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Thinking of becoming a surgical tech? Check out this blog post to see what you need to get started in this in-demand career!
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Surgical Tech Certification
To be eligible for surgical tech certification, you must have graduated from an accredited surgical technology program and completed an internship or externship. Surgical tech certification is not required in all states, but many employers prefer to hire certified surgical techs Certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a surgical tech.
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
To become nationally certified as a surgical technologist, you must pass the Certification Examination for the Surgical Technologist administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). There are no prerequisites for taking the exam, but most candidates have completed an accredited surgical technology program and have been through a period of on-the-job training.
The NBSTSA offers two types of certification: Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C). The CST is the more common certification, and is required by many employers. To be eligible for this designation, you must have graduated from an accredited surgical technology program or have completed five years of full-time work experience as a surgical technologist. The TS-C certification is designed for those who have at least two years of work experience but do not have a degree from an accredited surgical technology program.
National Healthcare Association (NHA)
The National Healthcare Association (NHA) offers certification for surgical technologists. To be eligible to take the certification examination, candidates must have completed an accredited surgical technologist program and have graduated from high school or earned a GED. They must also have worked full time for a minimum of six months as a surgical technologist. For more information, visit the NHA website at www.nhanow.com.
Surgical Tech Training
Surgical tech training programs generally last about nine months. Some community colleges and technical schools offer two-year programs that lead to an associate degree. There are also a few four-year bachelor’s degree programs in surgical technology.
Associate’s Degree
An associate’s degree in surgical technology is the most common type of educational program for aspiring surgical techs These programs typically take two years to complete and include both classroom and laboratory instruction. Topics of study may include medical terminology, human anatomy, physiology, and sterile processing. Upon completion of an associate’s degree program, students are awarded an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Certificate Program
A certificate program in surgical technology usually takes about nine months to complete. It is the fastest way to receive the training and education you need to become a surgical tech. In a certificate program, you will take courses that focus specifically on surgical technology and the skills you need to succeed in the field.
After completing a certificate program, you will be eligible to take the national certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Once you pass the exam, you will be a certified surgical technologist (CST). Most employers require surgical techs to be certified, so this is an important step in your career.
Surgical Tech Skills
To be a surgical tech, also called a scrub tech or surgical technician, you will need excellent communication skills. You will need to be able to work well under pressure and have the ability to think on your feet. You will also need to be detail oriented and have excellent manual dexterity. Let’s take a closer look at the skills you will need to be a surgical tech.
Attention to Detail
One of the most important surgical tech skills is attention to detail. As a surgical tech, you will be responsible for ensuring that the operating room is clean and sterile, and that all of the instruments and equipment are in proper working order. You will also need to pay close attention to the surgeon’s instructions and be able to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Stamina
Working as a surgical tech requires being on your feet for long periods of time and being able to lift and move patients. You will need to have good physical stamina to be able to handle the demands of the job.
Dexterity
One of the most important surgical tech skills is dexterity. Surgical technologists must be able to handle delicate instruments and tissues with great care. They also must be able to keep their hands steady for long periods of time and have excellent hand-eye coordination.
Emotional Stability
Working in surgery can be emotionally demanding. You will see patients at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. You will also witness first-hand the joy that comes with a successful surgery. To be a successful surgical tech, you will need to have emotional stability. You need to be able to keep a level head in order to do your job well.
