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If you’re interested in becoming a certified surgical tech in 2020, then this blog post is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know in order to become certified, from the education requirements to the certification process.
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Introduction
Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians or scrub techs, work under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses and other surgical personnel to ensure that operating rooms are ready for surgery. They also may help during surgeries by passing instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants.
The education requirements for surgical technologists vary by employer, but most positions require at least a postsecondary certificate. Some community colleges offer 2-year degree programs in surgical technology, but many surgical technologists complete a 1-year certificate program after completing high school or earning a GED.
While certification is not required in all states, it may improve job prospects. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting offers the Certified Surgical Technologist credential, which requires passing an exam. Some states require surgical technologists to be licensed; requirements vary by state but generally include completing an accredited educational program and passing an exam.
What is a Surgical Tech?
A surgical technologist, also called a scrub tech, is a type of medical professional who works alongside surgeons and other medical personnel during surgeries. Surgical technologists are responsible for setting up the operating room before surgery and making sure that all of the necessary instruments and equipment are sterilized and ready to use. They also often help to position patients on the operating table, and they may be responsible for passing instruments to the surgeon during the surgery.
In order to become a certified surgical technologist, you will need to complete an accredited surgical technology program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some four-year colleges. After completing a surgical technology program, you will then need to pass a certification exam in order to earn your certification.
The Surgical tech job Description
A surgical tech, also called a scrub tech, prepares the operating room for surgery and assists the surgical team during procedures. During an operation, the surgical tech may be responsible for passing instruments to the surgeon, handling tissues and sutures and operating the suction device. After surgery, the surgical tech may help apply dressings to the incision site.
Surgical Tech Salary
The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $47,300 in May 2019. Employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, there will be an increasing need for surgical procedures.
Surgical techs usually work full time. They may occasionally work evenings or weekends to cover surgeries scheduled outside of regular business hours. Some surgical techs may be required to work overnight shifts in order to be available during surgery hours that begin early in the morning.
How to Become a Surgical Tech
surgical techs are in high demand, and the certification process is relatively straightforward. If you’re interested in becoming a surgical tech, here’s what you need to do. First, you’ll need to complete an accredited surgical tech program. Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll need to take and pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. After passing the exam, you’ll be a certified surgical tech!
Surgical Tech Education
Surgical tech schooling typically runs about nine months to two years, and most programs result in an associate’s degree or a certificate. In some cases, on-the-job training may be an option for those who already have experience in the medical field, such as licensed practical nurses or medical assistants. surgical tech programs generally include coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ethics, and infection control. Students also gain important clinical experience in a variety of surgical settings.
After completing an accredited surgical tech program, graduates must then pass a national certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Certification is not required in all states, but it is generally needed to obtain employment in most hospitals and surgery centers. Some employers may also require certification as a condition of continued employment.
Surgical Tech Certification
In order to become a certified surgical tech, you will need to have completed an accredited surgical technology program and passed the national certification exam. While certification is not always required, it isrecommended as it will give you an edge when applying for jobs and may be required by some employers.
There are two main organizations that offer surgical tech certification: the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgery-Technologists (NBSTSA) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA). To be eligible for certification through the NBSTSA, you must have completed an accredited surgical tech program. The NHA has no such requirement but does require that you have completed a training program or have at least one year of experience working as a surgical tech.
Both organizations offer two levels of certification: certified surgical technologist (CST) and registered surgical technologist (RST). The CST is the entry-level certification, while the RST is reserved for those with more experience. To earn the CST, you must pass a written exam, while the RST requires both a written and practical exam.
Once you have earned your certification, you will need to renew it every four years. To do so, you will need to complete continuing education credits and submit a renewal application.
Conclusion
Certification varies from state to state, but the steps to become a certified surgical technologist are generally the same. You will need to complete an accredited surgical technology program, pass a national certification exam, and then obtain a state license. Once you have all of these things, you will be able to begin your career as a surgical technologist!
