How to Become a Surgical Technician

Surgical technologists, also called surgical techs, play an essential role in the operating room. They help surgeons prepare tools, clean the surgical area, and assist during procedures. Becoming a surgical tech might be a great career choice if you are interested in healthcare and want to work closely with doctors and nurses.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about becoming a surgical tech. We will cover education, skills, certification, job duties, and career growth.

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What Is Surgical Tech?

A surgical tech is a healthcare worker who helps during surgeries. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and surgical centers. Their main job is to make sure surgeries run smoothly. Among their duties are the following:

• Setting up the surgery room
• Sterilizing instruments and apparatus
• Giving the surgeon the instruments
• Monitoring surgical supplies
• Maintaining a sterile atmosphere
• helping with post-operative wound care

Practicing under the direction of surgeons and nurses, surgical technologists are a vital component of the healthcare team.

Step 1: Get a high school diploma or GED.

To become a surgical tech, you must first complete high school or earn a GED. This is necessary to enroll in a surgical technology program. Focus on classes like biology in high school.

• The substance
• Health Sciences
• Mathematical study

Enrolling in scientific and health-related courses can help you better grasp medical matters.

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Step 2: Enroll in an Accredited Surgical Tech Program

After high school, the next step is to join a surgical technology program. You can track down these programs at community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities. There are two types of programs:

• Certificate or Diploma Program (12 months) – A fast-track option for entering the workforce quickly.
• Associate Degree Program (2 years) – Provides more profound knowledge and may offer better job opportunities.

Make sure that the program is approved by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accredited programs ensure you receive quality education and qualify for certification exams.

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Step 3: Complete Clinical Training

Surgical tech programs include both classroom learning and hands-on training. You will study subjects like:

• Medical terminology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Surgical procedures
• Infection control
• Patient care

Clinical training gives you real-world experience in hospitals or surgical centers. You will work with doctors and nurses to practice your skills before graduation.

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Step 4: Get Certified (Optional but Recommended)

Although certification is not required in all states, many employers prefer certified surgical techs. Certification proves your skills and makes you more competitive in the job market. The two main certifications are:

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) – National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers this program.
• Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) – Offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

To become certified, you must:

1. I Graduated from an accredited surgical tech program.
2. Pass the certification exam.
3. Try to maintain your certification by completing continuing education courses.

Step 5: Look for Surgical Tech Jobs

After you finish school and have your qualifications, you can apply for jobs. Hospitals employ surgical technicians.

• Centers for outpatient surgery
• Offices of physicians
• Clinics for dental surgery
• Organ Transplantation

 Centres

To find out employment positions, use networking, hospital career pages, and job search websites. 

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Step 6: Gain Experience and Advance Your Career

You can start at the entry-level positions as a fresh surgical tech. With experience, you can advance your career in different ways:

• Specialize in a Surgical Field – Focus on areas like heart, brain, or plastic surgery.
• Become a First Assistant – Help surgeons with more advanced tasks during procedures.
• Move Into Healthcare Management – Work as a supervisor or instructor for new surgical techs.
• Pursue Further Education – Some surgical techs become nurses or physician assistants with additional schooling.

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Essential Skills for Surgical Techs

To succeed as a surgical tech, you need the following skills:

• Attention to Detail: Surgical techs must keep track of tools and maintain a sterile environment.
• Good Communication: Working with surgeons, nurses, and patients requires strong communication skills.
• Teamwork: Surgery is a team effort, so working well with others is essential.
• Physical stamina: Surgical techs need to be able to manage the physical demands of their work because they stand for extended periods of time.

• Calm Under Pressure: Surgical professionals need to maintain their composure and attention throughout high-stress procedures.

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Salary and Job Outlook

Surgical techs earn a good salary compared to other entry-level healthcare jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for surgical techs is $55,000 annually, but this can vary by experience and location.

The job overview for surgical techs is good. Employment is expected to grow 6% over the next decade, which means more job opportunities in hospitals and surgery centers.

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Pros and Cons of Becoming a Surgical Tech

Pros:

• Quick training (1-2 years)
• High job demand
• Good salary for an entry-level job
• Opportunity to help people
• Can lead to advanced healthcare careers

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Cons:

• Physically demanding work
• Long hours, including nights and weekends
• High-stress environment
• Must handle bodily fluids and surgical procedures

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Conclusion

Becoming a surgical tech is an opportunistic career choice for those interested in healthcare and working in a fast-paced environment. You can start your career in as little as one year with proper education, certification, and training.

If you enjoy teamwork, have good attention to detail, and want to play a vital role in patient care, a career as a surgical tech may be the right path for you. Start by researching accredited programs, gaining experience, and working towards certification to secure the best job opportunities in this rewarding field.