A certified surgical technician assists a surgeon in the operating room, preparing equipment and patients and assisting during surgery. This fast-growing career field is both challenging and rewarding and can provide you with a very comfortable income. Read on to find out if you have what it takes to become a surgical technician.
Surgical technicians can expect to earn between $27,510 and $54,300 per year, based on their level of training and experience. Most surgical techs earn around $38,000 annually. Opportunities to advance in this growing field are plentiful for individuals who pursue additional training and gain on-the-job experience.
Surgical technicians can receive training through local hospitals, community colleges, universities or vocational schools. Most surgical techs have earned an associate’s degree or better.
In order to become certified, candidates must attend a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Courses generally take 12-24 months to complete, and students must take a nationally recognized certification exam. [..]
Surgical technicians have numerous responsibilities. They may be required to prepare operating rooms and equipment before a procedure and to ensure that the surgeon has easy access to all equipment throughout the operation.
They may be asked to prepare patients for surgery, as well as assisting with preparing lab specimens, cutting sutures, holding retractors and other tasks during the procedure. [..]
Job Outlook:
Like many jobs in the medical field, surgical technician jobs are on the rise. The United States Department of labor predicts that this field will increase by approximately 25% in the next 6 years.
The ideal surgical technician is detail-oriented, focused, and has the ability to concentrate for long periods of time. He or she must possess good vision, hearing, and manual dexterity and be able to follow directions and surgical protocol accurately. In addition, a surgical technician should be able to work accurately and calmly in stressful situations. Because the nature of this work requires standing for long periods of time, an adequate degree of physical stamina is also necessary.
To become a Surgical Technologist, you'll need to receive the proper training which typically lasts from 9 to 24 months. You will likely also need to gain a certification. You may become a certified Surgical Technologist by graduating from an accredited program and passing a national certification exam.
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