How To Become Surgical Technologist | SkillsAndTech

Surgical technologists are an important part of the medical field. They work alongside surgeons and other medical professionals to ensure that surgical procedures are carried out safely and effectively.

Becoming a surgical technologist requires completing an accredited surgical technology program. The length of these programs can vary, but most take about two years to complete. In addition to completing a program, surgical technologists must also pass a national certification exam.

While becoming a surgical technologist may seem like a daunting task, it can be a rewarding career for those who are passionate about helping others and working in the medical field. This blog post will explore how to become a surgical technologist, from completing an accredited program to passing the certification exam.

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What is a surgical technologist?

A surgical technologist is a medical professional who works with surgeons and other medical staff to provide patient care before, during, and after surgery.

Surgical technologists are an important part of the surgical team, and their duties include preparing operating rooms for surgery, sterilizing equipment, and handling instruments and supplies. They also may assist in transporting patients to and from the operating room.

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After completing a surgical technologist program, graduates must pass a certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Surgical technologists typically work in hospitals, but may also work in outpatient surgery centers or other healthcare facilities.

What are the requirements to become a surgical technologist?

In order to become a surgical technologist, one must first complete an accredited surgical technology program. Most programs last about nine months to two years, and result in either an associate’s degree or a certificate.

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During their training, students learn how to scrub in for surgery, how to set up the operating room, how to handle instruments and supplies, and how to care for patients before and after surgery.

After completing a surgical technology program, graduates must then pass the Certification Examination for Surgical Technologists administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Once certified, surgical technologists must keep their skills current by completing continuing education credits every four years.

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What are the different types of surgical technologists?

The different types of surgical technologists include certified surgical technologists (CSTs), registered surgical technologists (RSTs), and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). CSTs are the most common type of surgical technologist, and they must complete an accredited surgical technology program and pass a national certification exam.

RSTs are also required to complete an accredited surgical technology program and pass a state-specific examination. LPNs are not required to complete an accredited surgical technology program but must pass a state-specific examination.

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What are the job duties of a surgical technologist?

A surgical technologist is an important member of the surgical team. They are responsible for ensuring that the operating room is ready for surgery and that the instruments and supplies needed for the procedure are available. They also sterilize and maintain the surgical equipment.

During surgery, they assist the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to them. After surgery, they help to clean and close the incisions.

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How much does a surgical technologist make?

A surgical technologist is an important member of the surgical team. They are responsible for maintaining sterile conditions, handling instruments and supplies, and assisting surgeons during procedures.

The median annual salary for a surgical technologist is $47,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of earners make more than $67,000, while the bottom 10 percent earn less than $33,000. Salaries vary based on experience, geographical location, and place of employment.

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What are the benefits of being a surgical technologist?

Surgical technologists are in high demand due to the aging population and the growing number of surgeries being performed each year. The median annual salary for a surgical technologist is $47,300, and the job outlook is much faster than average at 15% through 2026.

But what are the other benefits of being a surgical technologist? Here are just a few:

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1. You Can Make a Difference in People’s Lives

As a surgical technologist, you play an important role in ensuring that surgeries are performed safely and effectively. You’ll be responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and helping to position patients during surgery.

This work can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Knowing that you’re helping to save lives on a daily basis is an incredible feeling.

2. You’ll Have Opportunities to Advance Your Career

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The surgical technology field offers many opportunities for career advancement. After gaining experience as a surgical technologist, you may choose to specialize in a particular area of surgery or become certified as a first assistant or scrub nurse. You could also pursue management roles within your hospital or practice group. The sky is the limit when it comes to advancing your career as a surgical technologist!

Conclusion

If you’re interested in becoming a surgical technologist, the first step is to research the field and make sure it’s a good fit for you. Once you’ve decided that this is the career path you want to take, the next step is to complete an accredited training program.

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After you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to pass a certification exam in order to become a certified surgical technologist. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goal of becoming a surgical technologist and making a difference in the lives of patients.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)

What does a Surgical Technologist do ?

A Surgical Technologist is an allied health professional that works alongside surgeons, Registered Nurses (RNs), and other operating room personnel during surgery.

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They are responsible for ensuring that the operating room is clean and sterile, and that all of the necessary equipment is ready for use. In addition, they may assist in preparing patients for surgery by washing and shaving incision sites, applying disinfectant solutions, and positioning them on the operating table.

During surgery, Surgical Technologists hand instruments and other supplies to surgeons as needed. They also may help to position patients and drape them with sterile surgical sheets.

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In some cases, Surgical Technologists may apply pressure to bleeding sites or suture wounds. After surgery, they may help to transport patients to the recovery area and apply dressings to incisions.

How much do Surgical Technologist make ?

Surgical technologists are in high demand and can expect to command a good salary. The median annual salary for a surgical technologist is $47,300, with the top 10% of earners making over $64,000 per year.

Salaries vary by region, with those in the West and Northeast earning the most. Experience and certification can also affect earnings, with certified surgical technologists typically commanding higher salaries than those without certification.

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How much does it cost to be a Surgical Technologist?

There are a few different ways to become a surgical technologist. One way is to attend a community college that offers a two-year associate’s degree in surgical technology.

Alternatively, there are many hospitals that offer on-the-job training for surgical technologists. The cost of attending a community college for two years can range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year. On-the-job training typically does not have a cost associated with it.

How many hours of Surgical Technologist Work ?

The average surgical technologist works full time, but hours may vary depending on the facility. Many surgical technologists work in hospitals, which typically have 24-hour operations.

This means that some surgical technologists may work overnight shifts. Others may work during the day, evening, or weekend shifts. Some facilities offer shift differentials for working nights and weekends.

How long does it take to become a Surgical Technologist?

Becoming a surgical technologist can take anywhere from several months to a couple of years, depending on your educational path and whether you choose to pursue certification.

Most surgical technologists have at least a postsecondary certificate, although some may have an associate’s degree. Many programs can be completed in less than two years, although some may take up to four years.

Once you have completed your educational program, you will then need to pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Once you have passed the CST exam, you will be a certified surgical technologist and can begin working in the field.

Of course, becoming a surgical technologist requires more than just completing an educational program and taking a certification exam. You will also need to have strong interpersonal skills, as you will be working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other medical professionals.

You must be able to handle stress well, as you will be working in high-pressure situations. You must also have good manual dexterity and physical stamina, as the job requires standing for long periods of time and performing tasks that require precise movement.

If you are interested in becoming a surgical technologist, there are many steps you must take. But with dedication and hard work, you can become a certified surgical technologist and begin working in this exciting and challenging