Jul 27, 2024

What You Need to Know If You’re Considering a Career as a Surgical Tech

Embarking on a career as a Surgical Technologist, often referred to as a Surgical Tech, is both rewarding and demanding. These healthcare professionals play a vital role in the operating room, working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses to ensure surgeries run smoothly and safely. If you’re considering this career path, here’s what you need to know about the education requirements, job responsibilities, and potential for career advancement, as well as a look into the growing field of traveling surgical techs.

Education and Certification

To become a Surgical Tech, you need to complete a postsecondary education program in surgical technology, which typically takes between 9 months to 2 years. These programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some universities, and they lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Coursework includes subjects like anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology, alongside hands-on training in surgical procedures.

After completing an accredited program, certification is often required by employers. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, which is obtained by passing an exam. Maintaining certification requires continuing education or retaking the exam periodically.

Job Responsibilities

Surgical Techs have a diverse set of responsibilities that are crucial before, during, and after surgical procedures. These include:

1. Preoperative Duties: Preparing the operating room by sterilizing equipment, arranging surgical instruments, and ensuring all necessary supplies are available.
2. Intraoperative Duties: Assisting the surgical team by passing instruments, holding retractors, and maintaining a sterile environment. Surgical Techs may also operate sterilization machines and manage specimens for laboratory analysis.
3. Postoperative Duties: Counting instruments and supplies to ensure nothing is left behind in the patient, cleaning and sterilizing the operating room, and preparing for the next surgery.

Skills and Qualities

Successful Surgical Techs possess a variety of skills and personal qualities, including:

1. Attention to Detail: Precision is critical in maintaining sterility and ensuring the correct instruments are used.
2. Stamina and Dexterity: The job requires standing for long periods and performing tasks that demand fine motor skills.
3. Calm Under Pressure: The operating room can be a high-stress environment, and staying composed is essential.
4. Teamwork: Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is key to ensuring patient safety and successful surgical outcomes.

Career Advancement

With experience, Surgical Techs can advance to roles such as Surgical First Assistants, who take on more responsibilities in surgeries, or they can specialize in areas like neurosurgery or cardiac surgery. Further education can also lead to careers in surgical technology education, hospital administration, or sales of surgical equipment.

The Traveling Surgical Tech

For those who crave variety and adventure, becoming a Traveling Surgical Tech offers an exciting opportunity. These professionals work on short term contracts, typically lasting 13 weeks, in various locations across the country. This path allows you to gain diverse experiences, meet new people, and see different parts of the country while earning competitive pay and often receiving additional benefits like housing stipends and travel allowances.

Being a traveling Surgical Tech requires adaptability and strong organizational skills, as you will need to quickly familiarize yourself with new hospital environments and surgical teams. However, the rewards are substantial, including the chance to broaden your professional skills as well as increased compensation.

If you are considering a career as a traveling surgical tech, Aequor’s family of allied healthcare recruiters would love to help guide you. Visit our self serve talent portal, to browse open Surgical Tech positions  and get connected with a dedicated Aequor recruiter.

A career as a Surgical Tech is an excellent choice for those interested in healthcare and looking for a hands on role in the operating room. With the right education and certification, a commitment to patient care, and a willingness to work as part of a team, you can thrive in this profession. And if you’re up for a bit of adventure, the option to work as a Traveling Surgical Tech can add an extra layer of excitement and fulfillment to your career.

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