[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a surgical nurse requires 2-4 years of education (an ADN or a BSN degree) and RN licensure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Surgical nurses prep patients, assist in surgery, and support recovery.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is strong demand for surgical nurses, who earn an average salary of about $78,000.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Roughly 40-50 million major surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year. Physicians, patients, and their families depend on the expertise of surgical nurses to ensure positive patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore the steps to becoming a surgical nurse, salary data, and work settings in this guide.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]2-4 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]ADN or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]BSN[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Optional Certification[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Surgical Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/surgical-nurse/”]surgical nurse[/hen-ui-link], also known as an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/or-nurse/”]operating room nurse[/hen-ui-link], scrub nurse, or circulating nurse, cares for patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and military settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Surgical nurses’ duties can be divided into three main phases:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Before Surgery: [/hen-ui-text]Prep the patient, administer needed medicines, insert catheters, prepare other medical equipment, and educate the patient and their family on the procedure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]During Surgery: [/hen-ui-text]Monitor patients, assist the surgeons and anesthesia care team, and communicate with the patient and family. The circulating nurse starts the process of ensuring the correct patient, procedure, and surgical site.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]After Surgery: [/hen-ui-text]Assist during recovery by managing pain, monitoring vital signs, and providing wound care to ensure proper healing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Surgical Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A surgical nurse must earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/best-adn-programs/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree, [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nclex/guide/”]pass the NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link] to earn licensure, and meet additional state-specific requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Continuing education is essential, and most employers require basic life support and sometimes advanced cardiac life support certifications. These optional credentials improve career prospects and validate competence.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an ADN or BSN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RN, you must earn a nursing degree from an accredited nursing school. While an ADN is faster, many [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/top-advantages-of-a-bsn-degree/”]employers prefer or require a BSN[/hen-ui-link]. You can enroll in an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN bridge program[/hen-ui-link] with an ADN and an active nursing license. If you have a bachelor’s in a field other than nursing, you can pursue an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] is a multiple-choice test covering nursing practice, infection and disease prevention, communication, and legal/ethical topics. You must pass this exam to receive your [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]state nursing license[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Perioperative Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals often prefer candidates with the ability to function well in fast-paced settings, which highlights their preparedness for the rigors of surgical nursing. Surgical nurse candidates may consider specialized operating room (OR) residency programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These programs equip nurses to manage patients through each phase of surgery, offering hands-on experiences under the supervision of seasoned professionals. Additionally, [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/ways-to-get-professional-nursing-experience/”]work experience[/hen-ui-link] in closely related specialties, such as critical care, emergency room, or telemetry nursing, can be advantageous.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These areas of nursing provide exposure to patients with acute conditions, which is crucial when working in an OR. Gaining foundational experiences in these fields can make RNs more competitive for surgical nursing positions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Becoming a Certified Surgical Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs seeking surgical nurse certification can pursue certified nurse operating room (CNOR) credentials from CCI. Eligibility requires an active RN license, two years of perioperative nursing experience, and at least 1,200 hours in an intraoperative role.Certification validates specialized knowledge and skills sought by employers. Hospitals and professional organizations may offer resources to help nurses prepare for the examination. Certification can enhance career opportunities and credibility in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Surgical Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Surgical nurses can enter the field with ADNs, but most employers prefer BSN-level nurses. After graduating from an accredited program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain a state license. ADN-prepared nurses can advance their education through RN-to-BSN programs while continuing to work. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN may be an option for individuals who wish to enter nursing quickly, as it fulfills the minimum educational requirements for RN licensure. While an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]ADN offers a faster pathway[/hen-ui-link] into nursing, employers may prefer candidates with BSNs, which they can earn in traditional and [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]online RN-to-BSN programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: These programs generally require a minimum 2.5 GPA, high school or college chemistry and biology classes, an admission test, and a background check.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: An ADN curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and several electives.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion Time: ADN programs typically require 4-5 semesters. Some schools allow students to accelerate their learning or choose part-time enrollment.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learned Skills: Candidates learn foundational skills necessary for entry-level positions, including patient care, medical technology, nursing ethics, and emergency response.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN degree equips students with extensive clinical expertise, critical thinking, and leadership skills, which are essential in surgical nursing. Although students can complete ADNs more quickly, BSN-prepared nurses can command higher salaries, have more career opportunities, and pursue leadership roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: BSN programs typically require a 3.0 GPA, a minimum C grade in math and science courses, a letter of intent, and at least two references.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: The curriculum includes courses like nursing practice, using medical equipment, monitoring patient health, and common nursing procedures like inserting catheters and taking blood samples. Other classes cover communications, infection and disease prevention, clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice, and the legal/ethical aspects of nursing. Enrollees also complete clinical hours in healthcare settings.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion Time: A BSN typically takes four years of full-time study, but if you have advanced placement credits, a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, or an ADN, you can complete your program in less time.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: BSN candidates learn crucial leadership and advanced nursing skills, including critical thinking, decision-making, and management.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Surgical Nurse Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Surgical nurses must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain a state license. Maintaining RN licensure requires ongoing continuing education, which varies by state, to ensure nurses stay current with advancements in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification is not mandatory for becoming a surgical nurse, but it is highly recommended. One of the primary certification options for surgical nurses is the CNOR credential. Eligibility requires having a current RN license and a minimum of two years or 2,400 hours of experience in perioperative nursing, with at least half of that time spent in the intraoperative setting.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other certifications include the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aorn.org/education/education-for-individuals/credentialing” target=”_blank”]certified surgical services manager[/hen-ui-link] for people interested in management roles within surgical services, along with the clinical nurse specialist perioperative certification for master’s-prepared nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Surgical Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After finishing your education, you can improve your job prospects by networking, obtaining relevant certifications such as CNOR, and participating in [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nursing-residency-programs/”]nurse residency programs[/hen-ui-link] to gain experience. Consider joining professional organizations like the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses to increase your [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/networking-in-nursing/”]networking opportunities[/hen-ui-link] and access surgical nursing job listings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Surgical nurses can find employment in many settings. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Surgical_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link] data, the average annual salary for surgical nurses is $77,993, as of February 2025. The salary potential for surgical nurses ranges from $51,000-$107,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common work settings for surgical nurses include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ambulatory Surgery Centers: Surgical nurses assist in outpatient procedures by preparing patients for surgery, assisting surgeons during operations, managing anesthesia recovery, and educating patients on post-operative care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals: Surgical nurses can work in the OR, post-op unit, and emergency room. In the OR, they assist surgeons and protect patient safety. After surgery, they monitor the patient’s recovery, help manage pain, and prevent complications. In the emergency room, they help stabilize patients, perform minor procedures, and prepare patients for emergency surgeries.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physician’s Offices and Outpatient Clinics: Surgical nurses prepare patients for procedures, help manage anesthesia or sedation, and provide post-procedure care. After procedures, they educate patients and families on recovery and wound care, providing a comprehensive approach to outpatient surgical services.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a surgical nurse?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes 2-4 years to become a surgical nurse, depending on your educational pathway. Nurses who earn their ADN require two years, and nurses with their BSN take at least four years to enter the field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does the surgical nurse do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Surgical nurses specialize in surgical procedures. They care for patients before, during, and after surgery. Their tasks can include prepping and educating patients pre-surgery, assisting the anesthesiologists during surgery, and managing pain post-surgery.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the average surgical nurse salary?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average annual salary for a surgical nurse is $77,993. However, salaries vary depending on the employer, location, years of experience, negotiation outcomes during the hiring process, and other factors.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest-paid surgical nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Surgical nurse certifications impact their salary potential. Nurse anesthetists are the highest paid surgical nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, their average annual salary is $223,210. However, this position requires a doctoral degree and certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]