Surgical Technologist in Nebraska

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NE

Median Salary
$62,670
Nebraska (2024)
National Median
$62,830
All states
Time to Complete
1-2 years (for certificate or associate's degree program)
From start to licensed

How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Nebraska

To become a Surgical Technologist in Nebraska, individuals typically complete an accredited surgical technology program, which can take 1-2 years. Although Nebraska does not require a state license, many employers require national certification, such as the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. This national certification must be renewed every four years by either re-examination or completing 60 hours of continuing education.

Surgical Technologist Requirements in Nebraska

DetailNebraska
Licensing BodyNebraska Department of Health and Human Services
State License Required No
EducationCompletion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program is generally required by employers, though not mandated by the state for licensure. Some employers may require national certification.
Exam NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam (generally required by employers, not by the state for licensure) ($350)
RenewalEvery 4.0 years
Continuing Education60.0 hours per cycle
NotesNebraska does not currently license or register Surgical Technologists. While not state-mandated, many employers require national certification from the NBSTSA. Renewal of the national certification requires either re-examination or 60 hours of continuing education every four years. Some clinical facilities require drug testing and background checks for students.

Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Surgical Technologist Salary in Nebraska

The median surgical technologist salary in Nebraska is $62,670 per year, which is 0.3% below the national median of $62,830.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$47,880
25th$53,910
50th (median)$62,670
75th$65,740
90th (experienced)$79,090

Nebraska employs approximately 680 surgical technologists.

Surgical Technologist Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+4.5%
Faster than average
Annual Openings
7
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
115.6
Nationwide

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 Nebraska Worth It?

Factors to consider: Nebraska's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get certified as a surgical technologist in Nebraska?
Nebraska requires surgical technologists to complete the required education (Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program is generally required by employers, though not mandated by the state for licensure. Some employers may require national certification.), and pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam (generally required by employers, not by the state for licensure).
Do I need a license to work as a surgical technologist in Nebraska?
No state license is needed to work as a surgical technologist in Nebraska. Note: Nebraska does not currently license or register Surgical Technologists. While not state-mandated, many employers require national certification from the NBSTSA. Renewal of the national certification requires either re-examination or 60 hours of continuing education every four years. Some clinical facilities require drug testing and background checks for students.
How much do surgical technologists make in Nebraska?
surgical technologists in Nebraska earn a median of $62,670 annually. This is close to the national median of $62,830. The range spans from $47,880 at the entry level to $79,090 for top earners.
What's the total cost to get surgical technologist certified in Nebraska?
Costs include exam fee ($350). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
What's the timeline to become a surgical technologist in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, becoming a surgical technologist generally takes 1-2 years (for certificate or associate's degree program), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
What are the continuing education requirements for surgical technologists in Nebraska?
To keep your license active, Nebraska mandates 60.0 CE hours every 4.0 years.

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