Surgical Technologist in Oklahoma
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OK
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Oklahoma
To become a Surgical Technologist in Oklahoma, individuals are not required to hold a state license, but national certification is typically expected by employers. The primary certification is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Candidates must complete a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or a military surgical-technician training program, and then pass the CST exam. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 30 continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Oklahoma
| Detail | Oklahoma |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Exam | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam ($190) |
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Oklahoma does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Applicants must be 18 before program start date, pass a criminal background check, provide verification of immunizations, and pass a drug screening. Some programs also require a minimum of 120-125 cases in the first and second scrub roles during clinical rotations. The NBSTSA charges $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members for the CST exam. The renewal fee for CST certification is $40. |
Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Surgical Technologist Salary in Oklahoma
The median surgical technologist salary in Oklahoma is $57,310 per year, which is 8.8% below the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $43,280 |
| 25th | $50,540 |
| 50th (median) | $57,310 |
| 75th | $63,510 |
| 90th (experienced) | $70,450 |
Oklahoma employs approximately 1,940 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 Oklahoma Worth It?
Factors to consider: Oklahoma's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.