Research The Ways To Train To Be A Surgical Technologist - Learn About Surgical Tech Schools, Programs And Certification
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If you want to be in the heart of the action by assisting in the operating room, perhaps being a surgical technologist is what you are looking for.
They set up the instruments needed before surgery, sterilize all the equipment, prepare patients for surgery by shaving and disinfecting the incision site, and then help during the surgery by passing instruments to the surgeon and watching the patient's vital signs.
A surgical technician, or a scrub as they're called, has many tasks and is a vital role in the operating room.
Surgical Technologist Education
To take part in this rewarding field, you need to attend accredited surgical technologist schools to get the appropriate surgical technologist training.
There are over 450 programs that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), so there are many to choose from. They offer certificates or diplomas in 1 year or 2 year associate's degrees, the latter being the more common choice.
It is recommended but not necessary to have completed classes in chemistry, math, biology and health in high school, as they will increase your chances of getting in the program, but finishing high school is absolutely mandatory.
Your surgical technology courses will cover subjects like ethics, medical vocabulary, microbiology, pharmacology, physiology and anatomy, as well as teach you skills like techniques to sterilize, surgical procedures, caring for patients, preventing or handling infections and working with specific drugs, solutions and instruments.
Certification
Certification is not mandatory in this field, but employers tend to favor a certified surgical technologist since the credentials confirm your level of skill and ability.
In order to get your surgical technologist certification, you need to pass a licensing exam given by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist after you complete your studies from a CAAHP accredited school.
Passing this national exam will allow you to use the title of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), which you will have to maintain by taking 60 hours of continuing education credits every 4 years.
You can also get your certification and be titled Tech in Surgery-Certified, TS-C (NCCT) by passing the national exam given by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). This certification must be maintained with continuing education every 5 years.
Career Outlook
All medical fields have good prospect for the future due the ageing population, and this career is no different. It is expected to grow 25% until 2018 and provide many new opportunities for budding surgical technologists. Additionally, the salary is quite good, with an average range of about $32,500 to $47,000 with the potential of earning more with higher levels of education and experience. Becoming a surgical technologist is a smart and steady career choice that is sure to be the challenge you seek.
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