What Certifications are Available for Surgical Technologists?

What Certifications are Available for Surgical Technologists?

Certified surgical technologists (also called scrub techs) play a key role in operating rooms. The professionals work closely with surgeons to ensure that procedures go smoothly in a sterile environment. They achieve this objective by preparing various instruments and equipment, as well as helping to position patients, among other duties.

The technicians must hold a relevant certificate or an associate degree. The educational programs cover wide-ranging topics, including microbiology, professional ethics, medical terminology, physiology, human anatomy, and more. The training usually entails clinical experiences at healthcare facilities.

Certification to Be a Surgical Technologist

As a scrub technician, you can obtain certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Alternatively, you can take a certification exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Both options provide a prestigious way to display your knowledge and commitment to ongoing education. Certification can drastically improve chances of earning your place in medical or other fields.

National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting

NBSTSA awards successful exam takers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) designation. The comprehensive examination covers a number of topics that help mold competent entry-level technologists. It comes in a multiple-choice format taken on a computer. NBSTSA committee members designed the test to assess your knowledge and skills of core concepts, as well as terminology.

To succeed in the exam, you need to prepare by taking certification lessons. A single day of studying will not help you attain passing grades. The candidate book provided by NBSTSA features a reference list. These resources are the principal sources of information used to create the certification curriculum and examination questions.

The resources provide a viable way to refresh your knowledge of various surgical technology topics. It is recommended that you focus on areas featured in the Examination Content Area Outline.

NBSTSA offers you an opportunity to invest in ongoing education by renewing credentials. As a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), you can renew your credentials every four years.

National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Successful completion of the NCCT exam earns you the Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) designation. Prerequisites for taking the exam include graduation from a surgical tech program within the past five years. NCCT also offers three more eligibility options for anyone planning to take the examination.

Advancement and Specialization Options

Investing in a decent surgical tech qualification and certification opens many doors when it comes to advancement. You also have the opportunity to choose an area of specialization.

Focusing on a specific area of surgery is a viable option that allows you to hone in on a niche. Some of the areas of specialization in the field include pharmacology, neurosurgery, organ transplantation, heart surgery, and more. As a specialized professional, you can still work as a general technician in operating room settings.

Surgical Technologist Roles

The position of First Assistant entails performing more advanced technician tasks, such as assisting surgeons control blood flow. This role requires additional training and comes with more liability.

Administrative roles are also an option. You could be responsible for managing operations in medical facilities. These positions provide the chance to use past experiences as a surgical technologist to cater to the needs of surgical teams. Basic training in business or administration will help you become eligible for leadership positions.

It is common for scrubs to work as field experts in areas such as insurance and marketing. Some professionals find great satisfaction in training institutions, where they work as instructors.

Are you interested in a degree in surgical technology?

If you think you would be an excellent scrub tech, and want to earn your Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology consider ECPI University for the education you will need to make a difference in this health science field. For more information, connect with a helpful admissions representative today.

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