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Being organized, well-disciplined, and meticulous can go a long way in helping you become a surgical technologist. In this article we’re going to map out a route for you to become a surgical tech, starting with the education you need to harness the necessary skills.
Selecting the right degree program to become a surgical tech
Surgical techs are trusted with the responsibility of handling surgical equipment in an operating room, and hence require proper training. When it comes to education, there are three main paths a student can take towards becoming a surgical tech. These are: certification, diploma, or an associate’s degree. You should pick one that fits your goals and professional needs.
Getting enrolled in the program of your choice
Once you have decided on the degree program you’d like to pursue, you can begin your search for a college that will offer you the desired program. There are other factors that should influence your decision of college to attend, such as student services, financial aid help, accreditation, etc., so make a decision taking all these factors into consideration.
Students are always advised to enroll in a surgical tech program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). An example of a college which has its surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP isStevens-Henager College. According to reviews, Stevens-Henager College accreditation is through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), and its medical programs have been accredited by well-recognized accredited agencies such as the Carrying out an externship
Being successful in the surgical tech field requires clinical as well as classroom experience. Most surgical tech programs also give students the opportunity to gain experience through externships in the field. While working in a clinical setting during the externship, students can gain practical experience that can prove to be valuable when they join the workforce. Through these externships students can also apply their classroom education to real-life clinical settings.
Optional certification
Getting a certification after graduating from a surgical tech program is optional but most students find that it can give them an edge when applying for jobs in the industry. There are various options for certification that signify a student’s abilities. You can also gain a certification in a certain specialty such as neurosurgery, heart surgery, etc.
The two certifications you can earn are:
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST): This is conducted by the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). A student can take this exam within 30 days of graduating from a program. Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C): This is conducted by National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). A student must have one year of work experience in order to take the exam. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment opportunities for surgical technologists are expected to increase by 19 percent from 2010 to2020, which is just about as fast as the average for all occupations. They can earn salaries of up to $57,330 and more depending on their geographic locations, years of experience, level of education, and types of certification.
If you can work well under pressure and are highly organized, getting you an education in surgical technology might be beneficial to you.
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