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In Louisiana, the surgical team in the operating room is always prepared for any situation, especially emergencies.
This dedicated team consists of various professionals, including:
- Surgeons
- Anesthesia specialist
- Surgical nurse
- Surgical technician
Their collaboration begins before the surgery commences and continues after its conclusion.
These skilled individuals are also known by other titles, such as operating room (OR) techs and scrub techs.
Article Table of Contents
Surgical Technologist Job Description and Responsibilities
Surgical technologists are responsible for a multitude of tasks during their shifts, including:
- Preparing patients for surgery
- Transporting patients to and from the OR
- Preparing the OR with surgical equipment and supplies
- Monitoring the instrument count throughout surgery
- Handing the surgeon medical instruments
- Closing wounds and bandaging patients
This list offers a glimpse of the many duties these healthcare professionals perform.
Surgical Technologist Training and Education
Aspiring surgical techs in Louisiana must take the following steps to pursue their career:
- Graduating from high school or obtaining a GED.
- Enrolling in a specialized training program that provides both classroom education and clinical training.
Several institutions across Louisiana offer such programs, each with its own admission requirements and common course offerings.
The common classes are:
- Microbiology,
- Pathophysiology,
- Pharmacology,
- Anatomy,
- Physiology,
- Medical terminology.
- CPR and/or BLS and/or AED
Louisiana offers a variety of educational pathways for aspiring surgical technologists.
These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the operating room.
Next is an overview of some institutions and their offerings.
Baton Rouge Community College 
Baton Rouge Community College provides an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology (ASST) program that spans five semesters.
This program aligns with the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology established by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).
To enroll, students must complete several requirements, including:
- A urine drug screen,
- A criminal background check
- A TB skin test,
- Various immunizations/vaccinations,
- CPR certification.
The annual tuition for this program is currently approximately $3,872.
Bossier Parish Community College 
Bossier Parish Community College provides a technical diploma program in surgical technology.
This program equips students with:
- The mathematical skills needed for medical calculations
- An understanding of the historical context and contemporary standards in the profession
- The ability to address potential surgical complications efficiently.
It is designed to be completed in as little as 18 months.
The current tuition for each semester is approximately $2,100.
Bevill State Community College 
The program covers essential topics like:
- Sterile processing,
- Infection control
- Sterilization,
- Instrumentation identification,
- Safety
Admission requirements include:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass the Accuplacer placement exam
- Having previous medical-related experience, if possible
Completion of a specified number of clinical cases is mandatory.
Calhoun Community College 
The training program spans around 2 years or 4 semesters and involves classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.
Aspiring AAS degree earners must fulfill additional general education credits.
Admission entails online application, program information session attendance, completion of a Manual Dexterity Exam, and meeting college admission requirements.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Baton Rouge Community College | 201 Community College Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 |
| Bossier Parish Community College | 6220 E Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111 |
| Bevill State Community College | online |
| Calhoun Community College | online |
Certification for a Surgical Technologist
Although not legally required, employers in Louisiana often prefer certified surgical technologists.
Various certifying bodies include:
- National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA)
- Provides the Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) qualification
- National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
- Provides the Certified Surgical Technologist/Certified First Assistant credential
- National Center for Competency Training (NCCT)
- Provides the Tech in Surgery Certification
Of these, the NBSTSA exam is renowned for its national recognition.
Testing centers are available in several Louisiana cities, and the exam consists of 200 questions, requiring a minimum of 119 correct answers to pass.
There are associated fees for taking the exam.
Certification renewal occurs every four years, with two options for renewal:
- Retaking the certification exam, including repaying the exam fee.
- Completing continuing education classes, entailing 60 education credits during the renewal period.
A renewal fee is also applicable.
Surgical Technologist Salaries in Louisiana
Surgical technologists in Louisiana can anticipate an annual salary of around $48,900.
The following table highlights cities where these professionals may earn more than the state average.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $50,400 |
| Metairie | $50,400 |
| Ama | $50,300 |
| Violet | $50,300 |
| Norco | $50,100 |
| Venice | $50,000 |
| Raceland | $50,000 |
| Paradis | $50,000 |
| Dulac | $50,000 |
| Prairieville | $48,200 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 80 | $46,330 | $22.28 | $63,900 | $28,850 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 340 | $55,960 | $26.91 | $68,130 | $42,240 |
| Hammond, LA | 60 | $56,290 | $27.06 | $64,920 | $47,220 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 60 | $51,430 | $24.72 | $76,590 | $36,190 |
| Lafayette, LA | 160 | $50,970 | $24.5 | $66,180 | $34,600 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 40 | $44,700 | $21.49 | $58,100 | $33,840 |
| Monroe, LA | 60 | $53,280 | $25.61 | $63,770 | $40,680 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 440 | $52,730 | $25.35 | $63,150 | $40,630 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 210 | $49,230 | $23.67 | $61,730 | $41,640 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Surgical Tech From Louisiana Choose a Specialty?
YES!
Just like surgeons can choose to operate on a specific body part, so can these techs.
Here are the most commonly chosen surgery niches:
- General surgery,
- Ob/gyn,
- Urology,
- Plastics,
- Neurology
Where Do Surgical Technologists from Louisiana Find Work?
These technologists usually work in a hospital’s surgery wing.
Furthermore, these other places also hire such specialists:
- Children’s hospitals
- Cosmetic surgery centers
- Specialty clinics for surgical procedures
What Sills Do I Need To Work As A Surgical Tech in Louisiana?
Here are the most important skills this profession requires:
- Able to work as part of a team
- Detail-oriented
- Take direction
- Understanding medical terms
- Understanding medical methodology
- Good communication skills
Read the full guide: How to Become a Surgical Technologist
Surgical Tech Programs by State