Introduction
Becoming a surgical technologist, often referred to as a surgical tech, is an exciting and rewarding career choice for individuals interested in healthcare and surgical procedures. Surgical technologists play a crucial role in the operating room, assisting surgeons and nurses during surgeries. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a surgical tech.
1. Education and Training: Completing a formal education program is normally required to become a surgical technologist. Hospitals, community colleges, and vocational schools frequently provide these programs. They can lead to a diploma, certificate, or associate degree and range in duration from nine months to two years. Anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and surgical techniques are among the subjects covered in the courses. Selecting a program that has been accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is crucial.
2. Certification: The majority of employers prefer or need surgical technologists to be certified, while state-specific criteria may differ. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certificate is provided by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). You must pass the CST exam and graduate from an authorized program in order to obtain this certification. It is important to check with your state’s board of health or professional licensing agency as some states may have extra requirements.
3. Clinical Experience: To become a skilled surgical technician, one must have practical experience. A significant number of educational programs incorporate a clinical component in which students work under the supervision of seasoned nurses and surgical technicians in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Students can apply their classroom information to real-world situations and gain valuable real-world experience from this.
4. Career Advancement and Continuing Education: As a surgical technician, you must continue your education to stay up to date in the industry and to further your career after earning your certification and gaining some experience. Surgical technologists have the option to become certified in particular surgical specialty or robotic surgery, for example. With more study and training, people may also decide to go to positions like surgical first assistant.
Summary
A surgical technician must have a strong commitment to patient care and safety, as well as attention to education. It’s a career that provides the chance to collaborate closely in a fast-paced, dynamic setting with surgeons and other medical specialists. A successful career as a surgical tech can be achieved through the completion of a formal education program, certification, clinical experience, and ongoing education. This will enable you to play a vital role in the work of surgical teams in healthcare settings.