You can attend a college or private institute that offers an accredited training program in surgical technology. Some students will obtain an associate’s degree in surgical technology, while others will complete a certification program. Surgical Technologist Schools Surgical tech programs usually take between 12 and 24 months to complete. Surgical technologists typically obtain training from a community college, technical school, or military school with a surgical technology program. This is not necessary to pass either exam, but it may provide a discount on exam fees. If your goal is to become a first surgical assistant, you will want to choose your specialty and then complete the specialized training specific to that position. Many surgical technologists receive their education through a community college or vocational school. Surgical technologists need to have both educational and clinical training to perform their job successfully. To see if a school is accredited, look it up in the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs’ database. Surgical technicians and technologists must attend a program accredited by the Association of Surgical Technologists chosen accrediting body for their programs, which is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Some certification programs allow you to be eligible for testing with a certain number of years of experience or received appropriate medical training through the United States Armed Forces. surgical technology just sounds right for me, I hope I am making the right career choice, this is defiantly a huge decision for me. Because surgical technologists have such a highly technical, rigorous and critical job, proper training is essential. These are the top 5 earning states in the field: The top earning state in the field is Alaska, where the average salary is $5,583. The average salary of a surgical technologist is $44-46,000 annually. Based on your training, explain the proper procedure for handling an emergency. “Aeger primo”—a Latin phrase meaning, “patient first”—is at the core of the Surgical Technologist’s code of ethics. Currently, no states require surgical technologists to be licensed, but some require registration with the state. Work Environment. Conducted by: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor. They spend much of their time on their feet. Becoming a certified surgical technologist is not required by every state, but it will help you succeed. Make copies of your documents. The job of a surgical technologist is an important one. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST): In order to become certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), students must first graduate from a surgical technologist program, a surgical first assisting program, or a military tech training program. Apply for Financial Aid. Some of the available certifications include: National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) – Provides the Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) qualification, National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) – Provides the Certified Surgical Technologist/Certified First Assistant credential, National Center for Competency Training (NCCT) – Provides the Tech in Surgery Certification. Learn the art of dog grooming, a rapidly-growing niche! Surgical technologists frequently work shifts longer than 8 hours. Wages vary depending on the employer, as surgical technicians working in a dental office will earn less than those that work in a hospital. Some states regulate the requirements for being a surgical technologist, so check where you live to see if these rules may apply to you. Surgical technologists overall experience job high satisfaction. When learning to become a Surgical Technologist, it’s wise to enroll in a two-year program. The top earning state in the field is Alaska, where the average salary is $32.53. First surgical assistants are a specialized, highly trained form of a surgical technician, and make an average of $62,000. Below is a link to their database of all the accredited Surgical Technology Programs. This field is quickly growing. Start your journey to becoming a surgical technologist by earning your high school diploma or GED. In addition to their clinical duties, the surgical technologist will often greet and assess patients before procedures are performed. Get started with a career as an electrician in your state. If you plan to become a certified surgical technologist, first check to see that the CST program you plan to complete will satisfy the requirements of the certifying agency. Some techs may seek additional training, particularly if their goal is to become a first surgical assistant. Having previous work experience in the medical field is not required, but helpful. There are also vocational training programs that are usually short courses that run for a few months to a year in surgical technology. Your career as a surgical technologist will be a rewarding one, knowing that you are helping people through difficult and stressful moments in their lives, along with helping surgeons and other medical staff to successfully perform their work. Potential surgical techs must complete a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree program to be employed in the field. Surgical technologists need to kick it into high gear when it comes to cleaning and ensuring proper medical protocol adherence. People interested in surgical technology should take high school courses in health, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. A good surgical technician is a valuable asset to any surgical team. Some of the duties a surgical technologist is responsible for include: preparing the operating room, tools, and equipment before the surgery begins, assisting surgeons during surgery, and various duties post-surgery such as cleaning equipment, taking inventory of supplies, and preparing for the next procedure. As you gain more years of experience, you should begin earning higher rates of pay. Learn More About The Surgical Technologist … Becoming a Surgical Technologist Surgical Technologists are crucial to virtually any surgery. Those who already have on-th… Check with the organization to find out everything needed to maintain in good standing. Graduates of our Surgical Technologist program are eligible for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Certified Surgical Technologist Exam. If you have chosen to become a certified surgical technologist, you will need to follow the certifying agency’s requirements for keeping your certification. How to Become a Surgical Technologist. Prospective surgical technicians need to complete a diploma, certificate or associate's degree program to work in the field. As their experience level grows, their rate of pay should increase. Regardless of the laws, it is always to your benefit to hold an active certification. Accredited programs in surgical technology are in many community colleges and vocational schools. You can pay by card. The other 40 questions cover additional duties, such as how to inventory supplies or label samples. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) both offer certification. You can enter the field quickly. A first surgical assistant is a surgical technologist who has undergone additional training and often specializes in a specific type of surgery. Find massage therapy classes and license information in your state. Surgical technologists work with surgeons and other medical staff to help ensure that surgeries are executed in a safe, successful, and smooth manner. Attach them to your application with a paper clip. The tuition for a one-year course in surgical technology can cost around $6,500. Learn about becoming an LPN in your state, it’s in demand! You will also need to be able to handle highly sensitive and stressful situations on a daily basis. In order to qualify for the CST examination, applicants must be a graduate of an accredited surgical technologist program, surgical first assisting program, or a military training program. Whether you are seeking an associate’s degree in surgical technology or are completing a certification program, both will provide you with a well-rounded education in the field. By using our site, you agree to our. Their specialized training, attention to detail, strong ethics, and deep desire to keep patients safe make them an invaluable part of any surgical team. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 100,000 people in the United States employed as surgical technologists in 2014. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam isn’t required in every … They may ask you to describe a certain medical procedure. These programs will likely require lab work and internships, making the course take longer. Work alongside with pets, a very fulfilling career option! While both will work, an associate’s degree may qualify you for more jobs. Learn about HVAC in your state – a career with great job outlook! These forms follow the current test content outline, which was released in September, 2018. This will give you practice in sterilization, assisting medical personnel in surgery, and working with others as a team. This education prepares you for all of the situations you will encounter on the job. You will need documentation from your employer(s) to verify these hours worked. You may want to emphasize your attention to detail, strong stress management skills, and interpersonal skills. This may involve taking continuing education credits or retaking the test every 4-5 years. Working for the same employer for a number of years should also result in an increase of pay. Letting your certification lapse may cause employers to question your commitment to your profession, so it’s always best to fulfill the requirements needed and hold onto your certification. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. Qualified surgical technologists help surgeons perform their job well and also increase patient satisfaction by helping to provide quality care. The working hours of a surgical technologist will depend on their employer. Learn how to become a dental assistant in your state. Learn what it takes to start a career as a Surgical Tech with interviews from working …