Every successful operation starts and ends with the healthcare professionals behind the masks. Surgical technologists work alongside surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members throughout procedures in the operating room. The role combines technical knowledge with teamwork to provide the right instruments at the right moments and maintain a sterile field for the patient on the table.
If you’re considering a fulfilling, hands-on healthcare career with high demand and programs throughout Virginia, surgical technology could be a rewarding path. Learn more about what a surgical technologist does, industry outlook, and steps to getting certified in Virginia.
Ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in the OR? Explore Virginia degree programs in surgical technology and related healthcare fields.
Key Takeaways:
- Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms and assist surgical teams during surgical procedures — all while helping maintain a sterile field.
- Employment for surgical technologists and assistants is expected to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, which is 2% faster than average.
- Virginia offers many surgical technology programs through community colleges, as well as financial assistance and support through G3 and FastForward.
- Becoming a certified surgical technologist in Virginia requires you to complete an approved training pathway and meet the state’s certification requirements.
What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?
A surgical technologist, sometimes called a surgical tech or operating room technician, helps maintain an organized and sterile surgical environment. Professionals in this role assist surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other members of the surgical team before, during, and after procedures that take place in the operating room (OR).
Common job duties include:
- Helping prepare the patient and OR for surgery
- Sterilizing and arranging surgical instruments
- Passing instruments and supplies to the surgical team
- Monitoring and maintaining surgical instruments and supplies
- Maintaining the sterile field until the patient leaves the OR
- Cleaning the OR and safely disposing of used supplies
Many surgical technologists work in general surgery, but others specialize in areas like cardiology, neurosurgery, and pediatric surgery. The majority of surgical technologists (71%) work in hospitals. Other roles within the field exist at outpatient centers, insurance companies, sterile supply services, and surgical equipment firms.
Surgical technologists typically work full-time, which may include nights, weekends, holidays, and time on call. Professionals must be capable of standing for long periods of time and have thorough medical knowledge, prioritization skills, self-motivation, and compassion for the patients their work supports.
High Demand for Surgical Technologists in Virginia
Surgical technology is a strong career path for anyone interested in working directly with surgical teams. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% employment growth for surgical technologists and assistants between 2024 and 2034 — faster than the 3% average growth for all occupations. Virginia Career View lists surgical technology as a “Bright” career, indicating a promising future and a high likelihood of continued job opportunities within the state.
Around 8,700 openings for surgical technologists and assistants are expected to open up every year over the next decade. Many job opportunities will be due to retirement or shifts into other occupations. Others will be the result of medical technology advancements and surgery becoming a viable option for treating more types of illnesses and injuries.
The positive outlook also extends to earning potential. In 2026, the average surgical technologist salary in Virginia is $68,000 a year, with most certified surgical technologists in VA earning $55,000–$98,000. Actual pay can vary depending on factors like education, certifications, years of experience, skill level, location, and employer. For those drawn to hands-on patient care, surgical technology offers an exciting career and the chance to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives every day.
Popular Surgical Technologist Programs in Virginia
If you’re researching schools for surgical technologists, Virginia’s community colleges are a great place to start. Many students can earn an affordable Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree within two years.
Community colleges typically provide smaller class sizes and clinical experiences that help students learn and build confidence before entering the OR. Hands-on lab work and clinical experience are especially important in this field, as opposed to fully online coursework.
Here are a few surgical technology programs in Virginia to consider:
- Northern Virginia Community College: This two-year A.A.S. degree program is designed to build the knowledge, technical skills, and professional behaviors you’ll need as an entry-level surgical technologist.
- Piedmont Virginia Community College: Piedmont Virginia’s four-semester training path is part of the state’s G3 financial assistance program, so eligible students may qualify for free tuition, books, and fees as they earn their A.A.S. degree.
- Virginia Western Community College: The five-semester surgical technologist program provides lectures, skills labs, and three semesters of clinical rotations within a variety of healthcare facilities.
- Reynolds Community College: Students in Reynolds’ two-year program can choose whether to earn their A.A.S. through online, hybrid, or in-person learning.
Program length, tuition, admission requirements, application windows, and clinical experiences can vary. Before you apply, be sure to check that the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accreditation is necessary if you plan to take the certification exam and earn your Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential.
Financial Assistance for Virginia Students
Schools for surgical technologists can be expensive, but financial assistance programs in Virginia can help make healthcare education more accessible.
Here are two programs to explore:
- G3: This financial assistance program is designed for Virginia residents who qualify for state financial aid with a household income of $120,000 or less. Available through all 23 of Virginia’s community colleges, G3 helps fund training in the state’s most in-demand industries, including healthcare. It can bring eligible students’ tuition, fees, and books down to $0 after other financial aid is applied.
- FastForward: Many community colleges in Virginia provide short-term career training in healthcare and other important fields through FastForward. This program assists Virginians in getting the training and certifications they need for jobs that can support themselves and their families. Available course offerings vary by college, so check current options to see what might fit your goals.
Funding and eligibility can change, so be sure to check current requirements for the specific school and program you’re considering.
5 Steps to Becoming a Surgical Technologist in Virginia
Surgical technology is a fast-growing healthcare career that offers a clear path from education and clinical training to certification and employment. Here’s how to become a surgical technologist in five steps.
1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to get certified, but you do need to complete your high school education before enrolling in a surgical technology program. If you already have a high school diploma or GED, you can move on to the next step.
If you’re still in high school, now is the perfect time to begin setting yourself up for success.
- Take courses like chemistry, biology, and anatomy to build a strong foundation of surgical knowledge
- Practice your written and oral communication skills for record-keeping and collaboration
- Learn about local healthcare career fairs, shadowing opportunities, and dual enrollment
- Volunteer with a medical organization or participate in a high-school-level health program to gain relevant experience
Starting on the path to healthcare while you’re still in high school allows you to discover what a career assisting surgeons could look like. It also shows prospective programs that you take your healthcare education seriously.
2. Apply to an Accredited Surgical Technologist Program
The next step is to explore certificate pathways or schools for surgical technologists. Then apply to the programs that interest you.
There are two different educational pathways you can take:
- Certificate or diploma program (around 12–18 months in length)
- Associate degree program in surgical technology (takes about 2 years)
If you plan to pursue CST certification, make sure the surgical technology program you choose meets the accreditation requirements for the certification exam. Look closely at accreditation, admission requirements, clinical opportunities, certification eligibility, and total program length when comparing programs.
Note that you may be required to complete specific prerequisites prior to enrollment, such as specific coursework, CPR training, or Basic Life Support certification.
3. Gain Clinical Experience
Along with classroom and lab training, you’ll complete clinical training during the course of the program. This experience helps you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom and build confidence in the OR. Some programs require you to undergo vaccinations, a physical exam, and/or a background check prior to clinical training to help keep patients safe.
During clinical rotations, students perform the duties of a surgical technologist under supervision from the instructor, certified surgical technologists, designated clinical preceptors, and OR registered nurses (RNs). Work takes place in real operating rooms within settings like surgery centers or hospitals.
By the time rotations are complete, you’ll be much more prepared to begin the essential work of assisting surgeons during operations. Clinical experience also presents an opportunity to learn which types of surgical environments you’re interested in pursuing.
4. Get Your Professional Certification
Most employers either prefer or require surgical technologists to be certified. There are several pathways to certification in Virginia, depending on your education and training background. For most students, the typical path is completing an accredited surgical technology program to earn a professional credential.
Two widely recognized credentials approved by the Virginia Board of Medicine are:
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST): This credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) requires graduating from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program and passing the computer-based CST exam. Renewal is required every four years.
- Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C): This certification from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) is recognized by leading professional organizations. Eligibility is based on completing an accredited surgical technology program or meeting other NCCT requirements. Renewal is required annually.
To get certified in Virginia, you must submit your application, proof of qualifications, and a $75 certification fee to the Board.
5. Apply for Surgical Technologist Jobs
Once you’ve completed your education and certification requirements, you can begin searching for surgical technologist positions. Look at job openings in hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, medical clinics, and other healthcare employers throughout Virginia.
Compare job descriptions to see which positions best match your training and credentials, and tailor your resume to match. Remember that over time, you may choose to focus on neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, or another specialty that interests you.
Start Your Healthcare Career as a Surgical Technologist in Virginia
Few healthcare jobs put you as close to the action as surgical technology. A surgical technologist supports OR procedures from start to finish, helping surgical teams deliver safe and organized patient care. This growing role is a good fit for quick thinkers with steady hands who are looking to make an impact.
There are many accessible pathways into surgical technology in Virginia through community colleges, financial assistance, and hands-on training. If you’re ready to take the next step, begin by researching programs that match your goals and learning more about the opportunities that exist across the state.
Browse our interactive directory to find surgical technologist openings and connect with hospitals and surgery centers hiring across Virginia.
