Surgical techs are the unsung heroes of hospitals, operating rooms, and clinics across the nation. These technicians not only perform maintenance on surgical appliances and equipment, but they also do end-to-end work from prepping an instrument to ordering supplies to sterilizing it again. If you enjoy being around medical equipment, working as part of a team, and helping people by keeping patients healthy through hands-on selfless service, then becoming a surgical tech may be the career for you! In this article we’ll discuss what a surgical technologist is and how you can get into this rewarding field. With so many opportunities available in Surg Tech 101, there is no reason why anyone should feel limited because of their location or lack of experience.
What is a Surgical Technologist?
Surgical technologists, also called scrub techs, assist surgeons in operating rooms by maintaining the sterile environment. They are responsible for sterilizing all instruments and equipment used in surgery, as well as carrying out all post-surgery cleaning procedures. Surgical technologists are responsible for the operation of the sterilization equipment and the safe storage of all equipment and supplies used. Surgical technologists also assist in the prepping of the operating room by setting up the operating room and lab areas and assisting in the transfer of patients from the exam room to the operating room. After the surgery, they also assist in the cleaning process, ensuring every piece of equipment is properly cleaned and disinfected before it is reused.
Why Become a Surgical Technician?
– Easy to Find Job Prospects – With the increasing demand for surgical services, the field of surgical technology is experiencing an increase in job prospects. In fact, jobs in the field are expected to increase by 31% from 2016-2026. – High Pay for Entry-Level Positions – Besides the fact that you’ll enjoy learning hands-on skills and working with highly-skilled individuals, you will also find high pay for entry-level positions from $17-$30/hr. – Gain Experience for Future Careers – In addition to the flexible schedule and great pay, surgical technicians get six months of on-the-job training with the option of continuing for an additional two years. This means you’ll have the chance to gain valuable experience, while also moving forward with your future career. – Get a Solid Understanding of Operations – A surgical technician is a hands-on position and as such requires a high level of skills and expertise. This means a technician will have the opportunity to learn and advance their knowledge of surgical techniques and procedures.
How to Become a Surgical Technician
– Complete High School – Even if you have no interest in a career in healthcare, a high school diploma is required to begin the application process for surgical technician jobs. While it is not required to complete a four-year degree, earning one will help you stand out in the hiring process. – Enroll in Surgical Technician Courses – After graduating from high school, it’s time to start looking for programs that will teach you how to be a surgical technician. This can be done through online courses or community colleges. – Apply for Surgical Tech Jobs – Having completed the program, it’s time to start applying for jobs. You can start with online resume posting sites such as Monster, Ziprecruiter, or CareerBuilder. – Attend Interviews – Once you’ve collected a few interviews under your belt, it’s time to start scheduling the in-person interviews. – Accept the Job Offer – If you make it through the interview process, you’ll have to take the job! Keep in mind that this is a hands-on position, so you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to put in the long hours and work needed to be a successful technician. – Make the Most of Your Job as a Surgical Tech – Keep equipment clean and in good working order – Not only will you be keeping equipment clean, but it will also be ready for reuse in the future. – Conduct training and education – All technicians are required to attend continuing education sessions to stay informed of new techniques and procedures. – Maintain professionalism – Despite the hard work, technicians should always act in a professional manner at all times.
Surg Tech 101 Final Tips
– Build a Network – It’s not enough to just focus on getting a job. Once you have a job, you’ll want to continue building your network by staying in touch with your co-workers and attending events. – Be Flexible – Surgical techs are responsible for a high volume of work, often in an environment with tight deadlines, so you’ll need to be flexible as well. – Be Ready to Put in the Long Hours – A surgical technician is a hands-on position and as such requires a high level of skills and expertise. This means a technician will have the opportunity to learn and advance their knowledge of surgical techniques and procedures. – Make Sure You’re Ready for the Long Hours – There is no way to avoid the long hours as a surgical technician. However, you can make sure you are ready for them by preparing yourself for them. – Get Involved – It’s important to get involved with your community and your hospital. This will allow you to stay informed and make sure you are making an impact on your hospital and the community. – Take Advantage of On-the-Job Training Opportunities – Many hospitals offer on-the-job training programs. You can also complete some of these programs while working full-time. This allows you to gain experience while moving forward with your career. – Be Well-Groomed – You can’t be a surgical tech if you aren’t well-groomed. This means wearing professional-looking clothes and keeping your appearance at a high standard. – Be Prepped – It’s important that you are prepared for the long hours and high-pressure situation as a surgical technician by being well-prepared. – Make Time for Self-Improvement – It’s important to make time for self-improvement, whether that’s reading books or taking online courses. This will allow you to stay informed and make sure you are making an impact on your hospital and the community. – Take Advantage of Paid Training Opportunities – Many hospitals offer paid training programs. You can also complete some of these programs while working full-time. This allows you to gain experience while moving forward with your career.
Conclusion
A career as a surgical technician offers a great opportunity to work closely with surgeons and other medical professionals, while also learning the ins and outs of the medical equipment used in hospitals and clinics. If you enjoy hands-on work, are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and are willing to put in long hours, you can find a career as a surgical technician.
Surg Tech 101: Everything a Surg Tech Needs To Know Before They Start Working
On any given day, there could be up to 200 surgeries being performed simultaneously in the hospital. Surg Techs are responsible for keeping all of these patients and their needs clean, safe, and organized throughout the entire process. This can be a lot to keep track of, but with a little bit of preparation and some dedicated time, you’ll find that working as an Surg Tech is one of the most rewarding careers you could choose. Working as an Surg Tech is not just about operating on patients; it’s about so much more than that. Even if you’re not sure exactly what you want out of your career or if this is something you can see yourself doing for the long haul, there are still a number of reasons why working as an Surg Tech might just be right for you. Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing field before considering it as an option for your professional future
What is a Surg Tech?
Surg Techs are medical professionals who perform a variety of surgical duties. Depending on the setting, an Surg Tech may work under the supervision of a Surgeon or other Staff Surg Techs. While the primary responsibility of an Surg Tech is to perform medically necessary operations, Surg Techs may also perform non-surgical duties, such as assisting with radiology, patient scheduling and laboratory services. Additionally, Surg Techs will report to the RN Manager, depending on the setting. Surg Techs work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and research facilities. Jobs are available in hospitals and surgery centers, outpatient clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, home health care, and ambulatory surgery centers. Many Surg Techs work part-time, giving them the option to work around other commitments, such as family or school.
Why Become an Surg Tech?
There are a number of reasons why a career as an Surg Tech might be right for you. First and foremost, the job itself is incredibly rewarding. The patients you treat are some of the most vulnerable people on the planet, and working side-by-side with them to make their lives better is an experience you’ll never forget. Another reason to become an Surg Tech is because of the flexibility this job offers. Depending on where you work, you can often work part-time, while also maintaining a healthy balance in your personal life. With more part-time jobs becoming available, Surg Techs can choose to work a few hours a week while still earning a stable income and meeting the financial needs of their family.
Learning Curve
The need to learn new skills is a common trend among most careers, but it’s more prevalent in Surg Techs than in most fields. Most Surg Techs need to learn a new set of skills and techniques, and oftentimes there aren’t any established standards in place within a specific setting. Even when standards are in place, they’re subject to change based on changing needs. This can mean that you’ll need to learn new techniques and skills at a moment’s notice. Some Surg Techs find this part of the job exciting, but for others it can be overwhelming. Surg Techs often work with new and cutting-edge technologies, but there’s usually no standardization or long-term planning that goes into these systems. Some technology may be more effective than others, but no one knows how it will change and improve in the future. This can be a big cause of stress for Surg Techs.
Flexibility
Working as an Surg Tech allows you to easily switch between different kinds of jobs, including part-time work, temporary assignments, and work at home. Not only does this give you the flexibility to work around your other obligations, but it can also be an effective way to find a full-time job if you’re looking for something more permanent. With more employers offering flexible work options and the ability to work remotely, you’ll also find that Surg Techs have a lot of flexibility when it comes to finding a full-time job. With so much uncertainty in the job market, some employers are looking for employees who are willing to work a job that fits around another one or who are willing to work remotely if that’s an option for them.
Job Security
Surg Techs are in the business of saving lives, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll always be able to find work in this field. In fact, many Surg Techs are required to seek employment in other fields while they’re waiting to find a job in their field of interest. That said, job security is often overstated and a misleading figure. While there are specific industries with a higher risk of job loss, Surg Techs can find security in most other fields. If a job market is especially tight, you may be able to find a job fairly quickly, but eventually you’ll need to switch fields again.
Advancement Opportunities
Depending on your work setting, you may be able to move up the ladder and become a Manager or a Director. Within the Surgical Technology field, there are also many associations that offer educational scholarships and grants for those interested in advancing their career. While Surg Techs don’t have the same kind of career growth opportunities that Nurse Managers do, most Surg Tech jobs do have excellent advancement potential. In fact, many Surg Techs eventually move into a different job within the organization after gaining experience.
Take-Home Pay
This will vary depending on the job and the employer, but Surg Techs earn an average salary of $63,000. With the wide range of salaries out there, it’s important to check out the average salaries of your local Surg Tech jobs and then do some research to find out how much others are earning. It’s also important to remember that just because a job pays a certain amount doesn’t mean that’s what you’ll make every week or month. A lot of factors come into play, including the cost of living in each area, the number of hours you work each week, and the number of weeks in a year that you have to pay taxes.
Surg Tech 101
Surg Techs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, surgery centers, outpatient clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, home health care, and ambulatory surgery centers. Surg Techs are medical professionals who perform a variety of surgical duties. Depending on the setting, an Surg Tech may work under the supervision of a Surgeon or other Staff Surg Techs. Once you’ve chosen a career path and taken the necessary steps to get started, the most important thing you can do is find a career mentor. A mentor can help you navigate the job market and make the right connections, while also offering sage advice and encouragement along the way.
The Power of Surg Tech 101: Everything You Need to Know About The Job
Surgical technologists are an essential part of the healthcare team. They help keep operating rooms clean, prepare patients for surgery and assist surgeons in the operating room. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this is a fast-growing field, which means there are plenty of opportunities for prospective Surg Techs. Thus, it’s no surprise that many people are interested in getting into this career. If you have your sights set on becoming a surgical tech, there’s more to consider than just taking the first step towards your future career. Read on for everything you need to know about becoming a surgical tech – from how much you can expect to earn as an entry-level technician, to what skills you’ll need before diving headfirst into a training program and beyond.
How much does a Surgical Tech Earn?
According to the BLS, surgical technologists held an average of $44.81 an hour in 2016. Therefore, the national mean wage for surgical techs was $33.54 an hour or $81,000 a year. That’s a pretty substantial income. However, surgical techs can earn more than $100,000 a year on the high end. It all depends on your experience and education level. As an entry-level Surg Tech, you may start out earning $30,000 a year. At the high end, surgical techs with 10 years of experience can earn $120,000. This is higher in rural areas, where the cost of living is lower and wages are higher.
Which Colleges have the Highest Starting Salaries for Surg Techs?
According to PayScale, the top-paying colleges for Surg Techs are the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ($55,625), Nova Southeastern University ($53,668), and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($50,000). The lowest-paying colleges for Surg Techs are University of North Dakota ($28,100), University of New Mexico ($30,000), and California State University, Bakersfield ($30,000).
What is a Surgical Tech Program?
A surgical tech training program is an intense course of study that prepares you to become a surgical tech. Some programs take 1-2 years to complete while others require more than 5 years of full-time, post-secondary study. The coursework will cover a variety of topics, including anatomy, pathology, and physiology, with an emphasis on surgical technology. Courses will also cover business practices, ethics and professionalism.
Required Skills for Becoming a Surg Tech
Surgical techs must be comfortable working in tight confines, bending, and kneeling. You’ll also need to be able to lift and move heavy objects, use your hands and arms to reach, and keep your balance when on your knees or your feet. These are just a few of the essential skills all surgical techs must have to succeed in this career. Other skills that are helpful include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to multi-task, and above all, dependability.
Get Hands-On Training as a Surg Tech
As you move closer to applying to programs and earning an official Surgical Tech degree, it’s important to keep your eyes on the prize. That means taking the next step towards your future with hands-on training. It’s important to note that a degree or certificate in surgical teching is not the same thing as a license. You do not need a license to work as a surgical tech. Hands-on training is an excellent way to gain experience. You can gain real-world skills that will be useful in your career, including operating rooms and other healthcare facilities. Hands-on training is also an affordable way to get yourself in the best possible shape for your future career.
Bottom Line
If you’re serious about becoming a surgical tech, there’s no better time to get started. Whether you choose a four-year university or community college, a surgical tech program is a solid investment. You’ll learn valuable skills that you can use to gain employment in the healthcare industry, as well as get yourself on the path to financial stability and a future in this rewarding field.
What You Need to Know About Surg Tech 101
If you’re considering a career as a sterile processing technician (Surg Tech), then you’re probably already familiar with what it entails. But if you’re not sure exactly what the job requirements entail, then read on. As one of the more entry-level positions in the healthcare industry, Surg Techs usually begin with a Sterile Processing Technician Associate degree program before advancing to a Surgical Technology Technical degree program upon completion. Once there, they’ll complete their clinical rotation and pass the final exam before receiving their Surgical Technology Certificate.
Surgical Technology Associate Degree
Surg Techs begin with an associate degree in a field such as general science, biology, anatomy, or medical terminology. Thereafter, they’ll enroll in a program to obtain their associate degree in surgical technology. In this field, students learn basic medical terminology and concepts, as well as surgical techniques. Upon completion, they’re qualified to take the Certified Surgical Technologist exam. Surg Techs who have completed the associate degree program are now eligible to enroll in a program leading to a Surgical Technology Certificate. The Surgical Technology Certificate is awarded to those who have completed a minimum of 123 credits, which may include courses from various areas of study, including health and physical sciences, laboratory techniques, management information systems, and a clinical rotation.
Surgical Technology Certificate
After earning a Surgical Technology Certificate, Surg Techs can now apply to programs within the medical field that award certificates. Some of the majors that accept surgical technology certificates include Anesthesia, Cardiovascular Technology, Interventional Pain Therapy, Ophthalmic Technology, Podiatric Technology, and Urology. Some of the requirements that Surg Techs who wish to earn a certificate will have to meet are completion of a minimum of 30 credits from a syllabus that includes topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and an introduction to the medical field of interest. Among the credits required for the certificate are courses such as Anesthesia and Critical Care, Medical Imaging, and Operating Room Procedures.
Surgical Technology Degree
After earning a Surgical Technology Certificate, Surg Techs can now apply to programs within the medical field that award bachelor’s degrees. In this degree, Surg Techs can pursue an online or hybrid format of studies. Some of the majors that accept surgical technology degrees are Radiologic Science and Engineering, Medical Device Engineering and Management, and Biomedical Engineering. If you hope to become a surgeon, then you’re probably looking to earn a medical degree. However, a BS in Surgical Technology is also a great degree to begin your career. This is because a BS in Surgical Technology prepares you well for jobs in the medical field that require basic knowledge of sterilization and how to clean a patient after surgery.
How to Become a Surg Tech
First, determine the career path that you’d like to take. If you’re interested in taking the first steps toward becoming a Surg Tech, there are a few things that you should know. First, you’ll want to know the education and training requirements for Surg Tech jobs. After that, you’ll want to know the job duties and responsibilities. Finally, you’ll want to know what other career paths exist in the field of Surg Tech. There are many ways to become a Surg Tech. Some people start out as a Registered Nurse (RN). After two years as an RN, people often take the Certified Surgical Technologist exam and earn a Surgical Technology Certificate. In this capacity, Surg Techs can choose to specialize in a particular field such as Anesthesia, Cardiovascular Technology, Critical Care, or Surgery.
Registered Nurse (RN) Salary Expectation
As a Registered Nurse (RN), you’ll likely earn a salary between $70,000 and $100,000 per year. What’s more, you can expect to be paid more as you gain experience. In addition to your salary, Registered Nurses receive benefits such as medical/dental insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and more. Some employers also provide WSIB/CSAA benefits.
Registered Nurse (RN) Interview Tips
The best way to become a Registered Nurse (RN) is to first become a Registered Nurse. After earning your RN license, you can then begin to look for job openings that interest you. However, you’ll want to be careful when applying for jobs as you might be asked to complete certain tasks or provide a certain level of experience. So, it’s a good idea to take a look at what’s expected in order to better prepare for the job application process.
Surg Tech 101- What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Books
When it comes to becoming a surgical technician, you’ll need to not only know but also understand the fundamentals of a medical field. If you’re wondering what kind of knowledge and skills you should have before starting your Surgical Tech degree, read on for answers. To become a successful surgical technician, you need to have both the technical know-how and the critical thinking skills needed for problem solving. These two things are referred to as “Surg Tech 101” — or being well-versed in the essentials required to be an excellent tech. This article dives into everything from what type of background checks hospitals require when hiring new technicians to how much experience you should have before applying for a program.
What is Surg Tech 101?
Surg Tech 101 is simply the core knowledge and skills you’ll need to succeed as a surgical technologist. As the person who cleans, scrubs, and disinfects surgical equipment, you’ll be responsible for ensuring cleanliness and sterility in operating rooms (ORs) and clinics. You’ll also need to be skilled with certain tools and equipment, such as needles and syringes, as well as with basic math and science. As a surgical technician, you’ll have numerous tasks to complete each day. Before you can start, you’ll need to get a thorough understanding of the OR environment, including what’s in the space and how it functions. You’ll also need to understand how the various pieces of equipment in the OR work, including the light source, viewing system, and surgical table.
Why is Surg Tech 101 Important?
Surg Tech 101 is crucial for many reasons, including: – Understanding the OR environment — In an OR setting, you’ll be responsible for keeping the space clean and sterile. You’ll need to understand what makes a space sterile so you can properly clean and disinfect surfaces. – Properly cleaning surgical equipment — Before and after each operation, you’ll take care of surgical machines. You’ll need to know how to clean and disinfect these pieces of equipment, including operating tables, anesthesia pumps, and sterilizers. – Understanding the surgical procedure — You’ll need to know the various types of surgeries performed in the OR, as well as what each surgery looks like during and after the procedure. By better understanding the normal anatomy, you’ll be more likely to identify abnormalities and make certain interventions.
Types of Background Checks Hospitals Require
Before you can begin the process of finding and applying to surgical technician programs, you’ll need to know what type of background checks you’ll have to pass. Some of the background checks you may be asked to submit include: – A criminal background check — This will look at any past convictions you may have, including DUIs, misdemeanors, and, in some cases, felonies. – A driving history — You’ll need to submit a copy of your driving record to show you’re an excellent driver. A driving record will show if you’ve been involved in collisions, if you’ve had any moving violations, and where you currently drive. – A credit check — You’ll need to show that you have a stable financial history. This will look at your credit score as well as your current debt amount. – A drug test — Depending on the hospital, you may be required to submit to a drug test. This will show if you’ve ever been under the influence of drugs. – Credit information — You’ll need to show that you have a history of paying your bills on time. This can include a copy of your resume and a copy of your degree transcript. – Education/training information — You’ll need to show that you have a degree, license, or certification in the field you’re applying in.
How Much Experience Do You Need to Apply for a Surgical Tech Program?
Before you begin the application process for surgical technician programs, you’ll want to know how many years of experience you need to have before applying. While many programs will accept applicants with both an associate degree and some experience, others require you to have a bachelor’s degree before applying. For most programs, you’ll need to have at least three years of full-time experience. If you don’t have enough experience, you can still apply for a surgical technician program and work your way up to being certified as an Surgical Tech. It’s important to note that you should begin looking for a surgical technician program as soon as you decide you want to pursue this career path. You don’t want to wait until you’re at the point where you need to apply to programs.
Final Thoughts
In the end, surgical technicians need to have a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as a working knowledge of OR equipment. They’ll also need to have a solid working knowledge of infection control and a love for cleaning. These are just a few of the many things you’ll need to know in order to become a successful surgical technician. If you’re interested in becoming a surgical technician, you’ll have to understand the basic fundamentals of the medical field. This means you’ll need to know what the medical terminology is and what it means. You’ll also need to know where to look for the information you need and how to find it. With surgical technician programs, you’ll also need to be prepared to work hard, as well as be patient and persistent. On top of all of this, you’ll also need to be willing to work long hours as a surgeon’s aide in operating rooms around the country.
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