How To Become A Surgical Tech? Certification Guide

Becoming a surgical technologist, also known as a surgical tech or operating room technician, is a rewarding career choice for individuals who are interested in the healthcare field and want to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Surgical technologists play a critical role in the operating room, preparing equipment, assisting surgeons, and maintaining a sterile environment. If you’re interested in pursuing this career, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements To become a surgical technologist, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, most employers require surgical technologists to have completed a postsecondary training program in surgical technology. These programs are usually offered at community colleges, vocational schools, or universities and can last from several months to two years.

Step 2: Complete a Surgical Technology Program When selecting a surgical technology program, make sure it’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs will provide you with the necessary education and training to become a competent surgical technologist. Coursework typically includes classes in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and surgical techniques, as well as clinical training in a hospital or surgical setting.

Step 3: Gain Practical Experience During your training program, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting. This is an essential part of your education, as it will help you develop the skills and confidence you need to succeed as a surgical technologist. You may also consider volunteering or interning at a hospital or surgical center to gain additional experience.

Step 4: Obtain Certification Although certification is not always required, it’s highly recommended to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers the CST certification, which demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field. To become certified, you’ll need to pass the CST exam, which covers topics such as surgical procedures, patient care, and operating room protocols.

Step 5: Maintain Certification To maintain your CST certification, you’ll need to complete continuing education requirements and adhere to the NBSTSA’s code of conduct. This will ensure that you stay up-to-date with the latest advances in surgical technology and maintain your expertise in the field.

Certification Guide: Here’s a summary of the certification process:

• Eligibility: Graduates of a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program
• Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions and a practical skills assessment
• Exam Content: Surgical procedures, patient care, operating room protocols, and instrumentation
• Passing Score: 70% or higher
• Certification Period: 4 years
• Continuing Education Requirements: 60 hours of continuing education credits every 4 years

Salary and Job Outlook: The median annual salary for surgical technologists is around 50,000, although salaries can range from 35,000 to over $70,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. With the demand for healthcare services on the rise, job opportunities for surgical technologists are expected to increase, making this a rewarding and challenging career choice.

Conclusion: Becoming a surgical technologist requires a combination of education, training, and certification. By following these steps and pursuing certification, you can establish a rewarding career in the healthcare field and make a difference in the lives of patients and families.