Surgical Tech Information
A surgical technologist is a valuable member of the surgical team. The basic duties are to assist in surgery, but assisting can entail many things. Surgical techs make a good living and are in demand.
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Job Duties
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A surgical technologist assists during surgery and works under the supervision of physicians or registered nurses. A surgical tech must prepare the operating room for surgery by testing equipment and sterilizing instruments. He may also help prepare patients by washing and shaving the surgical site and observing the patient's vitals during the surgical procedure. Surgical techs are usually the one to hand surgical instruments to the physician during the operation.
Education
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The education requirements to become a surgical tech is a certificate, diploma or associate degree. Training programs range from 9 to 24 months and can be found at community colleges, vocational schools and technical centers. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs accredits these programs.
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Career Outlook
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The career outlook for a surgical tech is much greater than other careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that jobs for surgical techs will grow much faster than average. Techs who are certified will have an easier time seeking employment.
Certification
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There are two types of certification one can achieve as a surgical tech. One is the CST, or certified surgical technologist, from the Liaison Council on Certification for Surgical Technologist. The TS-C, or tech in surgery-certified, can be earned from the National Center for Competency Testing. Both certifications require the surgical tech to take an exam after completing an accredited program.
Salary
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Surgical techs make a decent salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical techs can make more than $50,000 a year on the higher-paying end of the pay scale, depending on experience and location.
Advancement
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Surgical techs can choose to specialize in a certain area of surgery, such as open heart surgery or pediatric surgery. There is also an option of advancing to first assistant with additional training.
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References
- Photo Credit Photo by Phil Beard