Surgical Tech Certificate Programs

Completing a degree in surgical technology is a great achievement, but the time and budget requirements of such a program can be daunting for some individuals. Fortunately there is an alternative route to becoming a surgical tech that is a better fit for those who cannot commit to two-years of study and an expensive degree track. Explore schools that offer a one-year program culminating with a certificate in surgical technology. This is a great option for people that already have a degree and want to move into a new profession without starting from scratch.

While there both up-sides and down-sides to earning a certificate, the bottom line is holding a certificate qualifies you to work as surgical tech in half the time it takes to earn a degree.

The Pros and Cons

The best aspect of earning a certificate in surgical technology is that it cuts the time needed for graduation nearly in half. It is possible to complete a program in 12 months, making it an ideal choice for those who are ready to make the leap to a new career quickly. Most certificate programs include much of the same coursework as degree programs, albeit more briskly paced with a focus on general health practices, rather than specific instruction. Many will also offer the same externship opportunities as two-year programs, which will provide you with the same kind of hands-on experience that your peers receive.

The downside to a certificate is that many surgeons prefer using technologists that have completed a longer course of study. The American College of Surgeons strongly supports continuing education for surgical technologists, along with national certification. However, it is still currently possible to have a successful career surgical technologist without a degree.

What You Need To Apply

As with all careers, earning a certificate in surgical tech will require fundamental math and science skills. Unlike a diploma program, which may only require a high school diploma or equivalent, earning a certificate may require some college units in the above disciplines. Always check with the school before applying to be clear on the pre-requisites for admission.

The work of a surgical technologist can sometimes be off-putting. As an assistant to the surgeon in the operating room, a successful candidate cannot be squeamish or distracted. While previous healthcare experience is not always compulsory for some programs, it’s always strongly recommended that any applicant observe surgical tech in their duties to fully understand what the job entails.

Post-Graduation

After earning a certificate in surgical technology, you are eligible to begin working right away if desired. However, if you have graduated from a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), you may also choose to become certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Obtaining this national certification requires sitting for an exam administered by NBSTSA, which you can do in the last month of your program or within a year of graduation.

The benefits of becoming nationally certified are numerous. Many surgeons and hospitals prefer employing certified surgical techs, thus making candidates with certification more desirable in their field. Certified techs also have flexibility in their choice of residence: once you have passed the test and earned your certification, you are approved to work in any state in country.

If you decide you want to sit for the national exam after earning your certificate in surgical tech, make sure to investigate whether your chosen program has received accreditation. The CAAHEP has approved over 400 schools since 2001, making it more likely that the program you are interested is both reputable and accredited.