Surgical Technologist in Arkansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Arkansas
To become a registered Surgical Technologist in Arkansas, individuals must register with the Arkansas State Medical Board. Key steps include successfully completing a nationally accredited surgical technology program or a surgical technologist training program during service in the U.S. Armed Forces, and holding current national certification from either the NBSTSA or NCCT. Registration must be renewed annually, and maintaining national certification is required for renewal.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Arkansas
| Detail | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Arkansas State Medical Board |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Completion of a nationally accredited surgical technology program (CAAHEP or ABHES equivalent) or a surgical technologist training program during service in the U.S. Armed Forces. |
| Exam | NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) exam |
| Application Fee | $1 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | Arkansas requires registration with the State Medical Board. Applicants must hold current national certification from the NBSTSA or NCCT. Renewal requires maintaining this certification. There was a grandfathering clause for those employed before July 1, 2017, who registered by March 31, 2020, but this is no longer applicable. The practice of surgical technology is a separate profession from surgical assisting. No minimum age specified. |
Source: Arkansas State Medical Board
Surgical Technologist Salary in Arkansas
The median surgical technologist salary in Arkansas is $53,400 per year, which is 15.0% below the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,790 |
| 25th | $44,610 |
| 50th (median) | $53,400 |
| 75th | $63,590 |
| 90th (experienced) | $71,850 |
Arkansas employs approximately 1,490 surgical technologists.
Surgical Technologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Surgical Technologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.48/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Surgical Technologist in Arkansas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Arkansas's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.