teams.



A license is not required to work as a surgical technologist. There is no law that requires surgical technologists in Florida to hold certification, but most employers within the state require their employees to be certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin C-85
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3285

Georgia is one of many U.S. states that do not set regulations for aspiring surgical technologists.




Hawaii Surgical Technician Requirements Hawaii follows the trend set by most other states. There are no state or federal laws requiring licensure or certification of surgical technologists.




There are a small number of states that require surgical techs to follow certain regulations in order to practice. Idaho is one such state, with laws in place to ensure surgical techs are held to a certain standard. To practice in this state, surgical techs must have successfully completed a one-year education program for operating room technicians accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education. Programs (CAAHEP), in cooperation with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

Idaho Board of Medicine
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0058

Most states do not have minimum educational or licensing requirements for surgical technologists, and Illinois is no exception. The state鈥檚 Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) registers certified surgical techs, but this is not required.



There are several different ways in which you can be eligible to work in surgical technology in Indiana. One of the most common pathways to this career is to complete an accredited and approved post-secondary program and then get certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Other options include: Completing surgical technology training while serving in the military, working as a surgical technologist prior to July 1, 2009, working for the federal government as a surgical technologist, or having the necessary skills and knowledge to work in surgical technology as determined by the employer.




Throughout the U.S., there are a small number of states that currently have legislation to regulate the surgical technology profession. Iowa is not included in this list, instead allowing individual employers to determine what level of expertise is necessary for aspiring surgical techs.




Presently, surgical technology is not regulated in the state of Kansas, meaning that a license or certification is not required to work as a surgical tech in the state. However, the Kansas State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists is currently trying to get legislation passed that will require all future surgical technologists in Kansas to be certified through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).



Most states have no minimum requirements for working as a surgical technologist. In Kentucky, the Board of Medical Licensure certifies surgical assistants, a term that is used interchangeably with surgical technologists.



Louisiana is one of the states that has not passed any legislation governing the profession. This means that your employer will decide whether you are eligible for hire based on your skills, experience, and credentials.

Louisiana Department of Health
P.O. Box 629
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0629

There are only a few U.S. states that require surgical technologists to be registered before practicing, and Maine is one of the many states that do not have this requirement.




There are only a few states in the U.S. that require surgical techs to be registered and nine states that set minimum standards for the education and certification of surgical technologists. Maryland is not one of these states.




Certain states have laws in place to regulate the surgical technologist profession, and Massachusetts is one of them. Massachusetts law states that hospitals and clinics cannot employ or use the services of any surgical technologist unless the person has either: Successfully completed an accredited educational program for surgical technologists and holds and maintains the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, Successfully completed an accredited school of surgical technology but has not, as of the date of hire, obtained the certified surgical technologist certification, provided that such certification will be obtained within 12 months of the graduation date, Been employed as a surgical technologist in a surgical facility on July 1, 2012, Successfully completed a training program for surgical technology in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service, or are performing surgical technology tasks or functions in the service of the federal government, but only to the extent the person is performing duties related to that service.



Michigan does not have any legislative requirements for those looking to become surgical technologists. Surgical technologists in any state are highly encouraged to earn national certification which is offered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Ottawa Building
611 W. Ottawa
P.O. Box 30004
Lansing, MI 48909

The state of Minnesota is like many other states in that it does not regulate surgical technology. The state government has not set any minimum standards for education or training and has left it up to employers to decide what skills, education, and experience job candidates should have in order to be hired.

Minnesota Department of Human Services 鈥 Licensing
P.O. Box 64242
St. Paul, MN 55164-0242

In Mississippi, the profession of surgical technology is not regulated, meaning there are no laws regarding certification, education, or licensure.

MSDH Professional Licensure Division
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700

Missouri is one of many U.S. states that do not currently have legislation governing the profession of surgical technology.

Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
Division of Regulation and Licensure
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570

Montana is one of many states that does not require surgical technologists to follow certain regulations before becoming employed.

Montana Department of Health & Human Services
State Information Technology Services Division
P.O. Box 200113
Helena, MT 59620-0113

Surgical technology is not currently regulated in the state of Nebraska. The Nebraska State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) is pushing to get legislation passed for surgical techs to be licensed within the state. At this time, however, education and certification requirements are left up to the employer.

Nebraska Department of Health
and Human Services DHHS Licensure Unit
Attn: [Profession, Facility type, or Children's Services]
P.O. Box 94986
Lincoln NE 68509-4986

Nevada is one of many states that have no legislation for surgical technologists, allowing employers to determine what standards of expertise are acceptable.



There are a number of U.S. states with laws in place to regulate surgical technology, however, New Hampshire is not currently one of these states. This allows individual employers to determine what level of education and experience is needed in order to join a surgical team.



New Jersey is one of the few states that actually sets requirements for the surgical technology profession. The requirements are fairly simple, though, and if you want to work in this role in the state you only have to meet one of the following:

  • Have successfully earned a certificate or degree in surgical technology from an accredited program
  • Hold certification in surgical technology from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
  • Have completed surgical technology training while serving in the armed forces
  • Be a surgical technologist working for the federal government

New Jersey Department of Health
P. O. Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

Currently, there are no statewide education or license requirements to work as a surgical technologist in New Mexico.




In New York, the profession of surgical technology is regulated by the New York State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). Surgical technologists who wish to practice in the state of New York must graduate from an accredited educational program. They must also hold national certification and complete 15 hours of continued education annually.



North Carolina is one of many U.S. states that does not set minimum standards for the education and certification of surgical technologists. This means employers set their own guidelines and requirements for the surgical techs they hire.

NC Department of Health and Human Services
2001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2000

North Dakota requires surgical technologists to register with the North Dakota Board of Nursing by completing a registration application and submitting a $50 application fee. Along with the registration application, surgical technologists must either provide official transcripts from a board-recognized formal training program or provide proof of current national certification. Without meeting these requirements, you will not be allowed to practice in North Dakota.



Ohio is like many other states in that it currently has no minimum requirements for education, training, or licensing for surgical technologists or surgical assistants. A bill to require licensing for these professionals was introduced, but it was never passed or made into law.



Some states have passed legislation to regulate surgical technologists in an effort to ensure that patients receive quality care. However, Oklahoma is one of many states that do not currently have laws in place governing this profession.



In recent years, a number of states have passed legislation to oversee the surgical technology profession. Oregon is one such state. Requirements for practicing in this state include the following:

  • A person must complete an educational program for surgical technologists accredited by a national accreditation organization that is approved by the Oregon Health Authority.
  • A person must hold and maintain a surgical technologist certification issued by a nationally accredited certifying organization.

Alternatively, if you completed a surgical technology training program in the U.S. military, you will be able to practice in Oregon under the condition that, every two years, you provide your employer with documentation that you鈥檝e completed 16 hours of continued education in the field. Additionally, if you鈥檝e worked as a surgical technologist in any U.S. state during at least two of the three years immediately preceding January 1, 2017, you will be able to practice in this state without having certification, under the requirement that you also complete 16 hours of continued education every two years.



In Pennsylvania, there are currently no laws in place to govern this practice; however, there is a bill pending, which, if passed, would require surgical techs to do the following before finding employment:

  • Graduate from an accredited surgical technology program
  • Earn and maintain the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).




In Rhode Island, there are currently no laws that have been passed requiring surgical technologists to follow certain guidelines before finding employment.



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Not every state requires surgical technologists to become certified or obtain formal education, which means that it is not uncommon for employers to set their own guidelines and requirements for the surgical techs they hire. In order to practice as a surgical technologist in South Carolina, you will need to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). However, this certification requirement comes with some exceptions.

As a surgical tech working in South Carolina, you will need to meet one of the following requirements:

  • Successfully complete an accredited education program for surgical technology and hold (and maintain) the Certified Surgical Technologist credential that is administered by the NBSTA
  • Complete an appropriate training program for surgical technology in the United States Armed Forces or the U.S. Public Health Service
  • Show previous employment as a surgical technologist in a healthcare facility in the state before January 1, 2008
  • Be in the service of the Federal Government



The state government of South Dakota has not set any minimum standards for education, training, licensing or certification for surgical technologists.



Most states do not have any specific training or certification requirements for people who work as surgical techs, but Tennessee is an exception. Here you must meet just one of the following requirements in order to work in this role:

  • Have valid and current national certification as a surgical technologist through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
  • Complete a post-secondary educational program in surgical technology accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Complete training in surgical technology as a member of the armed forces
  • Pass the NBSTSA surgical technologist certification examination



In Texas, surgical technology is regulated by the Texas State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). To work as a surgical technologist in Texas, you must complete a surgical technology program that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). You must also hold certification as a surgical technologist through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Texas Medical Board
P.O. Box 2018
Austin, TX 78768-2018

A number of U.S. states, including Utah, do not set laws to regulate the practice of surgical technology.

Utah Department of Health
P.O. Box 141010
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1010

Some states set minimum educational and licensure requirements for surgical technologists, while other states have no requirements. Vermont is one of the latter. It is left up to the employers in the state to decide who qualifies to work for them as a surgical technologist.



Virginia, like many states, does not require that surgical technologists be licensed in order to practice. However, unlike other states, Virginia does offer voluntary registration. Those who register with the state are allowed to use the title 鈥渞egistered surgical technologist.鈥

Virginia Department of Health
P.O. Box 2448
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2448

In Washington, a surgical technology license or certification is not required to work, but surgical technologists do have to register with the Washington State Department of Health.



West Virginia is one of the many states that has not yet enacted laws or regulations that must be followed by anyone looking to become a surgical technologist.



There are no official minimal requirements for training, education, or licensing for surgical technologists in Wisconsin. It is up to employers, usually hospitals, to determine the basic requirements for hiring these allied health professionals.



In Wyoming, there are no state laws regulating the practice of surgical technology. Instead, individual employers determine the level of skill and experience required to join a surgical team.