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Surgical Technologist Schools and Training Programs
Do you marvel at how far the medical profession has come over the years? Are you amazed at how surgeons can save lives on the operating table? Would you like to be a part of the team that assists a surgeon? If so, you might want to look at becoming a surgical technologist.
Surgical Technologist Careers
Surgical technologists, also called surgical or operating room technicians, or scrubs, are part of an operating team that consists of doctors and nurses. The number of people in this team varies by the type of operation being performed. Sometimes, a number of technicians are used for different tasks. Some surgical technicians help doctors sterilize themselves before entering the operating room. Operating room technicians prepare the site of an operation, making sure all the necessary equipment is in place.
If you want to become a surgical technologist, you’ll need to spend some time in school. Many vocational schools and/or technical colleges offer surgical technologist associate degrees or certification programs. Most of these types of programs last no longer than two years. The benefit to earning this type of degree is that you’ll be able to enter the professional world immediately after graduation instead of spending more time earning advanced degrees.
As a surgical technologist, you may have to work some long hours. In addition, the operating room is definitely not for the faint of heart or stomach. The upside, of course, is that you’ll be able to help save lives. Surgical technologists are a vital part of a medical team, and so the pay can be very attractive compared to other medical technologists.
Educational and Training Requirements for Surgical Technologists
With the right training and proper certification, operating room technologists will have a definite advantage over other applicants.
In 2011 the Commission on Accreditation of Allied health education programs (CAAHEP) recognized 459 accredited programs throughout the country that offer training for surgical technologists. Programs are typically offered by community and junior colleges as well as Universities and Hospitals. Applicants usually need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent, with classes in math, biology and chemistry.
Accredited programs last nine to 24 months and lead to diplomas or certificates. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology and professional ethics. You’ll also take specialized course that deal with proper patient care and safety, sterile techniques and surgical procedures.
Certification for Surgical Technologists
Although certification may not be mandatory in all states, employers prefer to hire those with surgical technologist certification. Certification can be obtained from the Liaison Council on Certification after graduating from a CAAHEP accredited programs. After passing the exam you will receive the title of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), which then must be updated every four years.
Certification is also available from the National Center for Competency Testing. After passing the exam, the title Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) will be bestowed and thereafter must be renewed every five years by completing programs or reexamination.
Surgical Technologist Employment and Advancement Opportunities
With proper training and certification you’ll be ready to join and take advantage of the growing job opportunities in the operating room technologist field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of surgical technologists to grow much faster than average, at 25 percent between 2008 and 2018. As with other sectors in the health care industry, growth is driven by an increasing elderly population, particularly the aging baby boomers, who will need more medical care and procedures.
Career and Salary Prospects
The average salary for surgical technologists was $41,310 in 2010, according to the BLS. Wages vary with experience and education, the responsibilities of the position, the working hours, and the economy in the region where you work.
Additional Resources:
Association of Surgical Technologists: Professional organization that offers educational and networking resources. www.ast.org/
Bureau of Labor Statistics profile, Surgical Technologists: The BLS has a career overview, education requirements and salary data. www.bls.gov/oco/ocos106.htm
Medical Career Institute
- Manassas
- Newport News
- Richmond
- Surgical Technology - Associate
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Diploma
Everest College
- Associate of Applied Science - Surgical Technologist
- Associate of Science - Surgical Technologist
- Diploma - Surgical Technologist
- More
American Career College
- Anaheim
- 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.
Career Colleges of America
- Surgical Technology
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Keiser University Campus
- Surgical Technology, AS
- Health Science, BS (Online Only)
- Health Science, BS
- More
Dover Business College
- Dover
- Clifton
- Surgical Technologist
- Surgical Processing Technician
Rasmussen College
- Mankato
- Bismarck
- Moorhead
- Surgical Technologist Associates Degree
- Medical Laboratory Technician Associates Degree
Sanford-Brown Institute
- Surgical Technology
- Anesthesia Technology
- Cardiovascular Sonography
Brown Mackie College
- Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology
- Associate of Science in Surgical Technology
- Associate of Applied Science in Biomedical Equipment Technology
- More
Fortis Institute
- Surgical Technologist
- Surgical Technology - Associate
- Surgical Technology
- More
Get the skills and training you need for a great career at Fortis Institute. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute- Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Anthem Institute
- Las Vegas
- North Brunswick
- Surgical Technologist
Everest Institute
- Surgical Technologist (Diploma)
- Medical General
- Dialysis Technician (Diploma)
Sanford-Brown College
- Surgical Technology
- Surgical Technology (Day)
- Surgical Technology (Evening)
- More
Stevens-Henager
- Associate of Occupational Studies in Surgical Technologist
- Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties
Lincoln Technical Institute
- Casselberry
- Saint Petersburg
- Surgical Technology
- X-Ray Technician
Get the career training you need to succeed at Lincoln Technical Institute.
For more student consumer information, please visit www.lincolnedu.com/lincolnconsumerinfo
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