10 Tips to a Successful Surgical Tech Career

You want to be a surgical tech, and you're ready to invest in the education you need. But what will best prepare you for this career? Here are some tips that can help you choose a school, find your first surgical tech job, and advance your career.

Check Your Prerequisites: Surgical tech degree programs require that applicants have at least a high school diploma or GED. Applicants with a solid background of high school math and science classes, along with strong writing and communication skills, will be the most prepared for this line of study. If you're a little shaky on these fundamentals, taking introductory college-level courses will help to prepare you for regular surgical tech coursework.

Verify Your Program's Accreditation: To be eligible for the national certification exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), you must graduate from a surgical tech program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Although graduating from a degree or certificate program that is not accredited may provide you with valuable education and experience, a degree from an accredited school will help you advance your career—and save you time and money in the long run.

Scour for Scholarships: The Foundation for Surgical Technology awards scholarships specifically for students who are pursuing a surgical technology career and who are enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited degree program. Based on academic merit and financial need, these scholarships are worth checking out for anyone pursing a surgical tech degree.

Hit the Books: Although much of a surgical technician job is learned through hands-on experience, the fundamental medical knowledge about anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology and surgical procedures comes primarily from academic study. The only way to gain this necessary knowledge is by studying hard, so make sure to give your studies the attention they deserve.

Gain Experience Through Internships: Many surgical tech schools offer supervised clinical training as part of their program, which can provide you with hands-on experience and help build up your resume while you pursue your degree. Also, some hospitals offer unpaid internships that provide surgical tech students with valuable work experience, which can also translate into college credits.

Pass the National Certification Exam: After earning a degree in surgical technology, most aspiring surgical techs choose to take the exam for national certification. This comprehensive, multiple choice exam is offered by the NBSTSA and is open to anyone who has graduated from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. Although this exam is not yet required by every state, the majority of employers hire certified surgical techs over their noncertified peers, according to the US Department of Labor.

Think Outside of Hospitals: According to the American Medical Association, 75 percent of surgical techs find employment in hospitals. However, there is a growing demand for surgical techs in outpatient surgery centers, teaching, consulting and private practices. In fact, some of the highest paying jobs are available through private companies, contract work, and colleges and universities. So remember: Surgical techs aren't limited to the OR; make sure to fully explore your employment options before settling down.

Become a First Assistant: With additional training and education, a wide range of advancements and specialized positions are open to surgical technicians. For example, many surgical techs advance to the position of surgical first assistant. These professionals work more closely with surgeons and play a more hands-on supportive role during surgery. First assistants can also pursue national certification to become Certified First Assistants (CFAs), which can translate to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

Stay Certified and Up to Date: Many employers have compensation or reimbursement plans to keep their surgical techs and first assistants up to date on their certification. National surgical tech certification must be renewed every four to five years, either by retaking the exam or by taking qualifying continuing education classes. By continuing your education, staying abreast of technological and medical advancements, and keeping skills and knowledge as fresh as they were on graduation day, you will not only keep your certification current, but also remain the best surgical tech that you can be.

Remain Calm, Careful and Caring: Surgical techs are in high demand, but not everyone is well suited for this job. Working in an OR requires that surgical techs remain calm, focused and supportive in what are often tense situations. These professionals are also responsible for maintaining the OR's equipment and sterile conditions, which requires careful diligence and steady attention. And finally, never forget that as a surgical technician, you will have lives in your hands. You must be able to work closely with patients, surgeons, and nurses in a helpful and caring manner. So as you advance your education and career, be certain always to nurture these three C's.

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