How Long Does it take to become a Scrub Tech?

When some people think about work in the medical field, most of the time they think that they all require going to school for a number of years. This misconception can make people avoid these in-demand careers because they feel they don’t have years to get a stable and beneficial job.

The good news is that there are many medical jobs that aren’t as demanding when it comes to the number of years you have to go to school to get started. One exciting healthcare position that doesn’t take an exceedingly long time in school is becoming a scrub tech.

What Is a Scrub Tech?

A scrub tech, also known as a surgical technologist, is a medical professional that helps out in the operating room for surgeries. The job duties involve assisting the surgeon before, during, and after surgery. You can expect to prepare and provide the sterile equipment to the surgeon. You will help get the patient ready for surgery and get them transferred to the operating table at the proper time.

You’ll be in charge of the cleanliness of the operating room that is being used. Scrub techs also work with surgical staff to help them be scrubbed in before the surgery begins. You’d probably also be in charge of restocking the supplies needed for upcoming surgeries and assisting with record keeping.

What Education Does a Scrub Tech Need to Do Their Job?

In order to be a scrub tech, you will need to earn a post-secondary education. There are a variety of education options available to you if you wish to pursue this role. You can earn either a diploma, a certificate, or an associate degree. In order to qualify for admission to a program, you often need to have at least a high school diploma or a GED. What kind of education you get can impact where and how you work. Often medical facilities favor candidates with degrees because they have undergone more study and should be ready for more responsibility.

What Type of Classes Does It Involve?

No matter what program you decide to take, you can expect to take classes that will prepare you for this field. You’ll have to learn human anatomy and physiology. You’ll take a class on medical terminology. You’ll need to learn about surgical procedures, equipment, and sterilization techniques.

How Long Does a Program Take?

An associate degree program can take two years or more to finish at a traditional college. However, accelerated education exists to help benefit those looking to complete their studies sooner and might also be juggling responsibilities like a family or a full-time job, that their younger counterparts at a traditional college don't have.

What Are the Benefits to an Accelerated Education?

There are a number of benefits from an accelerated education. The key benefit is that you should have the opportunity to get the same amount of education in a shorter amount of time. This benefit makes it possible for you to get through your degree program quicker than if you attend a program that’s not accelerated.

Another benefit that comes from an accelerated education is that the shorter time between classes and entering your chosen field means that what you learned in the classroom is more likely to be fresh in your mind.

What Will a Future Technologist Learn in School That They Will Use in Their Daily Job?

The classes that a future technologist takes in school could provide them with the knowledge they need to work in this field. The sterile nature of the operating room is one of the things that helps to make surgeries today safer than in the past, and as a scrub tech, you’ll be ensuring that sterility exists. Your classes will prepare you to handle getting the operating room ready for the surgical staff.

Are you interested in becoming a scrub tech? If you want to study for an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology, consider ECPI University for the education you'll need. With accelerated classes and a year-round schedule, you could earn your degree sooner than students at a traditional college could. For more information about this exciting program, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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