Simple 5-things to learn about surgical tech programs, Find the most preferred surgical tech courses, certification, and career. Get to know how to be a surgical technologist.
Introduction
Surgical tech programs are the right place to begin your career in case you are interested in healthcare, technology, and helping people. Surgical technologists (alternatively referred to as operating room technicians) are critical towards successful and safe running of surgeries. They also help surgeons, pre- prep equipment and keep sterile areas, and hence are an essential part of any surgical team.
It describes the job of a Surgical Technologist.
A surgical technologist refers to a skilled specialist who is operated to support surgeons before, during, and after surgery. They clean operating rooms, sterilize equipment and make sure every surgical tool is in an optimal condition. In the process, they pass instruments to the surgeons and observe patient safety and sterility.
Surgical technologists can be denoted as:
- Surgical techs
- OR technicians
- Scrub techs
These jobs demand attention to detail, fast-reaction, and steady hands- these are ideal jobs that one can perform when placed in a stressful situation.
Reasons to Select Surgical Tech as a Career.
The surgical technologists are in demand. As indicated by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of surgical technologists is expected to increase at a rate that is above average in the next decade.
Best reasons why you should take it as a career:
- High demand: There is an expansion of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and surgical centers.
- Rapid workforce transmission: Bachelor of Applied Science in Surgery can be obtained in less than two years.
- High income: The average rate of pay of a surgical tech is between $55,000 and 70,000 annually based on experience and area.
- Rewarding work: You will be a significant contributor to the saving of lives and better patient outcomes.
There are several types of Surgical Tech Programs.
The training of surgical tech may be different according to the objectives of your career and the school you attend. Here are the main types:
- Certificates or Diplomas Programs.
Duration: 12–18 months
Provided by vocational schools or local colleges.
Specialize in practical skills in order to get a job quickly.
- Surgical Technology, Associate Degree.
Duration: 2 years
Includes general schooling and basic surgical course work.
Frequently needed to become certified.
- Bachelor of Science of Surgical Technology (Optional)
Duration: 4 years
Appropriate to individuals who want to pursue high-level positions or work in healthcare management.
What You Are Going to Study in a Surgical Tech Program.
The majority of the surgical technology schools include a combination of classroom courses and practical training. Core subjects include:
- Human anatomy and physiology.
- Infection control and microbiology.
- Surgical practices and equipment.
- Operating room procedures
- Ethics and medical care of the patient.
- Sterilization and precaution measures.
Clinical rotations are also done by students in hospitals or surgical centers to have hands-on experience.
Accreditation and Certification.
The criteria to consider when selecting a surgical tech program are those that are accredited by:
- Commission on accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
- And the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Accreditation guarantees that your program is in the standards of the industry and it qualifies you to be certified by the national standard.
Most employers would prefer or demand certification after graduation. The principal certification opportunities are:
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) – is an exam provided by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
- Tech in Surgery -Certified (TS-C) –offered by NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing).
Continuing education credits are necessary after every few years to retain certification.
Selecting the best school of surgical techs.
The following are some of the main considerations to make when choosing your training program:
Accreditation: Be sure that it is CAAHEP or ABHES.
Clinical Experience: Determine whether hands-on training is involved or not.
Graduate Success Rate: search the schools with high rate of jobs placement.
Financial Aid: There are certain scholarships or grants available in various schools.
Flexible Schedules: Working students have the option of online and hybrid.
Surgical Technologist Salary and Prognosis.
Salary:
- Entry-level: $40,000–$50,000
- Experienced techs: $60,000–$75,000+
- Travel Surgical technologists are able to earn higher amounts.
Top-paying states:
- California
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Nevada
- Washington
Opportunities in career development:
- Surgical first assistant
- Operating room supervisor
- Instructor or educator
- Healthcare administrator
The future prognosis of the surgical techs is good because of the aged population and development in medical technology.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Surgical Tech Career.
Pros:
Quick training and job placement.
Competitive salary
Engaging, practical healthcare practice.
Promotional opportunities.
Cons:
Nights and long working hours.
Physically demanding
High-pressure environment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
- What is the time required to graduate into being a surgical tech?
The duration of most surgical tech programs is 12-24 months based on the type of degree you want to pursue such as a certificate or an associate degree.
- Are there any requirements of a surgical tech to be licensed?
The licensing criteria differs depending on the state, but the majority of the employers are demanding certification (CST or TS-C).
- Is it possible to study surgical technology long distance?
Yes, there are a number of accredited schools that have online programs or hybrid programs blending virtual education with real site clinical education.
- Is surgical technology a career worth undertaking?
Yes! It provides a high level of job demand and good remuneration and positive work helping surgeons and patients.
- What is the average pay of surgical techs?
The mean salary of a surgical tech in the United States is approximately 60,000 annually in relation to experience and location.
Conclusion
One of the quickest and surest methods of joining the healthcare sector without necessarily taking years in medical school is enrolling in a surgical tech program. It provides an ideal balance between practical patient care, technical, as well as, professional stability. Having been trained and certified with the required experience in the field of surgery you can be part of the necessary team that will save lives day in day out.
The trick lies in the selection of an approved school of surgical technologies that offers both theoretical and practice skills in the classroom and clinical practice. After being certified, you will enjoy a variety of choices which include hospitals and outpatient clinics to specialized surgical clinics with a great salary and high employment security.
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