Surgical Technologist in District of Columbia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in District of Columbia
In the District of Columbia, Surgical Technologists are not required to hold a state license. However, most employers expect candidates to be nationally certified. Aspiring Surgical Technologists can achieve certification through organizations like the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) by passing the CST exam after completing an accredited program, or through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) by passing the TS-C exam. Applicants for any health professional license in DC must be at least 18 years of age.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in District of Columbia
| Detail | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) provides information on certification bodies, but does not license Surgical Technologists. |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. |
| Exam | NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($350) |
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | The District of Columbia does not require a state license for surgical technologists. However, employers typically require national certification such as the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) from the NBSTSA or the Tech in Surgery - Certified (TS-C) from the NCCT. Applicants for any health professional license in DC must be at least 18 years of age. Renewal of national certifications typically requires continuing education. |
Surgical Technologist Salary in District of Columbia
The median surgical technologist salary in District of Columbia is $65,450 per year, which is 4.2% above the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,400 |
| 25th | $55,050 |
| 50th (median) | $65,450 |
| 75th | $80,760 |
| 90th (experienced) | $101,910 |
District of Columbia employs approximately 270 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 District of Columbia Worth It?
Factors to consider: District of Columbia's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.