Welcome to SurgicalTechnologistSchools.net, where you’ll find everything you need to know about becoming a surgical technologist.

Surgical technology is one of the fastest growing fields in health care; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities will be best for those who trained and certified.

You can be ready to become a surgical technologist in as little as nine months and be well on your way to a career in this exciting field, so why not get started today? Remember, you may even be eligible for financial aid!

If you’re ready to start your search for the perfect program, let SurgicalTechnologistSchools.net help.

What do surgical technologists do?

Surgical technologists, sometimes called operating room technicians, surgical technicians, or scrubs, provide assistance to medical personnel such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses during operations.

Some specific job duties of surgical technologists can include the following, according to the BLS:

Set up surgical instruments and equipment, drapes, and solutions to make sure operating room is ready for surgery

Disinfect, wash, and shave incision locations so patients are ready for surgery

Assemble equipment and ensure it’s working properly

Accompany patients to the operating room and get them physically situated for surgery

Monitor patients’ vital signs and charts

Assist doctors and nurses with putting on surgical gowns and gloves

Pass and hold surgical instruments and other supplies during surgery

Handle specimens for laboratory work

Apply and monitor surgical dressings

Accompany patients to their rooms after surgery

Ensure operation room is ready for the next procedure

Where do surgical technologists work?

Most surgical technologists work in hospitals, especially in delivery and operating rooms, but increasingly they are also needed in physician/dental offices, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient surgery centers, and outpatient care centers. In fact, as hospitals look to cut costs, off-site surgery centers are becoming increasingly popular.

How do I become a surgical technologist?

Training programs for surgical technologists are found at surgical technologist schools throughout the country and generally take between nine months and two years to complete.

Programs are offered at the certificate, diploma, and associate’s degree levels by over 450 accredited vocational schools, community colleges, junior colleges, universities, hospitals, and the military.

Surgical technology programs consist of both classroom and practical components. Coursework includes the following:

Anatomy and physiology

Medical ethics

Medical terminology

Microbiology

Pharmacology

Sterile techniques

Surgical procedures

Students also learn how to care for patients before and after surgery.

Do surgical technologists need to be certified?

No, but most employers highly prefer candidates with certification; accordingly, certification can mean more job opportunities and career advancement for surgical technologists.

There are two major ways to gain certification:

1. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST): Through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (formerly the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist), interested candidates must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and then pass an examination. After that, a CST must take continuing education courses over the next four years or retake the certification exam after four years has passed.

2. Tech in Surgery-Certified, TS-C (NCCT): Through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), interested candidates must pass an exam after having either completed an accredited training program, completed a two-year on-the-job training program, or worked in the field for seven years. Certification must be renewed every five years via continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

If you are interested in becoming certified, make absolutely sure you choose a surgical technologist school that will make you eligible to do so.

How should I prepare for surgical technologist schools?

You usually need to have a high school diploma to qualify for admission to surgical technologist schools; you should have completed coursework in biology, chemistry, math, and health.

What other qualities are helpful in surgical technologists?

The BLS list the following characteristics as helpful for aspiring surgical technologists:

Manual dexterity

Orderly

Conscientious

Emotionally stable

Interested in keeping up to date on latest surgical technology procedures and techniques

Be aware that the career of surgical technologist requires a lot of time standing, so you should also be in reasonably good health to pursue this career. You will likely work a 40-hour week but also be on call.

What is the average salary of a surgical technologist?

In May 2008, the BLS reports that the median annual wages of surgical technologists were $38,740, with the middle 50% earning between $32,490 and $46,910.

What is the job outlook for surgical technologists?

Excellent! The BLS expects employment of surgical technologists to grow 25% through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. With an ever-aging population, the number of surgeries are expected to increase, and this means surgical technologists will be in high demand.

The BLS notes that those willing to relocate and those who are certified will have the best job prospects.