Surgical Technologist in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Rhode Island
To become a Surgical Technologist in Rhode Island, while there is no state license required, most employers mandate national certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Candidates must complete a surgical technologist 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 submitting a renewal application and fee to the NBSTSA.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Rhode Island
| Detail | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Completion of a surgical technologist program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or a military surgical-technician training program. |
| Exam | CST Exam (Certified Surgical Technologist) ($290) |
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Rhode Island does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). A clean criminal background check may be required by employers. Some employers may also accept NCCT-TC certification for applicants with military experience or 3 years of experience within the past 5 years as a surgical technologist. The NBSTSA exam fee is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members. The renewal application fee for NBSTSA is $40 for CST professionals. |
Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Surgical Technologist Salary in Rhode Island
The median surgical technologist salary in Rhode Island is $68,280 per year, which is 8.7% above the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $52,730 |
| 25th | $54,660 |
| 50th (median) | $68,280 |
| 75th | $75,580 |
| 90th (experienced) | $83,890 |
Rhode Island employs approximately 210 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 Rhode Island Worth It?
Factors to consider: Rhode Island's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.