Surgical Technologist Certification

For working surgical techs, there is a great incentive to become certified because certified surgical technologists (CST) have the best prospects for employment. This article will provide a practical guide to obtaining certification as a surgical tech and the various designations that are available.

Becoming a Certified Surgical Techologist

Fortunately, becoming a CST is a straightforward process. Candidates must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program and then complete a written exam, administered by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist, which is the professional organization that governs surgical tech certifications. After completing these steps, a surgical tech is free to use the Certified Surgical Technologist Designation in their career activities. This certification requires continuing education must be renewed every 5 years.

Additional Certifications

Another way for techs to become certified is through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To obtain this designation, surgical technologists must take one of three paths: earn a degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited training program; complete 2 years of on-the-job training at a hosptial; or complete 7 years of experience as a working surgical technologist. After passing the exam, individuals may use the designation Tech in Surgery-Certified, TS-C (NCCT). This certification must be renewed every 5 years through either continuing education or reexamination.

You might already know that beginning a new career as a surgical technologist is a great choice for your future. The projected growth of surgical tech jobs in the country is better than the national average for all other professions and for every one surgeon in the operating room, there are at least 5 surgical tech positions open for eligible candidates. You might also know that working as a surgical technologist can be lucrative – successful technologists with years of experience can collect over $50,000 per year for their services. It’s easy to become a surgical technologist. Within 2 years of enrolling in a reputable surgical tech program, you could be ready to begin work at the hospital of your choice. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned health professional looking for a new path, training to be a surgical technologist is both smart and forward-thinking.

What you might not know is that graduating from a surgical technologist program is just the first step in a beginning a successful new career. To move forward more quickly and ensure your competitiveness in the national market, you should look into taking the national certification exam. Certified surgical technologists enjoy both a higher salary and more career flexibility than non-certified technologists.

Benefits for Certified Surgical Techs

The benefits to becoming a nationally certified surgical technologist are numerous. Foremost is the fact that the achievement of a national certification is a prestigious and respected credential that shows that holder meets the national standard of knowledge for surgical technology. Certified individuals can be safely assumed to understand a wide range of surgical procedures, aspective techniques, and patient care. Because it is an optional certification, passing the exam demonstrates a certain mastery of surgical technology that is respected by health care professionals of all types.

Certified surgical technologists are more competitive candidates in the job market as most surgeons prefer to hire certified technologists to assist them in the operating room. Certain states are no considering legislation that will make it compulsory for surgical technologists to be certified before being employed. Certified techs are more competitive in the job market and have a higher earning potential in the long run, with a median income of $50,000 over 20 years of work.

Certification Process

Immediately after earning a degree or diploma in surgical technology you are ready to begin working straightaway. However, choosing to become nationally certified will be an invaluable credential as you seek out employment opportunities in hospitals and private offices.

To become nationally certified, you will have to sit for the exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Passing the exam allows you to use the title CST – Certified Surgical Technologist. You may take the exam within the last month of your surgical technologist training or within one year of graduation. Many surgical technologists choose to gain experience by working for a year before taking the exam, but this is unnecessary if you feel prepared to become certified while still in school.

To remain certified by the NBSTSA, you will have to renew the certification every four years by either continuing education in surgical technology or reexamination.

You may also become nationally certified by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), which has more a more relax pre-requisite policy. To qualify for the exam, the candidate must have earned a credential from an accredited school or program, complete a 2-year hospital training program, or have worked for 7 years in the field of surgical technology. Once you have passed the exam, you will be able to use the title TS-C – Tech in Surgery-Certified. This certification must be renewed every 5 years.

Accreditation and Pre-Requisites

To be eligible for national certification, you must have earned a degree or diploma from a school accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). If your school is not accredited, you may still work as as surgical technologist but you will not be allowed to sit for the exams administered by NBSTSA or the NCCT. The ABHES has approved over 400 schools since 2001, making it easier than ever to choose an accredited school, but always check with administrators and students for a clearer picture of the program’s post-graduation options for students. Reputable schools will usually have the accreditation necessary to qualify you for national certification after earning your credential.

Top Surgical Tech Schools

• 

  American Career College

  American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC“s programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree. All ACC programs include access to trained faculty, a full student services department committed to helping students succeed, and career guidance and services after graduation. ACC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools; some programs also hold programmatic accreditation or approvals.

  Programs vary by campus. Program lengths vary by session and schedule. Financial aid available to those who qualify. ACC cannot guarantee employment. American Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

• 

  Concorde Career College

  With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

• 

  Everest College

  Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

• 

  Everest Institute

  Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

• 

  Everest University

  Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

• 

  Carrington College California

  Now you can earn your associate degree and can get started in the career field you’ve always dreamed of more conveniently than ever by attending the online Campus of Carrington College California. Considered a leader in education, Carrington College California has a long history of helping students succeed in real world careers.

• 

  Pittsburgh Technical Institute

  As the market place continues to become more competitive, rewarding those with the right training for the job, Pittsburgh Technical Institute is ideally positioned to give you the skills you need to compete. In fact, you can choose to get your certificate or associate degree at our convenient North Fayette campus in several emerging industries, including:

  • Technology
  • Business
  • Health Care
  • Design
  • Building Technology
  • Criminal Justice

• 

  Colorado Technical University

  Colorado Technical University takes a high-tech, highly personalized approach to providing motivated students with the comprehensive resources they need to identify, pursue and enhance their careers in a broad range of technology dependent industries. Our multiple campus and online university network offers industry-current Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree programs in the fields of:

  • Business and Management
  • Criminal Justice and Public Administration
  • Health Sciences
  • Engineering and Computer Science
  • Information Systems and Technology
    With flexible formats and technology-rich learning options, CTU students are free to personalize learning preferences that conform to their individual lifestyles and responsibilities. Our technology-rich curricula promote connectivity and interactivity between classmates, educators and administrators, and our student-centric support services are held to the highest standards in the industry.

• 

  Sanford-Brown College

  For over 140 years, Sanford-Brown College has provided career-oriented postsecondary educational programs. Our institution offers focused, innovative, quality short-term programs in the fields of business and healthcare. At Sanford-Brown, we have focused our study programs, which enable you the opportunity to develop your skills effectively to meet your specific career goals. Plus, our programs focus on the essential concepts and skills most employers look for in entry-level employees. Our goal is to provide you with the practical information and experience you need to get your foot in the door. The secret to our success is that we do not require students to take courses that are not directly supportive of their career goals.

• 

  Southeastern College

  As a student at Southeastern College, you will gain the training, skills, and knowledge you need to start a rewarding career in growing occupations such as practical nursing, emergency medical services, medical assisting, massage therapy, and pharmacy technology. Our career-focused programs and flexible class schedules make Southeastern a great choice for busy working adults.