Surgical Technology Program: What is it like to be a Surgical Technologist?
Surgical technologists are the assistants that make surgeries go smoothly. The people behind the scenes, "surg techs" as they are known in the medical field, assist in preparing the operating room and facilitating the surgeries that patient's need.
It's the perfect career for people who are detail oriented and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with saving lives and improving the quality of life of everyone who enters the operating theater. Ultimately, the job is about patient care and it is ideal for those who can focus on the details while working under pressure and tight deadlines. For those who enjoy the challenges that come with making a real difference in a patient's life, it is a career whose rewards are off the charts.
What is a Typical Day for a Surgical Technologist Like?
On a typical day, surgical technologists sterilize the equipment and medical instruments required for the surgery. They ensure that the room is adequately supplied and that everything is right where it needs to be when the surgery commences. The surgical technologist will also prepare the patient for the operation by thoroughly washing the patient and disinfecting the site of the incision.
During the surgery, the surgical technologist is responsible for assisting the surgeon and making sure the environment remains sterile. Once the surgery is complete, it is the surgical technologists job to conduct a final count of supplies, sponges, and other instruments to ensure that nothing is left inside the patient's body cavity which helps prevent life threatening infections.
How Can I Become a Surgical Technologist?
Becoming a surgical technologist requires earning a post-secondary certification or specialized associates degree. Some states regulate surgical technologists and in these states, individuals may also be required to pass additional testing and background checks in order to become licensed to work in those states. Courses taught during the degree program include lessons in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
The courses focus on proper equipment handling and maintenance. Most importantly, students receive hands-on training with sterilization techniques and operating room protocols. All of this combines to create courses that create a significant level of patient safety when the surgical technologist graduates and enters the workforce.
It typically takes between 12-24 months to complete the coursework and earn the necessary certifications. However, with year-round surgical technologist programs, many students find that it is possible to complete the coursework in as little as 18 months.
What is the Job Outlook Like for a Surgical Technologist?
An aging population means that it is expected that the number of surgeries required in the country over the next few decades will increase significantly. This includes surgeries in hospitals, surgical centers, and outpatient clinics. All of this translates to significant job security for the men and women who take care of the details that make successful surgeries possible.
One of the most appealing aspects of becoming a surgical technologist is that the skills are in high demand from coast to coast. This means that there are plenty of opportunities to move throughout the country and find ready employment whether you want to live near the beaches of Hawaii or the mountains of Colorado. The strength of the job market and the high demand for surgical skills means that graduates aren't tied to a specific geographical location and can choose to pick up and move when career opportunities arise or the desire to explore greener pastures presents itself.
There are also considerable opportunities to take things to the next level. Those who wish to continue their education will find many opportunities for career growth. Becoming a surgical technologist is the ticket to rising up the ranks towards positions including first surgical assistant.
These positions are highly specialized and individuals can choose the field of surgery they most desire ranging from cardiothoracic operations to neurosurgery. This allows individuals to chart their own course through the medical field into the areas that are most interesting to them and towards specializations that can further enhance their employment options.
Are you interested in a career in surgical technology? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology, consider ECPI University for the education you need. With year-round classes and an accelerated schedule, you could earn your degree in as little as one a half years. For more information about this exciting program, connect with one of our knowledgeable admissions representatives.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Surgical Technology - Associate’s
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