Surgical Technologist in West Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WV
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in West Virginia
To become a Surgical Technologist in West Virginia, individuals are not required to obtain a state license. However, most employers mandate national certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) by passing the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Eligibility for the CST exam requires graduation from a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 30 continuing education credits or re-taking the exam.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in West Virginia
| Detail | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or completion of a military surgical-technician training program. |
| Exam | CST Exam (NBSTSA) ($290) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | West Virginia does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Some employers may also accept current licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse with two years of scrub experience. A comprehensive background check and proof of identity are required for certification. Minimum age is not specified, but applicants must be graduates of an accredited program or military training. |
Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Surgical Technologist Salary in West Virginia
The median surgical technologist salary in West Virginia is $47,700 per year, which is 24.1% below the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,340 |
| 25th | $40,660 |
| 50th (median) | $47,700 |
| 75th | $52,800 |
| 90th (experienced) | $66,510 |
West Virginia employs approximately 720 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 West Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: West Virginia's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.