Surgical Technologist in Oregon
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OR
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Oregon
To become a Surgical Technologist in Oregon, individuals must meet specific requirements set by the Oregon Health Authority. This typically involves completing a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES and obtaining national certification from the NBSTSA or NCCT. Alternatively, individuals can complete an approved apprenticeship program and obtain NCCT certification. While Oregon does not issue a state license, healthcare facilities are required to ensure their surgical technologists meet these established standards.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Oregon
| Detail | Oregon |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Oregon Health Authority |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, OR completion of a registered apprenticeship program in surgical technology approved by the Oregon Health Authority and certified by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). |
| Exam | NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam or NCCT Surgical Technologist certification ($350) |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 16.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Oregon requires individuals practicing surgical technology in a healthcare facility to meet specific education and certification requirements. While there isn't a state 'license,' individuals must provide documentation to their healthcare facility showing they meet these requirements. These requirements include completing an accredited surgical technology program and holding national certification (NBSTSA or NCCT), or completing an approved apprenticeship program and holding NCCT certification. There are also provisions for those who practiced surgical technology prior to January 1, 2017, and for those in rural or medically underserved communities. Continuing education of 16 hours every two years is required for those who qualified under the grandfathering clause or certain apprenticeship pathways. The education requirements do not apply to licensed healthcare practitioners whose scope of practice includes surgical technologist duties. |
Source: Oregon Health Authority
Surgical Technologist Salary in Oregon
The median surgical technologist salary in Oregon is $79,410 per year, which is 26.4% above the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $59,510 |
| 25th | $66,280 |
| 50th (median) | $79,410 |
| 75th | $85,350 |
| 90th (experienced) | $98,520 |
Oregon employs approximately 1,190 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 Oregon Worth It?
Factors to consider: Oregon's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.