Starting Your Surgical Tech Career If you're just starting to learn about the field of surgical technology, you should become familiar with some basic career information:
Accredited Schools & Training Programs If you know you want to become a surgical tech and just need to find the right training program, we can help you make the right choice:
Get Certified. Find Jobs. If you’re already a working surgical technologist, we can help you find jobs and learn about certification.

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Oakland Surgical Technician Schools

About Surgical Technologist Careers in Oakland

The four major metropolitan areas in California (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland) have seen an enormous growth in jobs in the healthcare industry, including those jobs in Surgical Technology. Oakland in particular has seen a large number of jobs for surgical technologists appear just over the last few months to a year. So now, more than ever, is the time to start a new career with a bright future in surgical technology.

Surgical technologists are a fundamental force in the operating room. They are responsible for making sure that every piece of equipment and gauze is accounted for before, during, and after surgery. They also make sure that the doctors and Registered Nurses who are attending the surgery have everything they possibly need while they are performing sometimes very intricate or life-saving operations. Being a surgical technician means being there with the right tool at the right time to save someone’s life.

Average Salary in Oakland or Surgical Technologists

The average income in a major metropolitan area of California is about $40,000 a year for a surgical technologist. However, with more on-the-job training and a great education in the field, you can expect to earn as much as $55,000 a year. California employs surgical technologists at just above the national average for this career field, according to the Department of Labor statistics.

Required Education for Surgical Technologists in Oakland

There are no city, county, or state specific licenses or certifications to be able to work as a surgical technologist in Oakland, but you do have to take the National Certification Exam to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). This test is moderated by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and is a multiple choice exam. Once you acquire your certification to become a CST, you will have to renew this certification every four years.

Surgical Tech Schools Near Oakland

Everest College
Hayward and San Francisco, California
When you enroll in the Surgical Technologist diploma program at the Everest Institute, you will learn the skills to assist with surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel. Students are trained in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, medical terminology, and will become CPR certified. Prior to graduation, students will get experience in an operating room, working under the supervision of a nurse or operating room technician.

 Everest College

Financial Aid

Many schools have their own financial aid department that can help to find grants, scholarships, or affordable student loans for those who qualify for them. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is another great place to start as you may also qualify for assistance from the federal government depending on income and dependency status.