Professional organizations, healthcare agencies, and students continue to search for answers to the ever-changing field of surgical technology. The Society of Surgical Technologists (SST) has compiled this list of frequently asked questions in order to help aid in your search.
Please feel free to contact us at any time should you have any further questions or concerns about surgical technology, and we will do our best to assist you!
What Is Surgical Technology?
Surgical technology includes the various tools and techniques used in surgical interventions. A surgical intervention can be anything from a minor surgical procedure like an appendectomy to an organ transplant, such as a kidney transplant. The main goal of surgery is to heal, relieve pain, or prolong life.
Surgical procedures require precision and accuracy. One instrument that helps surgeons execute these delicate tasks are needles (insulin needle). This type of needle has very sharp edges on the tip which allow it to cut through skin and other tissues easily without causing much damage in the process.
Needles are often made out of steel or plastic materials that are strong enough to withstand repeated use on patients while remaining flexible enough for surgeons to push them through tissue without breaking the needle tip off inside the patient’s body.
Where Do I Start?
A career in surgical technology may be right for you if you have an interest in the medical field, enjoy working with people and are good at math.
The first step to becoming a surgical technologist is to complete an associate degree program that includes clinical experience. You should also do volunteer work to get hands-on experience in the operating room. After completing your education, get certified through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Passing the exam requires you to take courses on anatomy, basic science, surgical technology, and pharmacology before taking an exam with 150 multiple-choice questions. For those who don’t pass the exam or want more skills, surgical technology can offer continuing education classes in topics like ophthalmology and urology.
Education And Training
Surgery technology careers start with education and training. The educational requirements vary by the type of surgery, but they usually require an associate degree in surgical technology or surgical assisting. In the educational curriculum, students will take courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and patient care.
Additionally, many schools offer clinical rotations where students get experience working in operating rooms and intensive care units. Clinical rotations typically last one semester to two years depending on the school’s program requirements. During the course of their training, surgical technologists receive hands-on training in anaesthesia techniques and surgical instrumentation.
They also study patient management procedures including dressing changes and bedside care. Some graduates may choose to complete additional certification programs such as Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To work as a certified surgical technologist, individuals must be licensed by their state board of health.
What Are My Career Options?
If you love science and anatomy, surgical technology might be the career for you! To become a surgical technologist, you need to complete an associate degree program in surgical technology. You will learn about the history of surgery and how to set up operating rooms. You will also learn about surgical equipment and sterile technique procedures.
Additionally, you’ll need to get licensed with the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Once your training is complete, surgical technologists assist surgeons during surgeries by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment and handing tools to surgeons.
After surgical procedures, they may help doctors remove surgical instruments and monitor patients’ conditions. There are many different types of surgical technologies such as ophthalmic technician, orthopaedic technician or cytopathology tech. The American Association of Medical Assistants notes that these jobs can offer advancement opportunities depending on a person’s experience level.
What Does the Future Hold for Surgical Technologists?
Surgical technologists are the professionals that work with surgeons before, during and after surgeries. Their duties may include preparing the operating room, administering anaesthesia, handling instruments and equipment, monitoring vital signs and other tasks.
Some surgical technologists specialize in certain surgical procedures or specialties, such as cardiovascular surgery or orthopaedics.
Surgical technologists need to know how to prepare for unexpected events like emergency situations or equipment malfunctions. They also need to be able to communicate well with surgeons as well as with colleagues and patients.
A bachelor’s degree in surgical technology can provide students with the knowledge they need to excel in this field; programs typically last two years on average.
What Skills Will I Need on The Job?
To be successful in surgical technology, you need to be highly skilled in math and science. You will also need good communication skills, since you will be working closely with medical professionals, patients and their families. It’s important to have good people skills as well. This career requires employees to work as part of a team and carry out tasks as needed.
The main duty of surgical technologists is to assist surgeons while they operate on a patient. During surgery, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up the equipment and materials. After surgery, they help clean up the operating room and put away any instruments that were used.
They also take care of basic clerical duties such as scheduling appointments for staff members or updating computerized records on patients’ health histories or surgeries performed at the hospital.
The Upsides of Surgical Technology Careers
Surgical Technology is one of the most fast-growing career fields in healthcare. Surgical technologists are responsible for preparing and maintaining operating rooms, as well as monitoring operating room equipment and assisting surgeons during surgery. This high-tech field offers many exciting opportunities for advancement, with the potential to earn over $100,000 per year.
There are multiple routes to becoming a surgical tech, including an associate degree in surgical technology or certificate programs that can be completed at local colleges or vocational schools. The American Society of Clinical Pathology also offers certification exams for surgical technicians.
Salary Range and Job Outlook
A career in surgical technology provides a challenging and rewarding way to help people lead healthier lives. The salary for surgical technologists can vary widely depending on the work setting, location and type of position, with the median annual wage in 2016 coming out to $44,590. The number of job openings for surgical technologists should increase by 11% from 2016-2026.
The expected growth is much faster than the average for all occupations, and those who have surgical technology training will be well positioned for many of these positions. There are four steps to becoming a surgical technologist:
1) Earn your associate degree in surgical technology
2) Complete an accredited hospital program
3) Pass the national certification exam
4) Get licensed as required by your state.
Tips For Getting Started with This Career Choice
If you’re looking for a career that has many job opportunities, flexible hours, and doesn’t require an advanced degree, surgical technology might be right up your alley. Surgical technologists prepare the operating room with equipment and clean the area during surgery.
The Bureau of Labour Statistics estimates that there will be over 25,000 jobs available in this field by 2020. You can get certified in surgical technology through both the Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) or the Board of Certification (BOC). Once you get certified, you can work in hospitals, surgical centres, or other medical facilities.
Conclusion
Surgical Technology is an emerging career, and for good reason. This field requires commitment and dedication, but the rewards are well worth it. Surgical Technologists work in hospitals to assist surgeons during surgery by passing instruments, draping sterile sheets and assisting with intra-operative tasks such as applying tourniquets, suctioning blood, or holding retractors.
After graduating from a surgical technology program at a college or hospital-based training program, surgical technologists will be prepared to take the certification exam offered by the National Centre for Competency Testing. This exam covers both theoretical knowledge of surgical procedures and practical skills required to function as an assistant in the operating room.
