If you want to start a career as a surgical tech, you should start by knowing about the requirements, from education to certification, that you need to meet.
Surgical techs are a crucial part of the surgical team. They play a huge role in ensuring surgeries proceed efficiently and safely.
To become successful in this role, you are required to excel in a lot of things.
In this article, we’ll be discussing surgical techs and their duties, then proceed to the requirements – education, experience, certification, recertification, state licensing, and skills requirements.
Plus, we’ll also discuss an online surgical tech program that is recommended by industry veterans, which can potentially help you start your surgical tech career in as little as 6 months, fulfilling all the requirements.
Let’s get started.
What is a Surgical Technologist?
A surgical technologist, also known as a surgical tech, operating room technician, or scrub tech, is a vital member of the surgical team responsible for ensuring that surgeries proceed efficiently and safely.
They work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, performing essential tasks before, during, and after surgical procedures.
Roles and Responsibilities
Surgical technologists play an indispensable role in the operating room, ensuring that surgeries are conducted safely and efficiently. With their specialized skills and dedication, surgical technologists significantly contribute to successful surgical outcomes and patient care.
Sterilizing Instruments and Equipment
Surgical technologists are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and organizing surgical instruments and equipment to ensure a sterile environment in the operating room.
Preparing the Operating Room
They set up the operating room by arranging sterile drapes and organizing surgical instruments on the sterile table. They also ensure that all necessary supplies and equipment are available and in proper working order.
Patient Preparation
Surgical techs help prepare patients for surgery by washing and disinfecting incision sites, positioning patients on the operating table, and covering them with sterile drapes.
Passing Instruments
During surgery, surgical technologists pass instruments and supplies to surgeons and their assistants, anticipating their needs to maintain the flow of the procedure.
Maintaining Sterility
They must maintain the sterility of the operating field and monitor the sterile environment to prevent contamination.
Handling Specimens
Surgical techs handle and care for specimens taken for laboratory analysis, ensuring they are properly labeled and transported.
Postoperative Duties
At the end of surgery, surgical technologists are responsible for counting sponges, needles, and instruments to ensure that nothing is left inside the patient.
They help apply dressings to surgical sites and assist in transferring patients to recovery areas.
Surgical techs clean and restock the operating room for the next procedure, ensuring all instruments and supplies are accounted for and properly stored.
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-> What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
Basic Requirements to Become a Surgical Technologist
Let’s take a look at the basic requirements first, and then we’ll discuss in-depth about them.
Becoming a surgical technologist involves a structured pathway of education, certification, and hands-on training.
The first step towards becoming a surgical technologist is earning a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
However, high school courses in biology, chemistry, health, and mathematics could provide a strong base for further education in surgical technology.
If you possess a high school diploma, then there are two ways to move forward. To become a Surgical tech, either you can enroll in an accredited surgical technology program, full-time or online.
Or, you can gain work experience by securing an on-the-job deal.
Post that, you need to get certified passing certification exams from institutions like NCCT or AAH.
The role not only requires technical skills but also personal qualities like attention to detail, the ability to handle stress, and a commitment to ongoing education.
By meeting these requirements, aspiring surgical technologists can embark on a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, playing a crucial role in the success of surgical procedures and patient care.
Now, let’s discuss about the requirements in detail.
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Surgical Tech Education Requirements
Becoming a surgical technologist involves a structured educational pathway to ensure you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.
The education requirements are categorized into three primary program types: Certificate Programs, Associate Degree Programs, and Online Programs.
Let’s delve into each type and understand why online programs might be a better choice for many students.
Associate Degree Programs
Duration: 2 years
Cost: $10,000 to $40,000
Associate degree programs provide a more comprehensive education, combining general education courses with specialized surgical technology training. These programs are typically offered by community colleges and some universities.
Certificate Programs
Duration: 12 to 18 months
Cost: $5000 to $10,000
Certificate programs offer focused training in surgical technology, providing the essential knowledge and hands-on skills required for the role. These programs are often available through vocational schools and some community colleges.
Online Programs
Duration: 6 to 8 months
Cost: $2000 to $5000
Online surgical tech programs offer flexibility and convenience, allowing students to learn from anywhere and at their own pace. These programs are becoming increasingly popular due to their accessibility and adaptability to different lifestyles.
Online programs are recommended due to many reasons, such as –
Flexibility
With online programs, you can access course materials and lectures from anywhere, and learn from the comfort of your home.
This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working adults, parents, or anyone with busy schedules.
Cost-Effective
Online programs often have lower tuition fees compared to traditional on-campus programs. Since you don’t need to travel for your classes, you’ll save big on commuting and accommodation.
Self-Paced Learning
You can progress through the coursework at a speed that suits you, enabling you to complete the program faster if you wish.
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Is there any program that is recommended by Industry veterans?
Choosing the right educational pathway is crucial for a successful career as a surgical technologist. While traditional certificate and associate degree programs offer comprehensive training, online programs like Preppy’s provide unmatched flexibility, affordability, and convenience.
By enrolling in Preppy’s Surgical Tech Certification Program, you could start your career faster and with confidence, equipped with the skills and credentials needed to excel in the healthcare industry.
Preppy’s Surgical Tech Certification Program
If you’re looking for an affordable and flexible way to become a certified surgical technologist, Preppy’s Surgical Tech Certification Program is an excellent choice.
Key Features:
100% Online and Self-Paced
Preppy’s program is entirely online, allowing you to learn at your own pace and from any location. This flexibility ensures you can balance your studies with other commitments.
Certification Preparation
The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare you for the TS-C (NCCT) and NCST (AAH) certification exams, ensuring you meet industry standards and are ready for the job market.
University Certificate from an Accredited University
Upon completion, you receive a certificate of completion from an accredited, not-for-profit University, adding significant value to your qualifications.
Externship Opportunity
Preppy offers externship opportunities once you finish the course, providing you with practical experience in real-world healthcare settings.
Affordability
At a cost of $1,599, Preppy’s program is significantly more affordable than traditional on-campus programs. Plus, all students receive a free laptop if they pay in full, which is yours to keep even after completing the course.
Faster Completion
By enrolling in Preppy’s self-paced program, you have the freedom to complete the program in as little as 6 months, making it one of the quickest paths to starting a career in surgical technology. This fast-track option means you could begin working and earning sooner.
So, if you want to start your career as a surgical tech faster, in as little as 6 months, with confidence, and at an affordable price, Preppy’s Surgical Tech Certification Program is the best choice.
Surgical Tech Experience Requirements
When aiming to become a surgical technologist, understanding the experience requirements is crucial.
Here, we break down four key aspects – becoming a surgical tech without formal education, the benefits of pursuing education, the experience needed with education, and how enrolling in a program like Preppy’s could streamline your path to becoming a certified surgical tech.
Let’s start with –
Becoming a Surgical Tech with Experience Without Education
While it is technically possible to become a surgical tech through on-the-job training and experience, this path is becoming increasingly rare and challenging. Many employers now prefer or even require formal education and certification.
Those wanting to become a surgical tech without formal training may start in entry-level healthcare positions and work their way up, gaining experience and skills on the job.
For that, you should possess verifiable 3 years of full-time employment or 6240 hours of working as a surgical technologist under the direct supervision of a Physician, Surgeon, or RN. These 3 years of experience should be within the past 5 years.
Then you need to pass the certification exam conducted by the NCCT or AAH and get certified as a surgical tech.
Clearly, this route can be time-consuming and may limit career advancement opportunities.
Instead, if you choose to enroll in a formal training program, you can start your career within months.
Why does Education Make Sense?
Pursuing formal education in surgical technology is a more efficient and practical approach.
Here’s why:
#1 Accelerated entry into the field within months.
#2 Structured programs cover all essential aspects of surgical technology, including anatomy, sterilization techniques, and operating room protocols, ensuring you are well-prepared for the job.
#3 Graduates from accredited programs are more attractive to employers and often find job placement faster than those without formal training.
Is Experience Not Required if You Pursue Education?
While formal education provides the foundational knowledge and skills, gaining practical experience is also essential. But this is shorter in duration, say a few weeks of experience would do.
Here’s how you can get that –
Most surgical tech programs include an externship component, which allows students to gain hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings. This practical training is invaluable and often a requirement for certification.
Even after completing an educational program, having some work experience, such as through externships, is beneficial. It helps in understanding the day-to-day responsibilities and enhances employability.
Successfully completing an accredited program and gaining some practical experience prepares you for certification exams, such as the TS-C (NCCT) and NCST (AAH).
Here’s how Programs like Preppy’s Surgical Tech Certification Program can help you –
Preppy’s Surgical Tech Certification Program offers the flexibility and support needed to achieve your career goals quickly and efficiently, making them an excellent choice for aspiring surgical techs.
Preppy’s program is 100% online and self-paced, allowing you to complete your studies from anywhere and at your own convenience.
The program includes externship opportunities, ensuring you gain the necessary hands-on experience in healthcare settings.
The curriculum is designed to prepare you for national certification exams, potentially making you job-ready upon completion.
Finally, you could complete the program and gain certification in as little as six months, accelerating your entry into the workforce.
Surgical Tech Certification Requirements
Upon completing an accredited program and gaining practical experience, the next step is to pass a certification exam.
The two primary certifications for surgical technologists are:
Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C)
Offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), this certification is also recognized and valued by employers.
Eligibility requires graduation from an accredited program, completion of a formal military training program in surgical technology, or work experience as a surgical technologist.
Candidates must pass the TS-C exam, which tests knowledge in perioperative care, surgical procedures, and sterilization techniques.
This is a nationally accepted certification, and many surgical techs prefer it due to its comprehensive nature. It is a popular choice among surgical techs.
So, right after your training you should sit for the NCCT exam, and after you clear that, you are a certified Surgical Tech.
The other option is – the National Certified Surgical Technologist (NCST) by the American Allied Health (AAH).
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
Certification is not a one-time process; it requires ongoing education and renewal to maintain. Both the NCST and TS-C certifications require surgical technologists to earn continuing education credits and pass a recertification exam periodically.
The TS-C certification by NCCT holds for 1 year and you need to recertify that every year.
To recertify with NCCT, you need an active certification status, annual completion of continuing education – 14 CE hours, and pay the recertification fee of $77.
For completion of your required CE hours, you have 2 ways:
#1 NCCT’s online CE library
#2 Submission of “outside” CE (will be verified by NCCT)
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Consider Additional Certifications
Beyond the basic certifications, like CPR, BLS, PALS, first aid, and spirometry, surgical technologists can specialize in areas like cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, or neuro-surgery. Specialization can enhance career opportunities and earning potential.
Surgical Technologists Requirements for State Licensing
In the United States, surgical technologists are vital members of the surgical team, assisting in operations and ensuring the smooth running of surgical procedures.
While not all states require surgical technologists to be licensed, certification is highly recommended and often required by employers.
However, the Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) credential, administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), is a national certification widely accepted across the United States.
This certification validates the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the duties of a surgical technologist competently and is recognized in all states.
States Requiring Certification Mandatorily
Currently, several states have enacted laws that require surgical technologists to obtain certification to practice.
These states mandate that surgical technologists hold a credential from a recognized certifying body, such as the NCCT (TS-C), NBSTSA (Certified Surgical Technologist – CST), or the American Allied Health (Nationally Certified Surgical Technologist – NCST).
States with such requirements include:
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
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Surgical Tech Skills Requirements
To be successful in their role, surgical technologists need a specific set of skills. With these specialized skills and dedication, they significantly contribute to successful surgical outcomes and patient care.
Here are the skills that a surgical tech must possess –
Attention to Detail: Precision is critical in maintaining a sterile environment and handling instruments.
Manual Dexterity: The ability to handle surgical instruments and equipment efficiently.
Strong Communication: Clear communication with surgeons and the surgical team is essential for a smooth operation.
Stress Management: The ability to stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations.
Physical Stamina: The job often requires standing for long periods and handling physically demanding tasks.
Read More:
-> Surgical Tech Job Description
Conclusion
We hope this article helps you understand the surgical techs and the requirements you should meet to become one.
From education, experience, certification, and skills, the various requirements would help you excel in your role.
Finally, if you want to start your surgical tech career faster, fulfilling all the requirements, then enroll in Preppy’s Surgical Tech Certification Training Program.
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