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Health Care Career Profiles: Surgical Technology
An experienced surgical technologist, Edward Watts Jr. (AAS, CSFA, KCSA, CST, CRCST, CIS) discussed the career:
"I like knowing that I am a part of the surgical team that helps patients by being an advocate for them and ensuring that the procedure is performed with aseptic technique to minimize the risk of surgical infections. I like the fact that by having knowledge of the instrumentation and procedures, I can anticipate what the surgeon and/or assistant needs, which will help to ensure optimal outcomes for patients. The surgical technologist is a valuable part of the surgical team.
The typical day actually varies depending on the facility. In most instances the ST will be assigned to a room and will clean the room at the start of the day; review supplies for the cases; create the sterile field by opening the case, scrubbing in, and setting up the case; perform 'time out' and counts for patient safety; participate in the procedure; break down the case; and help clean the room for the next case. Then this process starts over. Sometimes the ST may be used in another associated role such as pulling cases for the following day, managing sterile processing, overseeing specialty carts, heading specialty services and more. This is a very minimal list; a school's surgical technology program will have a more comprehensive list of job details.
Education varies depending on the school and the program. Surgical technologist training is available from community colleges, technical/vocational schools, universities, the military and some hospitals. The difference in programs is what they offer. Some offer a certificate/diploma that takes a year, while others offer an associate degree, which typically takes right around two years and has prerequisites like math, English and psychology. I decided to acquire the associate degree to have to option to continue my education.
A school being recognized by the U.S. Department of Education is definitely an important designation but in the field of surgical technology other factors also need to be considered. One such factor is that the surgical technology program be accredited as well. The 'golden standard' for certification is the Certified Surgical Technologist or CST. The Association of Surgical Technologists recognizes only the CST certification for surgical technology although they do represent all surgical technologists. The CST exam is offered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. One of the requirements for program graduates to sit for this exam is to be a graduate of a surgical technology program that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Not all areas require the CST certification but many facilities are starting to require it as a condition of employment."
Additional Information for Professionals in Surgical Technology Found on Health-Care-Careers.org
Accredited Surgical Technologist Training Programs
Additional Resources for Individuals Pursuing a Career in Surgical Technology
Association of Surgical Technologists
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
- Hayward
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- LA Puente
- Gardena
- Los Angeles
- Ontario
- Reseda
- San Bernardino
- Torrance
- Diploma - Surgical Technologist
- Medical General
- Anaheim
- Los Angeles
- Ontario
- Associate of Occupational Science in Surgical Technology
American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California.
- San Jose
- AS in Surgical Technology
- Certificate - Surgical Technology
- Surgical Technology
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- San Diego
- San Bernardino
- Surgical Technology
At Concorde, you’ll find that a “learn by doing” approach to healthcare training will get you the skills you need to succeed-- and get you into the workforce quickly.
- Long Beach
- Santa Ana
- Surgical Technologist
- Fort Lauderdale
- BS in Health Science
- BS in Heath and Wellness
- Vista
- Diploma: X-Ray Technician/Medical Assistant Back Office
- Bellevue
- BA in Health Science
Bellevue University makes it possible for you to earn a high-quality college degree.
- B.S. in Health Studies - Health Management
- B.S. in Health Studies - Health Communication
- B.S. in Health Studies - Self-Designed
- More
- National City
- San Marcos
- San Diego
- Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties
- Bachelor of Science Completion in Health Science (Online)
- Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties with Radiography Emphasis
- Savannah
- Health Sciences (BS)
- Phoenix
- M.S. in Health Care Administration
- B.S. in Health Sciences: Professional Development & Advanced Patient Care
Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of fields that can be completed 100% online.
- Bachelor's - Clinical Laboratory Science (AZ only)
- Long Beach
- Medical General
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