Once you’ve decided to pursue a career as a surgical technologist, the first step is earning a degree. Unlike many other careers, being a surgical technologist does require a degree or diploma from an accredited school. A certification from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), obtained post-graduation, is also suggested, as most surgeons prefer to hire Surgical Techs who have both a degree and a certification. You cannot become certified as a Surgical Tech without a degree from an accredited school, which can make choosing a program even more difficult if you’re short on the time needed to conduct a thorough search.
Fortunately, in 2001, the CAAHEP accredited over 350 schools to teach Surgical Technology, which means you now have hundreds of options to consider. Don’t limit yourself while searching, but do look for a few specific elements when making your final choice: accreditation, coursework, and post-graduate opportunities.
Getting Started
When first searching for the perfect surgical technology program that will set you on the path to your new career, explore what kind of degree the school offers upon graduation and what kind of coursework you will need to complete the program. Not all schools are the same and both the length of study and the curriculum will vary from state to state. Some schools offer only diplomas and have programs that can be finished in a year or less. Others offer Associates Degrees, which can take up to two-years to complete. Others may even offer Bachelors or Masters degrees. As long as you choose a school that is accredited by the CAAHEP, you will be ready to sit for a national exam post-graduation and able to begin work as surgical tech right away.
Accreditation
It is very important that whatever school you choose to attend is accredited by the CAAHEP. To check on the accreditation of a school, visit the CAAHEP website and search for your schools name. The easy-to-use website makes it a snap finding whether or not the school you are interested in will give you the chance to participate in the national certification exam after graduation. As stated above, you will not be eligible to sit for the national certification exam if your school is not accredited. While it is possible to become a surgical technologist without this certification, having it makes it easier and more likely that you will be considered employable by hospitals in your area. Make sure to check it out before enrolling.
What To Study
Coursework for Surgical Tech programs differs depending on what school you choose, what time frame works best for you, and what kind of degree you are pursuing. However, you should always look for a school that offers a multitude of courses in fundamental medical fields, such as anatomy and physiology. To better prepare you for the responsibilities you will have as a surgical tech, you should be ready to study microbiology, pharmacology, medical ethics, terminology, and hospital administration. Reputable programs will also offer training covering patient care, which includes operating room procedures such as sterilization of instruments, infection control, and proper drug administration.
Some schools require students complete an externship with a local hospital for graduation. Beyond simply giving you hands-on experience assisting surgeons and caring for patients, it will look terrific on your resume when you’re applying for jobs post-graduation and may even net you a great letter of recommendation. If you are interested in participating in such a program, look specifically at schools that will give you the opportunity to do this.
After Graduation
You are now ready to sit for the National CAAHEP exam, which will certify you to work as a surgical technologist. Once you have both a degree and certificate in hand, you are a great candidate for any surgical technologist position in your area.
