Why Surgical Technology? 5 Reasons to Get Started in the Field
Are you:
- Looking for a job that is as exciting as flying a fighter jet
- Eager to use your skills and knowledge to save lives and help people
- Possess a keen eye for detail
- One of those people with nerves of steel and a stomach to match
If you ticked a mental 'yes' in response to any of those, then a career as a surgical technologist may be right for you. Let's take a closer look!
1. You are an adrenaline junkie
No two days in the life of a surgical tech are the same. One morning, you might be engaged in what sounds, on the surface, like a routine chore such as sterilizing surgical instruments. That could involve using a trusty autoclave, which kills germs using heat and pressure. Other, more exciting methods include using hydrogen peroxide in the form of plasma vapor, ozone gas, or formaldehyde.
In the operating room, your job is to anticipate what instrument the surgeon is going to need for their next step and pass it to them before they even know they need it. At the same time, you'll be counting sponges and instruments to make sure nothing gets left behind inside the patient. Before that, you will have helped position the patient on the table, covered them with a sterile drape, and sterilized the incision site.
2. You're driven to do something meaningful with your life
You want more than getting out of bed, going to work, earning your paycheck, going home, eating, going to bed, and doing the same thing five days a week. You want your time to mean something and contribute to the greater good. What could have more meaning than saving lives, preserving limbs, or safely delivering a baby in an emergency? That is something worth leaping out of bed for in the morning.
3. You have a ghoulish curiosity about the human body
Maybe you dissected frogs, worms, and snails in the back yard when you were a kid. We're not here to judge. But if you're looking for a bigger and better fix, it doesn't get any better than cradling a human organ in your gloved hands in preparation for a transplant. Stopping an arterial bleed or resuscitating a patient mid-op are fun, too.
The mere fact that you are choreographing a delicate sequence of steps in concert with another human being while the patient lies sleeping before you is something only a privileged few get to experience.
4. You are looking for an above-average job security
Surgical technologists are freakishly in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the job outlook for this profession will increase by 12 percent by 2026. That's nearly twice the national average for all professions, which is usually around 7%.
5. You can work anywhere on the planet
If you train as a surgical technologist and acquire a nationally recognized qualification, you could be able to get a job anywhere in the country. Say your partner gets a job in another state, or maybe you just want a change of scenery or you've always wanted to live in the mountains or at the beach. If you want to work in a foreign country like Ethiopia, the Philippines, or Nicaragua, then you could join a medical mission through the Association of Surgical Technicians.
How can someone get started in this career?
It's easier than you might think. Many employers require either an associate's degree or a post--secondary non-degree award. You'll be expected to have studied courses in anatomy, biology, medical terminology, and physiology. Don't panic, but you will also need to be proficient in mathematics, psychology, college-level English composition, as well as classes to prepare you for working with the public, such as culture and diversity.
Does this sound like you? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology, consider ECPI University for the education you will need. For more information on our accelerated program, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Surgical Technology - Associate’s
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