How to Become a Surgical Tech in New Mexico - NM

By Allison Skoglind, allied health world contributing writer
Published: June, 7 2010

Surgical Technologist Training in New Mexico

Individuals looking to join the fast growing health care industry may want to consider a career as a surgical technologist in New Mexico. Here, surgical technologists are experiencing an increased demand as the population of senior citizens increases.  Updated surgical procedures, and professionals leaving the field will also leave more job positions available throughout the state. In fact, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions predicts that the number of surgical technologists employed in the state will rise from 483 in 2008 to 621 in 2018. This equates to an annual industry growth of 2.5%.

As of yet, New Mexico does not require that surgical technologists become state registered, nationally certified, nor do they have to obtain a professional license to become employed. However, most employers will expect post-secondary vocational training prior to hiring. Training is largely achieved through formal educational programs that specifically instruct in surgical technology. Most education and training programs in New Mexico are intended to prepare students to sit for Surgical Technology National Certifying Examination. If examination is successfully passed, students will be granted the professional title of certified surgical technologist (CST). Certification examinations are offered by such agencies as the National Center for Competency Testingand Surgical Assisting and the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist.