Are You Thinking Working in Medicine as a Surgical Technologist? If that defines you, and you possess great attention to detail and excel at working under pressure, a career as a surgical technologist might be perfect for you! This article’ll look in-depth into this field, discussing their duties and salaries. Join us as we discover all there is to know about Surgical Technologists!
What is a Surgical Technologist?
Surgical technologists, also called scrub techs or operating room technicians, are important health care workers who work with surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgery staff to ensure the operating room runs smoothly.
They are responsible for setting up the operating room, cleaning and putting away the surgical tools, and helping the doctors during procedures. They are important for keeping the surroundings clean, stopping infections, and ensuring patients are safe.
During surgeries, they help the surgeon by giving them tools like scalpels, pulling back tissues to ensure the surgeon can see, and doing things like suctioning cuts or sewing up wounds. They also need to ensure the area remains tidy and maintain an inventory of surgical tools.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 5.9% surge in demand for surgical technicians between 2021-2031, which should lead to over 6,500 new job openings.
How to Become a Surgical Technologist (ST)?
Becoming a surgical technologist needs education, training and certification. Here are the steps needed to start this rewarding career path:
Education: To become a surgical technologist, degrees must first be acquired. Courses can be found at both academic institutions (colleges and universities), with accreditation awarded by CAAHEP or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) upon successful completion. Coursework typically covers anatomy, lexicon, operations management and sterile technique.
Training: Once they complete an educational program, who want hands-on experience should seek hands-on training in actual operating room settings. This allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical ways while gaining valuable insight from experienced professionals.
Certification: While certification may not always be mandatory, employers often prefer it and see it as highly beneficial for employees. To meet employer preferences and obtain this credential, candidates must pass an exam evaluating knowledge and skills to become Certified CST.
Continuing Education: Professionals must engage in continuing education activities to keep their certifications current and be up-to-date on any advances in surgical technology. Attending seminars or conferences and undertaking additional study could fall under this category of continuing education activities.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Surgical Technologist?
The duration required to become a surgical technician varies widely, depending on which educational route one takes. Completing an associate degree program usually takes nine months and two years; shorter programs leading to certificates or diplomas can generally be finished faster.
Time commitment may differ depending on the program type (full-time or part-time), as well as an individual’s rate of advancement.
Read More: The Kaiz Esmail Medical School Is Revolutionizing Medical Education
Salary of Surgical Technologist
One of the significant factors in choosing any career is salary potential. As a surgical technologist, you can anticipate competitive compensation for your skills and expertise. In 2021, median wages was $48,530, with top earners making over $60k, while bottom performers received $46440 as median pay.
Notably, factors like geography, experience level and type of healthcare facility can affect salary variations within this profession. For instance, surgical technologists working in metropolitan or speciality hospitals may earn higher wages than those working at rural clinics or smaller health systems.
Best-Paying Cities for Surgical Technologists
San Jose, San Francisco, Vallejo, Sacramento and Santa Rosa boast some of the highest surgical technologist salaries.
| Cities | Salaries |
| San Jose, California | $80,450 |
| San Francisco, California | $80,170 |
| Vallejo, California | $77,460 |
| Sacramento, California | $74,470 |
| Santa Rosa, California | $74,330 |
States That Offer the Highest Salaries to Surgical Technologists
The states and districts of California, Alaska, Connecticut, and Nevada offer the highest mean salaries to Surgical Technologists. The District of Columbia pays the second highest wage, followed by Connecticut.
| States | Salaries |
| California | $68,410 |
| Alaska | $65,690 |
| District of Columbia | $65,250 |
| Connecticut | $65,190 |
| Nevada | $65,180 |
Surgical Technologist Jobs
There is anticipated to be a sizable increase in demand for surgical technologists over the following years, providing promising work opportunities for aspiring professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts indicate that their employment should rise at a rate 7% higher than the average between 2019 and 2029.
Surgical technologists find work opportunities across healthcare settings, from hospitals and outpatient surgical centres to physician’s offices and physician practices. Additionally, these specialists may specialize in cardiac surgery, orthopaedics or neurosurgery if desired.
As healthcare advances continue to transform surgical procedures, surgical technologists remain essential in providing efficient and safe patient care.
How to get a Surgical Technologist Job
If you are seeking a job as a Surgical Technologist, consider the following steps to increase your chances of securing a job:
Showcase your abilities: When applying to healthcare facilities, it’s important to highlight exactly what you can contribute to the surgical technology department. Emphasize your skills and knowledge by describing the many treatments you have undertaken. Employers expect new hires to be capable of performing even the most fundamental tasks immediately upon joining the company. Remember that additional training in more complex processes may be available from the organization.
Market your skills: Compellingly showcase your abilities. Demonstrate your surgical technology skills in your application materials. Stress your teamwork skills since surgical techs must coordinate with other medical staff in the operating room. Emphasize that you can handle arguments and keep calm under pressure, desirable traits in trying circumstances.
You may boost your chances of getting hired as a Surgical Technologist if you can articulate your experience, knowledge, and potential contributions to a surgical technology program.
Job Satisfaction
With average Americans working into their 60s, it has become essential that individuals find jobs which bring joy and fulfilment in their careers. A range of factors such as low-stress levels, work-life balance and opportunities for career growth such as promotions or increased earnings can all affect job satisfaction – let’s examine how Surgical Technologists evaluate this in terms of upward mobility, stress level and flexibility.
| Upward Mobility Average Opportunities for advancements and salary |
| Stress Level Above Average Work environment and complexities of the job’s responsibilities |
| Flexibility Below Average Alternative working schedule and work life balance |
Conclusion
One of the most rewarding medical professions is the surgical technician. These highly-skilled individuals play an essential role in surgical treatments and the overall well-being of their patients, making their careers rewarding and fulfilling. You could start one today with adequate education, training and credentials.
Always remember that a surgical technologist’s job description entails more than merely passing around instruments. They help keep the operating room clean and germ-free, monitor supplies, and offer seamless support to the surgeons.
Think about becoming a surgical technician if you have the attributes of accuracy, concentration, and cooperation. If you’re interested in helping save lives and improving patient outcomes, this is the field for you.
FAQs About Surgical Technologists
What Are Surgical Technologist Responsibilities?
A surgical technologist performs many essential duties within an operating room environment. Some of their important responsibilities may include:
1. Assisting surgeons during surgeries by providing them with surgical
instruments and supplies. Setting up the operating room to ensure it is clean, sterile, and adequately equipped.
2. To maintain accurate inventory records, sterilise and organise surgical instruments before counting sponges, needles, etc.
3. Collaboration with the surgical team to anticipate the needs of the surgeon. Preservation of a sterile environment during surgery for optimal outcomes with less risk of infection.
What education is required to become a surgical technologist?
To become a surgical technologist, you must complete a formal education program. Most surgical technology programs offer a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. These programs cover essential topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and surgical procedures. Choosing a program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES for quality education is crucial.
Are there any certification requirements for surgical technologists?
While certification is not mandatory in all states, it is highly recommended and can enhance job prospects. The CST credential NBSTSA offers the most recognized certification for surgical technologists. To earn the certificate, you must pass the CST exam, which evaluates your knowledge and skills in surgical technology.
What is the salary of a surgical technologist?
According to the BLS, the annual average salary for surgical technologists was $48,530 in 2021. The salary can be different based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility.
What is the salary of Surgical Technologists?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), surgical technologists reportedly earned an annual average salary of $48,530 in 2021. Actual earnings may differ based on experience, location and healthcare facility type.
Are there any specific areas within surgical technology?
Yes, surgical technologists can specialize in specific surgical disciplines. Some examples include cardiovascular surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery and obstetrics/gynaecology – just to name a few! Typically this requires additional education and experience beyond what was offered initially through certification programs.