If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a surgical tech but felt stuck because of your full-time job or other responsibilities, you’re not alone. The traditional approach to career training, which often involves years of on-campus education and a steep financial commitment, simply doesn’t work for many people. But what if you could gain the skills you need, entirely online, at your own pace, and without breaking the bank?
This article will explore how Dominique, a 23-year-old medical assistant, successfully transitioned to a surgical tech career through an innovative, flexible program. If you’re in a similar situation, Dominique’s journey and the program she used to become a surgical tech while working might inspire you to take the next step toward your career goals.
The Challenges of Becoming a Surgical Tech
Pursuing a career as a surgical tech typically requires specialized training, which has traditionally been offered through in-person college programs. These programs often come with several challenges, including:
- Rigid schedules: Classes on campus require you to show up at specific times, making it difficult for those with full-time jobs or family responsibilities.
- Time commitment: Traditional surgical tech programs can take up to two years to complete, forcing many to put their lives on hold.
- High costs: College tuition for healthcare programs can be prohibitively expensive, often leading to significant student debt.
For Dominique, these hurdles were all too familiar. She wanted to advance her career, but the traditional route wasn’t an option.
Dominique’s Journey: From Medical Assistant to Surgical Tech
Dominique was already working full-time as a medical assistant in Houston, Texas. Her role included assisting doctors with minor procedures, which sparked her interest in becoming a surgical tech. However, finding a program that fit her busy schedule was challenging.
“I spent about a year looking at community colleges and other programs, but they were all longer than expected,” Dominique explains. “I didn’t have the time to take off work and attend classes on campus Monday through Friday.”
This dilemma is common among working professionals who want to advance their careers but are held back by the demands of traditional education.
The Solution: Flexible, Online Training
Dominique eventually discovered Preppy’s online surgical tech program designed to make career training accessible for busy adults. The program offers:
- 100% online training: Learn from the comfort of your home without commuting to a campus.
- Self-paced courses: Move through the material at your convenience, whether that’s during your lunch break, after work, or late at night.
- Affordable tuition: With a total cost of $1,599, Preppy is a fraction of the price of traditional college programs.
“Once I found Preppy and noticed everything was online, I knew it was the right fit for me,” Dominique says. “It was very flexible, and the payment plans made it even more accessible.”
Certification Preparation Made Simple
To work as a surgical tech, obtaining certification is a crucial step. Certification demonstrates your skills to employers and is often a requirement for jobs in this field.
Preppy’s program is designed to prepare students for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Surgical Tech Certification Exam. The surgical tech course includes:
- Detailed lessons: Each section covers critical skills and knowledge, broken down into manageable parts.
- Check-your-understanding sections: Quizzes and exercises at the end of each module ensure you’re retaining the material.
- Mock exams: Practice tests that mimic the real certification exam, helping you feel confident and prepared.
“The quizzes and practice exams were incredibly helpful,” Dominique shares. “They ensured I understood each section before moving on, which made me feel fully prepared for the certification exam.”
The Perks of Preppy’s Model
Preppy’s online surgical technologist program doesn’t just prepare you for certification—it sets you up for long-term career success. Some of the additional benefits include:
- Externship opportunities: Gain hands-on experience to build your confidence in real-world settings.
- Job assistance services: Receive support in finding your first job as a surgical tech.
- University-backed certificate: Preppy partners with accredited universities, giving your resume a significant boost.
Affordable and Accessible
One of the standout features of Preppy is its affordability. With tuition costing just $1,599, many students can avoid the financial burden of traditional education. Plus, Preppy provides flexible payment plans to make the program even more accessible.
“The cost was a major factor for me,” Dominique explains. “It’s so much more affordable than college programs, and I even received a free laptop to help with my studies.”
A Career Transformation in Months
Thanks to Preppy, Dominique completed her surgical tech training in just a few months—all while working full-time. She now feels confident and ready to start her new career.
“Preppy made me feel knowledgeable and prepared to start this new chapter,” Dominique says. “I’m so happy I found this program and would recommend it to anyone looking for a flexible and affordable way to advance their career.”
Take the First Step Today
Dominique’s story is a testament to what’s possible with the right surgical tech training program. If you’re juggling work, family, or other responsibilities but still want to pursue a surgical tech career, Preppy could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
In just a few months, you could be certified, job-ready, and on your way to a fulfilling new career—all without putting your life on hold.
With innovative programs like Preppy, the barriers to becoming a surgical tech are coming down. Whether you’re a busy parent, a full-time employee, or someone looking for a career change, there’s now a pathway for you. Let Dominique’s story inspire you to take the leap!
Also read: How to Get a Medical Assistant Certification Online in 6 Months
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you with education in a few months through immersive online training.
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