Travel Surgical Tech 101: Certifications & State Licensure

Summary

• Working as a travel surgical tech offers a rewarding and dynamic career in healthcare, providing opportunities to work in various states.
• Graduates can choose between two primary certifications: the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) from the NBSTSA and the Tech in Surgery (TS-C) from the NCCT, with each offering different benefits and recognition levels.
• Certification and registration requirements vary by state, with some states requiring specific certifications and others accepting either or none, often on a facility-specific basis.
• Aya Healthcare provides specialized licensure support for states like Washington, Colorado, Virginia, and New Hampshire, assisting with application fees, submission processes, and comprehensive guidance.

Table of Contents

1. What’s the Difference Between NCCT vs NBSTSA Certifications
2. Which State and Which Certification?
3. Beyond The Certification
4. Aya Healthcare’s Licensure Programs

Working as a travel surgical tech can be one of the most exciting and rewarding career paths in healthcare, but it can be hard to know where to start. One question we get often is, “How can I work in other states as a travel surgical tech?” We’ve got all the information you need to jump into the travel surgical tech line of work!

After you’ve graduated from an accredited surgical tech program, there are two primary certification options for you as a surgical tech, the NBSTSA and the NCCT. It’s also important to note that surgical techs who already have experience and training in the field (through previous hospital experience or military training) can often work in states throughout the US, with some stipulations. And while certification is not always a requirement, many employers prefer that you have a certification from one of these institutions. Having this improves your chances of employment and demonstrates your commitment to excellence in the surgical tech field. Let’s break down each of these options:

• A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This certification is the gold standard in the industry.
  
• A Tech in Surgery (TS-C) certification with the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
  
• An additional career path that some surgical techs take is to be uncertified. Surgical techs who have had experience in the field already, or military training, can work on a state-by-state or facility-by-facility basis, depending on policy.

What’s the Difference Between NCCT vs NBSTSA Certifications

When considering the path to getting your surgical tech certification, here’s what you should know: The NBSTSA certification and the NCCT certification are both recognized credentials in the field of surgical technology, but they differ in several key aspects. The NBSTSA certification, also known as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, is regarded as the gold standard in the industry.

It requires candidates to graduate from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited surgical technology program or gain equivalent education and experience, followed by passing a rigorous examination. On the other hand, the NCCT certification for surgical technologists requires completion of a surgical technology program or equivalent experience, followed by passing the certification exam.

While both certifications demonstrate competence in surgical technology, the NBSTSA certification may carry greater recognition within the field due to its higher requirements and affiliation with accredited programs.

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Which State and Which Certification?

Generally speaking, whether you have NBSTSA, NCCT or are uncertified, policies will vary by state and facility. However, below are some basic guidelines for states and license requirements:

• NBSTSA Required: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
  
• Accept Either NBSTSA or NCCT (Facility Specific): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Again, please keep in mind that state compliance requirements change frequently and also differ per facility. Feel free to ask your recruiter and licensing team member any questions you may have at any point in this process. Don’t worry —they’ll be there to guide you through every step of the way!

Beyond The Certification

Along with the unique state requirements for your surgical tech certifications (covered in detail here), certain states require that you register with specific state boards before practicing in their state.

The four states with additional registration requirements beyond your standard certifications are WA, CO, VA, and NH — and Aya provides hands-on support for each of them.

Aya Healthcare’s Licensure Programs

Aya offers specialized licensure projects tailored for Washington, Colorado and Virginia, aimed at facilitating the licensure process in these states. From covering application fees to managing the submission process, we strive to alleviate the burden for clinicians seeking licensure in these regions.

While we don’t have a dedicated program for New Hampshire, we extend our assistance to clinicians navigating licensure requirements there, recognizing that each state’s process may vary. Our approach involves providing comprehensive checklists, guiding clinicians through the necessary steps, and reviewing their submissions before finalizing and submitting their applications. You provide the information, and Aya covers the cost and submits your application for you!