Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist

If you’re looking for a career that places you in the heart of life-saving surgical procedures, becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) offers an exciting opportunity. Surgical technologists are key players in the operating room, ensuring that surgeries run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps to becoming a certified surgical technologist, the skills required, the roles and responsibilities, and the career opportunities available in this rapidly growing field.

What is a Surgical Technologist?

A Surgical Technologist, often referred to as a scrub tech or operating room technician, is a trained healthcare professional who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses to provide critical support during surgical procedures. Their primary responsibilities include preparing the operating room, ensuring equipment is sterile, and assisting the surgical team throughout the procedure.

Surgical technologists are indispensable members of the surgical team, contributing to every stage of surgery—preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. They play a critical role in ensuring patient safety, minimizing the risk of infection, and maintaining the sterile environment required for successful surgeries.

Why Become a Surgical Technologist?

1. Short Training Period: Compared to other healthcare roles, surgical technologists can enter the field in as little as 12 months with a certificate program or 24 months with an associate degree.
2. High Demand: Advances in surgical procedures and an aging population contribute to a growing need for surgical technologists. Employment in this field is projected to grow by 5% between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
3. Rewarding Work: As a surgical technologist, you’re directly involved in life-saving procedures, making a significant impact on patient outcomes.
4. Career Growth: Surgical technologists can specialize in areas such as cardiovascular surgery or neurosurgery or advance into roles like surgical first assistants or registered nurses.
5. Competitive Salary: The median annual salary for surgical technologists is $60,610, with potential to earn much more in specialized or high-demand settings.
   
   

Roles and Responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist

Preoperative Responsibilities

• Preparing the operating room by sterilizing equipment and ensuring a sterile field.
• Assembling surgical instruments and verifying that all necessary tools are present.
• Preparing patients for surgery, which may include cleaning and disinfecting incision sites and positioning them on the operating table.
• Ensuring all medical equipment is functioning properly.

Intraoperative Responsibilities

• Passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon and other surgical team members.
• Anticipating the needs of the surgeon during the procedure.
• Maintaining the sterile field throughout the surgery.
• Assisting with tasks such as retracting tissues, applying dressings, or handling specimens for laboratory analysis.

Postoperative Responsibilities

• Counting instruments and supplies to ensure nothing is left inside the patient.
• Cleaning and sterilizing the operating room for the next procedure.
• Assisting in transferring the patient to the recovery room.
• Documenting surgical procedures and maintaining inventory of equipment and supplies.
  
  

Steps to Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

To enroll in a surgical technology program, you must first complete high school or obtain a GED. High school courses in biology, anatomy, and chemistry provide a strong foundation for the rigorous coursework ahead.

2. Enroll in an Accredited Surgical Technology Program

Choose a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accredited programs ensure you receive the training necessary to pass the certification exam and meet industry standards.

Program Types:

• Certificate or Diploma Program: Typically 9–12 months.
• Associate Degree Program: Usually 18–24 months and includes general education courses along with surgical training.

Core Coursework Includes:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Sterile Techniques
• Surgical Pharmacology
• Patient Care
• Medical Terminology
• Surgical Procedures and Techniques
  
  

3. Complete Clinical Training

Hands-on clinical experience is a critical component of your training. Most programs include internships or externships that allow students to work under supervision in real-world surgical settings. This experience helps you develop the practical skills needed to succeed in the field.

4. Obtain Certification

While not all states require certification, becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) significantly enhances your job prospects and earning potential. The CST credential is offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Certification Requirements:

• Completion of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program.
• Passing the CST exam, a comprehensive test covering preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures, as well as surgical anatomy, sterilization techniques, and patient care.

5. Maintain Certification

CST certification must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires completing 30 continuing education credits or retaking the CST exam. Staying certified ensures you remain updated on the latest practices and advancements in the field.

Skills Required for Surgical Technologists

To excel as a surgical technologist, you’ll need a mix of technical and interpersonal skills:

• Attention to Detail: Precision is crucial for maintaining sterility and preventing errors.
• Manual Dexterity: You’ll handle delicate instruments and assist with intricate surgical tasks.
• Communication Skills: Clear communication with the surgical team is essential for seamless operations.
• Calm Under Pressure: The operating room can be a high-stress environment; staying composed is critical.
• Teamwork: Surgical technologists work as part of a larger healthcare team, requiring strong collaboration skills.
  
  

Work Environments for Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

1. Hospitals: The largest employer of surgical technologists, offering opportunities in a wide range of specialties.
2. Ambulatory Surgical Centers: Focused on outpatient procedures, providing a faster-paced environment.
3. Physicians' Offices: Specialized practices such as dermatology or ophthalmology often employ surgical technologists.
4. Military Medical Facilities: Opportunities to serve military personnel and their families.
   
   

Career Specializations

As a surgical technologist, you can choose to specialize in areas such as:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedics
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Organ Transplantation

Specializing often requires additional training and certifications but opens doors to higher-paying and more challenging roles.

Salary and Career Outlook

Earnings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for surgical technologists is $60,610. The top 10% earn over $83,150 annually.

Highest-Paying States:

1. Alaska: $73,960
2. California: $72,860
3. Connecticut: $71,430
   

Top-Paying Cities:

1. San Francisco, CA: $87,200
2. San Jose, CA: $85,030
3. Vallejo, CA: $85,910
   
   

Job Outlook

The BLS projects 5% job growth between 2022 and 2032, creating approximately 5,900 new positions. Advances in medical technology and an aging population are driving this demand.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Physical Demands

Surgical technologists spend long hours standing and performing physically demanding tasks. Maintaining good physical health and practicing proper ergonomics can help mitigate these challenges.

High-Stress Environment

The fast-paced nature of the operating room requires emotional resilience. Developing stress management techniques and building confidence through experience can help you thrive under pressure.

Why Choose Go Elective for Your Training?

Go Elective offers unique internship opportunities for aspiring surgical technologists, providing hands-on experience in resource-limited healthcare settings abroad. These programs are ideal for students seeking to enhance their skills while making a meaningful impact.

Benefits of a Go Elective Internship:

• Gain real-world surgical experience in international settings.
• Work alongside seasoned professionals in diverse specialties.
• Immerse yourself in new cultures and healthcare systems.
  
  

Conclusion

Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist is a rewarding pathway for those looking to embark on a healthcare career that combines technical expertise with the opportunity to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives. With a short training period, growing demand, and opportunities for specialization, this field offers stability, growth, and purpose.

If you’re exploring ways to enter the healthcare profession, consider enrolling in a Go Elective pre-health internship or medical electives abroad. Our programs provide unparalleled real-world experience to complement your education and set you up for success. Your journey toward a fulfilling healthcare career starts here.

Apply today and take your first step toward making a meaningful impact!

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Dec 18, 2024