Surgical Tech Programs: A Guide to Becoming a Surgical Technologist
A Surgical Technologist (Surgical Tech or Scrub Tech) is a healthcare professional who assists surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff in the operating room. They ensure that surgical instruments are sterile, prepare patients for surgery, and assist during procedures.
1. Types of Surgical Tech Programs
🔹 Certificate/Diploma Programs
- Takes 12–18 months to complete.
- Focuses on essential surgical skills and clinical experience.
- Offered by vocational schools and community colleges.
🔹 Associate Degree in Surgical Technology
- Takes 2 years to complete.
- Includes general education courses along with surgical training.
- Provides better job opportunities and higher earning potential.
🔹 Bachelor’s Degree (Less Common)
- Takes 4 years to complete.
- Includes advanced surgical training, healthcare management, and leadership courses.
- Ideal for those planning to advance into surgical assisting or healthcare administration.
2. Admission Requirements
✅ High school diploma or GED
✅ Prerequisite courses (e.g., biology, anatomy, medical terminology)
✅ Background check and drug screening
✅ CPR certification (sometimes required)
3. Accreditation & Certification
- Choose a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- After graduation, you can earn certification:
🔹 Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) – Offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
🔹 Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) – Offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).- Some states require certification, while others do not.
4. Course Topics
📌 Surgical procedures & techniques
📌 Sterile processing & infection control
📌 Anatomy & physiology
📌 Medical terminology
📌 Pharmacology & anesthesia
📌 Operating room safety & ethics
5. Clinical Training & Internships
- Programs include hands-on training in hospitals or surgical centers.
- Internships provide real-world experience before entering the workforce.
6. Career Outlook & Salary
💰 Median Salary: $56,350 per year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)
📈 Job Growth: 5% increase (2022–2032) due to rising demand for surgeries.
🩺 Workplaces: Hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, plastic surgery clinics, labor and delivery units.
