How To Become A Surgeon Tech

Becoming a surgeon tech is a great way to get into the medical field, but it isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are a few requirements you need to meet before you can even start applying for jobs.

The first step to becoming a surgeon tech is getting your high school diploma or GED. You will also need to complete an associate’s degree in surgical technology from an accredited college or university.

Once you have completed your schooling and passed the certification exam, you will be able to begin applying for jobs. Most hospitals have their own training programs for new hires, so make sure to ask before accepting a position with any company if they offer any type of training benefits.

If you are looking at other options besides hospitals, such as working independently or running your own business then there are plenty of options available online that can help guide you through this process including online courses and books on how to start your own business

How To Become A Surgeon Tech

PART ONEWhat Is a Surgical Technologist?

A surgical technologist’s primary duty is to assist physicians with operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries. 

Skills Required for Surgical Technologists

In order to be a good surgical tech, you must be highly organized, proactive, conscientious, and stable enough to handle the fast-paced environment of the operating room.

Surgical techs must be able to anticipate the next move of the surgeon to ensure the operation goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

This demands extensive knowledge of hundreds of different surgical procedures and the steps and equipment needed to complete them. This can be a very stressful position. 

Surgical Technologist Specialties

Although many surgical technologists are generalists, you can choose to specialize in specific types of surgeries, including:

1. Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)
2. Cardiovascular
3. Orthopedic
4. Neurology
5. Reconstructive
6. Urology
7. Ear/nose/throat (ENT) 

Specializing typically requires additional training, but allows the technologist to broaden skills in techniques such as microsurgery, organ transplantation, and surgical robotics. 

How do you get specialized? Oftentimes there are in-hospital courses, on-the-job training, or national training programs for learning advanced skills. 

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PART TWOWhat Does a Surgical Technologist Do?

Surgical technologists have a variety of duties before, during, and after surgical procedures. The primary responsibility of a surgical tech is to ensure the operating room and surgical instruments are sterile, and ensuring the surgeons have all the instruments and materials they will need for the procedure.  

Other main responsibilities include:

1. Applying dressings to surgical sites
2. Assisting in retracting tissues from the surgical patient
3. Assisting other members of the team with terminal cleaning of the operating room
4. Coordinating the camera or changes out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon
5. Helping surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and other sterile supplies
6. Helping to prepare the patient for surgery
7. Participating in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care
8. Performing urinary catheterization
9. Preparing operating rooms for surgery
10. Sterilizing equipment 
11. Transporting the patient to and from the operating room

PART THREEWhere Do Surgical Technologists Work?

Surgical Technologists generally work in locations that have operating rooms or perform surgical procedures. Most commonly this is hospitals but surgical techs also work in the following locations: 

1. Ambulatory care centers
2. Clinics
3. Dental offices
4. Outpatient care centers
5. Private physician offices
6. Surgical centers

PART FOURSurgical Technologist Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for surgical techs in 2020 was $48,300 per year or $23.22 per hour with salary ranges from $33,420 to $71,400, but conditions in your area may vary. 

Highest Paying States for Surgical Technologists

The BLS reports that in May 2019 the highest paying states for surgical techs were:

1. Alaska – $67,660
2. Nevada – $64,050
3. California – $62,510
4. District of Columbia – $60,740
5. Minnesota – $60,090 

Highest Paying Cities for Surgical Technologists

The BLS also reported that the top five metropolitan cities for surgical tech pay were:

1. Salinas, California – $74,280
2. San Francisco – Oakland – Hayward, California – $72,790
3. San Jose – Sunnyvale – Santa Clara, California – $69,750
4. Anchorage, Alaska – $69,690
5. Vallejo – Fairfield, California – $69,160

Surgical Technologist Salary by Years of Experience

According to payscale.com, the average salary for a surgical tech as of March 2021 is $22.02 per hour or $44,909 per year.

Specifically, surgical techs can earn a higher annual salary with increased years of experience.

1. Less than 1 year of experience earn an average hourly wage of $18.64
2. 1-4 years of experience earn an average hourly wage of $19.79
3. 5-9 years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $21.76
4. 10-19 years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $24.37
5. 20 years and higher years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $26.00

PART FIVEHow Do You Become a Surgical Technologist?

Step 1: Graduate high school or earn a GED

High school students who want to become surgical techs should take courses in biology, anatomy, and hard sciences in order to prepare for advanced science courses. 

Gaining an internship at a local healthcare system is helpful to gain general experience in a healthcare environment.

Step 2: Enroll in an accredited surgical tech program

Surgical technologist programs are typically 12-24 months and often offered at community or technical colleges.

When choosing programs, students are advised to verify that their program is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Graduates from schools without proper accreditation may not be eligible for certification exams.

Step 3: Gain hands-on training experience

This can be achieved through job shadowing and internships. 

Step 4: Earn your certification and apply for individual state licensure

Each state has its own licensure requirements for surgical technologists. It is important to check the state licensing website prior to applying. 

Graduates will have to take one of the national certification exams through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. There are two main certification exam options for surgical techs. 

CST CERTIFICATION

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) provides those who pass an examination with the credential of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

Exam Eligibility Requirements

• Program must have been CAAHEP or ABHES accredited during your enrollment.
• Provide ONE of the following documents:
  • A notarized letter (on institutional letterhead) from the Program Director stating your name, date of graduation, and type of degree awarded.
  • A copy of your graduation certificate
  • Transcript 

NCCT CERTIFICATION

The National Center for Competency Testing offers eligible individuals the Tech in Surgery – Certified TS-C (NCCT) certification. There are three paths for eligibility: current student/graduate, experience, and military. The most common routes to certification are as a current student or graduate and through experience. 

Exam Eligibility Requirements

• Current Student/Graduate
  • United States high school student, graduate or GED
  • You must submit a copy of your diploma from your surgical technologist program, certificate of completion, or transcript with graduation date
  • You must complete and submit a Tech in Surgery – Certified (NCCT) Critical Skills Competency form
  • Candidates are allowed a maximum of two years from the test date for completion of case documentation including the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs
• Experience
  • Three years of verifiable full-time experience as a Surgical Technology practitioner within the past five years
  • United States high school student, graduate or GED
  • You must submit a copy of your high school diploma (or equivalent) and the Tech in Surgery – Certified (NCCT) Qualification by Experience form completed by your employer
  • Three years of full-time employment or equivalent (6240 hours) in the past five years working as a surgical technologist under the direct supervision of a Certified/Licensed Physician, Primary Care Provider, and/or RN