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So you’re thinking about a career in surgical technology? You’re not alone—it’s a growing field with plenty of opportunities. But is surgical tech hard? We asked the pros to find out.
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Introduction
Have you ever wondered if surgical tech is hard? Sure, you know it requires precision and good hand-eye coordination. But what other skills do you need?
We talked to several surgical techs to get their professional opinions on what it takes to succeed in this career. Here’s what they had to say.
What is a Surgical Tech?
A surgical technologist is an allied health professional who works closely with surgeons, registered nurses and other operating room team members to ensure a successful operation. Surgical techs may also be referred to as operating room technicians, scrub techs or scrub nurses.
The surgical technologist role is a demanding one that requires both clinical skills and the ability to work well under pressure. Surgical tech programs typically last about nine months, after which graduates must pass a national certification exam in order to become certified surgical technologists (CSTs).
What are the Duties of a Surgical Tech?
A surgical technologist, also called a surgical technician or scrub tech, is an allied health professional who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other surgical personnel to provide patient care before, during and after surgery.
Surgical technologists are an essential part of the surgical team. They are responsible for sterilizing and preparing the operating room, as well as setting up any equipment or instruments that may be needed during the procedure. During surgery, surgical technologists hand instruments and other supplies to the surgeon and assistants, and they may also help to position the patient for surgery. After surgery, they clean and restock the operating room.
In order to become a surgical technologist, one must complete an accredited surgical technology program. These programs typically last between nine and 24 months, and they may be offered at both the associate’s and bachelor’s level. Upon completion of a surgical technology program, graduates must then pass a national certification exam in order to become certified surgical technologists (CSTs).
What are the Education Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech?
To become a surgical tech, you will need to complete an accredited surgical technology program. These programs typically last about nine months to a year, and they can be found at many community colleges and technical schools. You will also need to pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
What are the Certification Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech?
To become a surgical technologist, also called a scrub tech or operating room technician, you usually need to earn an accredited certificate or associate degree in surgical technology. Some technologists enter the field after completing a postsecondary nonsurgical medical program, such as nurse assisting, and completing on-the-job training in surgical technology.
You can find certificate, diploma and degree programs at community colleges, technical colleges, universities and some hospitals. Programs typically take about a year to complete, but some awards can be earned in as little as 9 months. If you choose to pursue an associate degree, you can expect to spend 2 years in school.
While in school, you’ll take courses such as human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology and pharmacology. You’ll also participate in clinical rotations, where you’ll gain hands-on experience working with patients in surgical settings.
What are the Salary and Job Outlook for Surgical Techs?
###What are the Salary and Job Outlook for Surgical Techs?
The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $47,300 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,610, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $66,430.
Employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for surgical technologists will continue to be driven by the aging baby-boom generation, as older adults are more likely to need surgery.
Conclusion
After speaking with a variety of surgical techs, we can confidently say that surgical tech is not an easy profession. It requires a great deal of skill, precision, and attention to detail. However, it is also an extremely rewarding profession that can offer a great deal of satisfaction. If you are considering becoming a surgical tech, we encourage you to speak with professionals in the field to get a better sense of what the job entails.
