How to Become a Surgical Tech in Michigan

Michigan is home to a dedicated team of healthcare professionals working in surgical settings, and they play a vital role in ensuring the success of surgical procedures.

The surgical team comprises various specialists, including surgeons, anesthesia experts, surgical nurses, and surgical technicians.

Their collaboration begins before the operation commences and extends beyond its conclusion.

They are often referred to by different titles, such as operation room (OR) techs and scrub techs.

Surgical Technologist Job Description and Duties

A surgical technologist is tasked with a range of responsibilities during their shifts, which include:

• Preparing patients for surgery
• Transporting patients to and from the OR
• Preparing the OR with surgical equipment and supplies
• Monitoring the instrument count throughout surgery
• Handing the surgeon medical instruments
• Closing wounds and bandaging patients

It’s important to note that these duties are not exhaustive, as the role of a surgical technologist encompasses a broader spectrum of responsibilities.

Surgical Technologist Training and Education in Michigan

Future surgical technologists in Michigan embark on their journey by graduating from high school or obtaining a GED.

Their next step is to enroll in a training program tailored to this occupation.

While there is no specific institutional jurisdiction, students should seek comprehensive education and clinical training.

Several institutions offer such training across Michigan, with varying enrollment requirements but common classes:

• Microbiology,
• Pathophysiology,
• Pharmacology,
• Anatomy,
• Physiology,
• Medical terminology.
• CPR and/or BLS and/or AED

Bevill State Community College

This institution provides a surgical technology program with courses on:

• Sterile processing,
• Infection control
• Sterilization,
• Instrumentation identification,
• Safety

The total of credits students will accumulate at the end of the class is 29.

Admission prerequisites include:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass the Accuplacer placement exam
• Completing at least 120 clinical cases
• Complete at least 30 cases in General Surgery, with 20 of them in the first scrub role
• Have health insurance

One of the following requirements must also be met for the admission process: 

• Minimum composite score of 16 on the ACT
• Minimum Writing score of 4 on Accuplacer or ENG 101
• Minimum Math – Elementary Algebra score of 200 on Accuplacer or MTH 116

Calhoun Community College

This training program spans around two years or four semesters, including classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

Students aiming for an AAS degree must complete an additional 18 credits in general education coursework.

To gain admission, prospective students are required to:

• Apply online
• Attend a program information session
• Complete a Manual Dexterity Exam
• Meet all the college’s admission requirements

Henry Ford College

The school provides two programs:

• Associate in Applied Science for Surgical Technologists
• Associate in Science for Pre-Surgical Technologists

The first program has about 600 hours in total that will be completed in 2 years.

The second program has a more general collection of subjects to study.

However, it still has a duration of 2 years and you can transfer to a variety of other programs.

For the surgical tech AAS, you’ll have to pass a variety of tests and maintain a grade of at least “C” in several subjects.

The cost per semester is approximately $4,382 for Michigan residents and $5,990 for out-of-state students.

Kirtland Community College

This school also offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology, which can be completed in two years.

Additionally, students have the option to pursue a Certificate of Completion, achievable within one year.

Tuition currently stands at $4,955 for in-state students and $7,625 for out-of-state students.

Lansing Community College

It provides a two-year program for an AAS degree in Surgical Technology, which can be completed in person or online.

The estimated annual tuition cost is $12,870, and the college is situated in Lansing, Michigan.

Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist in Michigan

Although certification is not legally mandated, many employers in Michigan prefer certified surgical technologists.

Various certifying bodies offer recognition in this field, such as:

• The National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA)
• The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
• The National Center for Competency Training (NCCT)

The NBSTSA certification, with national recognition, is the most reputable among these.

The certification exam consists of 200 questions, with a passing threshold of 119 correct answers.

The exam fee varies based on membership status.

Certification renewal, required every four years, can be achieved through either retaking the exam or completing continuing education requirements, along with a renewal fee.

Surgical Technologist Salary in Michigan

Surgical technologists play a crucial role in the healthcare system, and this is reflected in their salaries.

In Michigan, the average annual income for an operating room technician is around $51,000.

Some cities in Michigan offer the potential for higher salaries compared to other regions.

Regional Salary in Michigan

Surgical Tech Programs by State