You do not need a license to work as a Surgical Technologist in the USA and certification is not mandatory. However becoming certified is typically more desirable to employers. As such this guide speaks mainly to those seeking to become certified.
Step 1: Graduate high school
As with most healthcare careers and third level programs graduating high school is typically a prerequisite for entry into a third level Surgical Tech Schools.
Step 2: Complete an accredited Surgical Technologist program
To work in the field Prospective Surgical Technologists need to complete a diploma, certificate or associates degree at an accredited School. Diploma and certificate programs can take as little as one year to complete. An associates degree program can take up to two years to complete. Typically your study will include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, surgical procedures and pharmacology.
Surgical Tech programs are accredited by both the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (http://www.caahep.org/) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (http://www.abhes.org/).
Step 3: Become Certified
Certification is awarded by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (http://nbstsa.org/). To become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) you must have graduated from an accredited school and successfully passed the certification exam.
Certification is good for 4 years.
Step 4: Secure Employment
The majority of Surgical Technicians will gain employment in a Hospital. Other possibilities include offices of Physicians, Dental Clinics and other private clinics.
Step 5: Continuing Education Requirements
As a Certified Surgical Technologist you will be required to keep up to date with continuing professional development and education requirements. As mentioned above your Certification will expire after 4 years unless you have completed the required credit in that time. If you have not will need to retake the certifying exams.