How Do You Become a Surgical Tech?

A surgical technologist, also called a scrub, scrub tech, surgical technician, or operating room technician, is an allied health professional working as a part of the team delivering surgical care.

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Introduction

A surgical technologist, sometimes called a scrub, scrubs in before an operation and hands the surgeon the instruments he or she needs during the procedure. Surgical technologists also may apply sterile dressings, set up monitors and equipment, prepare patients for surgery and help transfer them to the recovery room.

What is a Surgical Tech?

A surgical technologist, also called a scrub, scrub tech, surgical technician, or operating room technician, is an integral member of the surgical team. Surgical technologists work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other surgical personnel to deliver patient care before, during and after surgery. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, help to insert IVs and catheters, and hold retractors during procedures.

Surgical technologists must have a strong understanding of the human body and sterile techniques. They must be able to work quickly and efficiently in a high-pressure environment. Most surgical technologists have completed a postsecondary education program in surgical technology. Some states require certification for employment.

What are the Responsibilities of a Surgical Tech?

A surgical technologist, also called a scrub tech, is a member of the operating room team. As a surgical technologist, you will prepare the operating room for surgery and help to position the patient. You will also pass instruments and other medical supplies to the surgeon during the procedure.

In order to become a surgical technologist, you will need to complete an accredited surgical technology program. Once you have completed the program, you will need to pass a national certification exam.

What are the Educational Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech?

Most surgical tech programs are between 9 and 24 months long, and lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree.

There are more than 400 accredited surgical technology programs in the united states that have been approved by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Most of these programs award a certificate or an associate’s degree.

CAAHEP and ABHES have different accreditation requirements, but both require completion of an accredited surgical technology program before taking the national certification exam.

Completing an accredited program is not required to become a surgical tech, but it will make it easier to find a job and be credentialed. Many employers prefer to hire surgical techs who have been credentialed by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

To become credentialed, you must graduate from an accredited program and pass the NBSTSA’s Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.

What is the Certification Process for Surgical Techs?

To become a certified surgical technologist, you must graduate from an accredited surgical technology program and pass a national certification exam, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Upon passing the CST exam, you will earn the title of certified surgical technologist (CST). To maintain your credential, you must complete continuing education requirements and renew your certification every four years.

What are the Job Prospects for Surgical Techs?

Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow 9 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Candidates with formal education or certification, particularly those with a bachelor’s degree, should have the best job prospects.

What is the salary range for Surgical Techs?

The salary for a surgical technologist can vary based on experience, geographic region, and type of employer. The median annual salary for all surgical technologists was $47,300 in 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,430, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $66,590.

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide on how to become a surgical tech. We hope that you have found it informative and helpful. surgical techs play an important role in the medical field, and we hope that this guide has given you a better understand of what it takes to become one.