Surgical Technologist in Minnesota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MN
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Minnesota
To become a Surgical Technologist in Minnesota, individuals are not required to hold a state license. However, most employers mandate national certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Candidates must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program or complete military surgical-technician training to be eligible for the CST exam. The CST certification is renewed every four years, requiring 60 continuing education credits or re-examination.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Minnesota
| Detail | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program, or completion of military surgical-technician training program. |
| Experience Required | 300.0 hours |
| Exam | CST Exam ($190) |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 60.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minnesota does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). The CST exam has 175 questions (150 scored) and requires 98 correct answers to pass. Renewal can also be done by re-examination. Some programs require a background study. |
Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Surgical Technologist Salary in Minnesota
The median surgical technologist salary in Minnesota is $77,950 per year, which is 24.1% above the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $62,810 |
| 25th | $69,440 |
| 50th (median) | $77,950 |
| 75th | $83,390 |
| 90th (experienced) | $94,520 |
Minnesota employs approximately 1,640 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 Minnesota Worth It?
Factors to consider: Minnesota's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.