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Considering a new career as a surgical tech? Here’s how you can become a surgical tech online in just a few steps!
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Introduction
If you aspire to work in the medical field as a surgical tech, you can become one by completing an accredited surgical technology program. You can find these programs at many community colleges and technical schools, as well as some hospitals. Although it is possible to become a surgical tech without completing a formal education program, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited program.
Most surgical tech programs take about a year to complete and result in a certificate or associate’s degree. During your training, you will learn about sterile techniques, human anatomy, medical terminology, and how to work with surgeon and other medical personnel. You will also have the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in various medical settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and physician’s offices.
Once you have completed a surgical tech program, you will need to obtain certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To be eligible for certification, you must have graduated from an accredited surgical tech program and passed a national exam. Once you are certified, you will need to renew your certification every four years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the national exam.
What is a Surgical Tech?
A surgical technologist, also called a surgical tech or operating room technician, is an allied health professional who works under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses and other surgical personnel to provide patient care before, during and after surgery. surgical techs are a vital part of the surgical team and work to ensure that each procedure is performed safely and effectively.
Surgical technologists typically complete a certificate or associate’s degree program in surgical technology. Some states require surgical technologists to be licensed or certified.
Surgical Tech Responsibilities
A surgical technologist, also called a scrub tech, works under the supervision of a licensed surgeon to ensure that the operating room is sterile and that the patient is ready for surgery. surgical techs are an important part of the surgical team and play a vital role in patient care.
Surgical tech responsibilities include prepaing the operating room for surgery, sterilizing equipment, setting up instruments, and assisting the surgeon during the procedure. They may also be responsible for taking care of the patient before and after surgery.
Becoming a surgical technologist requires completing an accredited surgical technologist program. There are both online and campus-based programs available. Many community colleges offer surgical technologist programs as well as some hospitals and trade schools.
Surgical Tech Salary
The median annual salary for surgical technologists was $47,300 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,810, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $66,590.
How to become a Surgical Tech
If you’re looking for a new career that offers plenty of challenges and opportunities for growth, you may want to consider becoming a surgical tech. Surgical techs play a vital role in the operating room, assisting surgeons and other medical personnel during procedures. With the help of an accredited online surgical tech program, you can receive the education and training you need to begin a successful career in this growing field.
Surgical Tech Schools
Becoming a surgical technologist requires completing an accredited surgical technology program. There are both traditional brick-and-mortar schools as well as many excellent online surgical tech schools from which to choose.
Most traditional and online surgical tech schools offer both certificate and associate degree programs. Associate degrees generally take two years to complete, while certificates can be obtained in as little as one year.
The length of time required to complete your program will depend on several factors, including whether you attend school full- or part-time, the type of program you choose and the number of prerequisite courses you need to take.
Surgical technology programs typically include both classroom instruction and clinical experience in a hospital or other medical setting. Classroom instruction covers topics such as human anatomy, medical terminology and sterile processing. Clinical experience gives students the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice under the supervision of experienced surgical technologists.
Online Surgical Tech Programs
There are many ways to become a surgical tech, but one of the most popular and convenient ways is to enroll in an online surgical tech program. Online programs offer many benefits, such as flexibility, affordability and convenience. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering an online surgical tech program:
-Make sure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
-Make sure the program you choose offers clinical experiences or externships so you can get real-world experience before you graduate.
-Choose a program that fits your schedule and lifestyle. Online programs offer a lot of flexibility, but make sure you can still complete the program within a reasonable timeframe.
Once you’ve found an accredited online surgical tech program that meets your needs, you’ll be on your way to an exciting and rewarding career in the operating room!
Conclusion
There are many ways to become a surgical tech online. You can find online courses that will teach you the basics of surgical technology, or you can find more comprehensive programs that will give you the training you need to become a certified surgical tech. No matter which route you choose, becoming a surgical tech online is a great way to get the education and training you need to start a career in this growing field.