The Complete Guide to Surgical Tech Schooling

Becoming a surgical tech requires much more than just a passion to help others. It’s an intense and rigorous career path that demands the utmost dedication and attention to detail. In order to become certified as a surgical technician or technologist, it’s important to understand what schooling for surgical tech and the professional development one must complete before entering the field. From coursework to certifications, this guide will provide all the information you need to know about becoming a surgical tech.

What is a Surgical Tech?

Surgical tech requirements, also called a scrub nurse, is a member of the operating room team. They prepare the operating room and patients for surgery and assist during surgery. A surgical tech school trains students in sterile techniques, wound care, anesthesia, and medical terminology.

Surgical techs must be able to provide assistance to surgeons and other medical personnel during surgical procedures. Responsibilities include preparing equipment, sterilizing instruments, passing supplies and instruments, cutting sutures, and closing incisions.

Surgical techs must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Most surgical techs have an associate's degree or certification from an accredited training for surgical tech program.

What Are The Duties of a Surgical Tech?

A surgical technologist also called a scrub tech, scrub nurse, operating room (OR) technician, or surgical first assistant is an allied health professional working as a part of the team delivering surgical care. Schooling for surgical tech work under the supervision of surgeons and registered nurses to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the patient is prepared for surgery.

Surgical technologists are responsible for many duties prior to, during, and after surgery. Prior to surgery, they may help transport patients to the operating room and prepare them for surgery by shaving and disinfecting incision sites. They also assemble the sterile instruments needed for the procedure, set up the sterile field around the patient, and make sure that all necessary supplies are within reach of the surgical team. During surgery, they hand instruments and other materials to surgeons and first assistants as needed. They also monitor patients' vital signs and update surgeons on any changes. After surgery, they may apply dressings to incision sites or help transfer patients to recovery areas.

Most surgical technologists complete a postsecondary educational program in surgical technology; however, some may enter the field with only a high school diploma or equivalent.

How to Become a Surgical Tech

Becoming a surgical tech is a great way to enter the medical field or schooling for surgical tech. Surgical techs are vital members of the operating room team, responsible for ensuring that the operating room is clean and sterile and that the patient is prepped and ready for surgery.

If you’re interested in becoming a surgical tech, here’s what you need to know:

1. Complete an accredited surgical technologist schooling program. There are many accredited programs across the country that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role.

2. Pass the Certification Examination for Sterile Processing Technicians (CSPT). Once you complete your training for surgical tech program, you’ll need to pass the CSPT exam in order to become certified.

3. Get experience. While not required, gaining experience as a surgical technologist can be helpful in landing a job after graduation. Many hospitals offer externship opportunities for students, so be sure to check with your school or potential employers about opportunities that may be available to you.

4. Keep up with continuing education requirements. Most states require surgical technologists to complete continuing education credits (CECs) in order to maintain their certification. Be sure to check with your state’s requirements so that you stay up-to-date on all necessary CEUs.

Pros and Cons of Being a Surgical Tech

There are many reasons to become a surgical tech, but there are also some potential downsides to the job. Here are some pros and cons of being a surgical tech requirement:

Pros:

• Surgical techs play an important role in the operating room team and can make a difference in patient outcomes.

• The job can be both mentally and physically challenging, keeping you engaged and on your toes.

• Surgical techs typically have good job security and can find work in many different settings.

Cons:

• The hours can be long and irregular, making it difficult to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

• The job can be stressful, as you are constantly working under pressure with time-sensitive tasks.

• You may be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids on a regular basis, which can pose health risks.

What is The Job Outlook for Surgical Techs?

The job outlook for surgical techs is quite good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of surgical techs is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging baby-boom population will need more medical procedures, such as hip and knee replacements and cataract removal, as they live longer and more active lives.

As a result, surgical teams will be in greater demand, and surgical techs will play an important role in these teams. If you're detail-oriented and have good interpersonal skills through schooling for surgical tech, you may find satisfaction in helping surgeons save lives and improve patients' health.

The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $46,310 in May 2018. Job prospects should be good for those who complete postsecondary training for surgical tech programs and obtain certification.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has provided you with the information and resources to feel confident about your decision to pursue a career as a schooling for surgical tech. We understand what an important role surgical technologists play in operating rooms, and we have given you all of the information needed to take the next step toward becoming one. With dedication and hard work, you can make a positive impact on patient's lives while enjoying the rewards of such an exciting profession!