Surgical technology is a fantastic career that combines the detailed knowledge of surgical procedures and equipment with the medical knowledge necessary to participate in complex surgeries. Assisting in an operating room is a privileged position that not everyone who works in a hospital gets to have. It is also a rewarding place where you can see first-hand the advances that human medicine has made in solving health problems.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics found in 2012 that the median annual income for a surgical technologist was $41,790. They also found that the job growth outlook from 2012 to 2022 will be 30%, which is much faster than the average job growth of 11% making the surgical technology field a great opportunity. There are a few requirements you will have to complete to get hired as a surgical technologist. Here are some you should know about if you are considering a career as a surgical technologist.
Complete a Surgical Technologist Degree Program
You will have to complete a degree that gives you the education and training necessary to become a surgical technologist and become certified. An accredited program from a university, college or hospital that is dedicated to those students wanting to become surgical technologists is the best route. These programs are also designed to help you learn the things you need for the exam to become certified. Most programs cover such topics as:
- Anatomy
- Biology
- Medical terminology
- Pharmacology
- Equipment Sterilization/General Sterilization Practices
- Patient Safety and Care
- Surgical Instruments
- Setting up Robotic and Technological Equipment
Get Hands-On Work Experience
Besides completing the classroom education, most programs should include some real job experience through clinical rotations. Learning in the supervised clinical setting of a hospital or outpatient facility gives you the opportunity to bring your skills to the job and find out how to apply them in a real work environment.
Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist
Before you will be able to get hired and work as a surgical technologist, you will have to take the surgical technologist exam to become certified. A degree program at a university can both prepare you for your career as a surgical technologist and also get you ready for the qualifying exam. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting has plenty of great information about the exam fees, what you will need to be prepared for and with, as well as practice exams so you can make sure you are ready. You can even download a test prep app for simple test preparation anywhere. After receiving your certification you must maintain it with continuing education classes. You can also get certified through the National Center for Competency Testing.
Be Flexible
It is extremely helpful if you want to work as a surgical technologist to have a flexible life schedule. Hospitals stay open 365 days a year, night and day. While surgeries are normally scheduled during daytime work hours, there are times when you will be needed for emergency surgeries, holidays, weekends, and you may also be on-call occasionally. There are also times when surgeries run long and you might end up working more than an 8 hour shift. Some hospitals may even require you to work longer shifts. This kind of work schedule is typical for almost every hospital employee, but it is something you should be able and willing to commit to before jumping into the job. Dedication to a job that asks you to commit more time isn't only important to prove you are a reliable asset but in the first few years, it can be an invaluable learning experience that allows you to gain the respect of the doctors and nurses you work with. It can also cement the skills you learn in school. You should be prepared to be away from home more than the normal workday and sacrifice a couple holidays a year. That being said, if you love your job, it won't be such a sacrifice.
If you are interested in a career in surgical technology, contact ECPI University today and learn how you can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology in as little as 15 months through our year-round, accelerated learning program. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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