Surgical Technologist in Kentucky
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Kentucky
Kentucky does not require state licensure for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from either the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To become certified, individuals must complete a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and then pass the CST exam administered by the NBSTSA or the TS-C exam administered by the NCCT. There is no state-level reciprocity, but national certifications are widely recognized by employers.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Kentucky
| Detail | Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES |
| Exam | CST Exam (NBSTSA) or TS-C (NCCT) exam |
| Notes | Kentucky does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from either the NBSTSA (CST) or the NCCT (TS-C). Background checks and drug screens are typically required by educational programs and employers. There is no interstate compact for surgical technologists. |
Surgical Technologist Salary in Kentucky
The median surgical technologist salary in Kentucky is $52,240 per year, which is 16.9% below the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,260 |
| 25th | $46,600 |
| 50th (median) | $52,240 |
| 75th | $61,610 |
| 90th (experienced) | $70,140 |
Kentucky employs approximately 1,900 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 Kentucky Worth It?
Factors to consider: Kentucky's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.