How to Become a Certified Surgical Technologist in 5 Steps | ECPI University

How to Become a Certified Surgical Technologist in 5 Steps

In the hectic environment of the operating room, surgeons rely on the help of their surgical staff in order to perform their job to the best of their abilities. The duties of a surgical technician, or surgical technologist, revolve around preparing the operating room and facilitating the other members of the surgical team.

Step 1 - Understanding the Basic Job Duties of a Surgical Technician

Before the operation, the surgical technologist will perform tasks like setting up equipment and preparing the patient for surgery. During the operation, the technician will keep the surgeon stocked with equipment and maintain an efficiently clean operating room. Afterward, the tech will sterilize equipment as needed, restock supplies, and prepare the room for the next operation.

Step 2 - Your Surgical Technician Education

Assuming you have no prior medical experience, your first real task is to receive an associate's degree in surgical technology from a school that is accredited.  This is a critical requirement and you cannot become a Certified Surgical Technologist without meeting certain examination eligibility requirements.

Step 3 - Prepare for the Certified Surgical Technician (CST) Examination

The end goal of your training is to receive a license as a Certified Surgical Technician (CST) from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), an organization that helps maintain a high level of expertise throughout the industry by ensuring a minimum level of technical prowess.

There are four primary pathways to be eligible for the CST examination. You must have either:

  • Previously held a CST certification
  • Have an associate degree from an accredited surgical technology program
  • Have an associate degree from a surgical first assistant program
  • Have experience and training in surgical technology while in the military

You will need to provide proof of your eligibility when applying to take the exam. For educational programs, this is achieved by sending a copy of your transcript. For military service, send a copy of your DD-214 while making sure it lists the base where you received your training. The application fee ranges from $190 to $290 per examination. 

Once you have received your authorization to take the exam and have scheduled your test-taking appointment, it's time to study for the content of the questions. The national pass rate is 70%, so there is a distinct possibility of failure if you neglect to prepare properly.

The topics will cover peri-operative procedures, administrative and personnel duties, and medical science (including anatomy, microbiology, and surgical pharmacology). You can find a complete outline of the question topics with a breakdown by category plus sample questions on the NBSTSA website as well as a list of helpful reference materials for additional study.

Step 4 - Obtain Your Certification and Become a Certified Surgical Technologist

This is the step where all your hard work pays off! After passing your certification exam, you will be able to begin looking for a job as a Certified Surgical Technician. At this time, you may also want to consider applying for membership in the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) to take part in the development of the field, as well as other useful benefits like reduced fees when you recertify.

Step 5 - Continue Your Training...for LIFE!

The NBSTSA requires recertification for CSTs every four years. To maintain your eligibility, you will need to receive Continuing Education (CE) credits that demonstrate that you have kept up with advancements in surgical technology and procedures. Membership in the AST provides access to online CE credit material.

This is it! After today I will be a graduate of ECPI University with my Associates of Applied Science in Surgical... http://t.co/qyxUfKvvql

— Leon Mendenhall (@Im_Da_Real_Leon) April 3, 2014

Set Yourself on the Path to Become a Surgical Technician

Does the hospital environment and the precision of a Certified Surgical Technician sound like something that would be a good fit for you? If so, contact ECPI University to learn more about earning an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology. With our accelerated learning and year-round classes, you could earn your degree in as little as 1.5 years. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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