In an operating room, surgical technicians will assist surgeons and nurses by passing and preparing the right equipment and anticipating the surgeon's needs. They're also responsible for making sure the right quality of care is provided for the patients, helping to transport them to surgery and prepare them for their operation.

North Dakota Surgical Technician Schools

At one of the surgical tech schools in North Dakota, you can expect to receive an education that will provide you with the skills you need to pursue your career as a surgical technologist. An associate's degree or postsecondary certificate is the general requirement for employers, and some of the schools offering these programs in North Dakota include:

  • Bismarck State College: Originally founded in 1939, BSC offers two-year degrees and technical training, as well as four-year degree options in conjunction with other universities in North Dakota. Accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, their BSC's Surgical Technology program is available as a two- or three-year course. At the end of their sophomore year, students are also offered the chance to take the National Surgical Technologist Certifying Examination.

  • Rasmussen College: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Rasmussen College offers over 70 different programs across a wide range of subjects. One of these is their Surgical Technologist Associate's degree program, which is conducted over 21 months, combining curriculum and practical opportunities.

What to Expect from North Dakota Surgical Technician Programs

When you embark on one of the courses offered at these surgical technologist schools in North Dakota, you'll probably find that your classroom studies are combined with hands-on experiences in a working environment. This is often in a hospital or clinical setting where you'll work alongside a qualified surgeon, putting your newfound knowledge into practice. Topics your course may cover include:

  • Operating room preparation
  • Anesthesiology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Anatomy
  • Pharmacology
  • Surgical principles
  • Physiology

North Dakota Surgical Technician Certification

In North Dakota, surgical technologists aren't required to have a license but most employers in the area will look for an accreditation from a relevant organization. One can obtain these certificates in a number of ways, including the Tech in Surgery - Certified (NCCT) certificate from the National Center for Competency Testing or the Certified Surgical Technology (CST) certificate from The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Alternatively, some of the surgical technician schools in North Dakota may provide you with the option to gain your accreditation through another organization such as the American Board of Surgical Assistants and the Certification of Surgical Assistants who offer certificates for surgical assistants.

Obtaining a basic life support or CPR certificate may also be beneficial as some employers will look for this too.

Resources for Surgical Technicians in North Dakota

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Metro Areas Rated for Popularity for:
Surgical Technologists

Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Surgical Technologists relative to the population of the city. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov

Metro Area
Jobs
Annual Median Salary
Bismarck60$50,450

Sources:

  1. Surgical Technologists Occupational Outlook Handbook 2016-17 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm, accessed October 19, 2016
  2. O*NET OnLine Summary Report for Surgical Technologists, http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2055.00, accessed October 19, 2016

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