Surgical Tech Diploma Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

Surgical technologists, also known as surgical technicians or operating room technicians, are integral members of the surgical team. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of surgical procedures. Preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, sterilizing instruments, and assisting surgeons and nurses during operations are among their many responsibilities. This article will explore surgical tech diploma programs, covering curriculum, career opportunities, accreditation, and how to apply.

The Role of a Surgical Technologist

Surgical technologists are vital members of the operating room team. Their duties extend beyond simply handing instruments to the surgeon. They are responsible for:

Preparing surgical tools and equipment.
Supporting the surgeon during procedures.
Ensuring patient safety throughout the surgical process.
Preparing operating rooms.
Arranging equipment.
Sterilizing instruments.
Assisting surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures.
Breaking down the room after the surgery.
Selecting and caring for instruments.
Providing technical assistance to the surgeon and nursing team during surgery.

Curriculum and Training

Surgical technology programs, such as the Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) curriculum at Durham Tech, are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this demanding field. These programs provide comprehensive training in various aspects of surgical technology, including:

Surgical Patient Care: Learning to assist in the care of the surgical patient in the operating room.
Sterile Technique: Setting up procedures using sterile techniques to prevent infection.
Operating Room Protocol: Ensuring all necessary instruments and supplies are in the operating room.
Surgical Team Membership: Functioning as a vital member of the surgical team.
Gowning and Gloving: Properly gowning and gloving themselves and other members of the surgical team.
Draping: Draping the patient to maintain a sterile field.
Instrument Handling: Performing instrument counts and actively anticipating and passing instruments to the surgeon.
Specimen Handling: Properly handling surgical specimens for laboratory analysis.

The MedCerts Surgical Technologist certification training program, for example, uses a blend of expert-led video training, interactive simulations, and hands-on learning experiences.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of surgical tech programs can find employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

Labor and delivery departments
Emergency departments
Inpatient and outpatient surgery centers
Dialysis units and facilities
Physicians' offices
Central supply processing units

Accreditation and Certification

Accreditation is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a surgical tech program. Programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) meet rigorous standards of quality and ensure that students receive a comprehensive education.

CAAHEP Accreditation: The Surgical Technology program at Durham Tech is accredited by CAAHEP.
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- 9355 113th St. N. #7709
- Seminole, FL 33775
- (727) 210‐2350
- www.caahep.org

Students of CAAHEP-accredited programs are typically required to take the national certification exam administered by the National Board on Certification in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) within a four-week period before or after graduation. This certification is often a requirement for employment as a surgical technologist.

NBSTSA Certification: Students of Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited programs are required to take the national certification exam administered by the National Board on Certification in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) within a four week period prior to or after graduation.

While some training providers may not be institutionally accredited, the certifications they offer can be accredited through exam-issuing authorities like the National Center for Competency Training (NCCT). It is best to do your research to find out which will best meet your needs.

Salary Expectations

The salary for a surgical technologist can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility. On average, the starting salary is around $39,589.

Applying to a Surgical Tech Program

The application process for surgical tech programs typically involves several steps:

Apply to the College: New students who are not currently enrolled should apply to the College.
Complete Prerequisites: Prerequisites must be completed before applying to the program.
Attend Information Session: Attending a mandatory information session.
Review Admissions Checklist: Review the Admissions Checklist.
Apply to the Program: Complete and submit the program application.
Submit Requirements: Submit all general admissions requirements, Surgical Technology program specific requirements, and documents for points by the published deadline to be considered.
Foreign Transcripts: If you have foreign transcripts you will need to submit an English translated version of your transcript and an education evaluation both must obtained through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
Take and pass the Allied Health Prerequisite, HESI Exam: Exam is over Math and Reading Comprehension the cost is $40.00. Passing scores are 50 in math and reading score of 70.

Durham Tech, for example, accepts program applications for the Fall semester from November 1 to May 1.

State Regulations

It's important to be aware of the state laws and regulations regarding surgical technologists. According to the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), some states have passed laws related to the education and certification of surgical technologists. These states include:

Indiana
Massachusetts
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
Oregon
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Idaho

Other states require surgical technologists to register in order to work in the state:

Colorado
North Dakota
Washington

Some states offer optional registration or title protection for surgical technologists:

Arkansas
Illinois
Virginia

AST has a resource for determining state laws for surgical technologists, which can be found at ast.org.

Read also: Surgical Technologist Education

Online Surgical Technician Courses

The Surgical Technician online course offers a flexible and accessible path to a healthcare career. This certificate course introduces you to the essential skills, tools and responsibilities of a surgical technician. You'll learn through engaging online coursework, receive one-on-one support and have the opportunity to participate in a volunteer externship to gain valuable experience. You don’t need to be an admitted degree-seeking student to enroll.

Cost and Payment Plans

The cost of surgical technologist programs can vary. For example, the total cost of the MedCerts online Surgical Technologist certification training program is $4,000. MedCerts offers various payment plans for the Surgical Technologist certification training program in order to make education accessible for all.

Externship Opportunities

Many surgical tech programs offer externship opportunities to provide students with hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting. These externships allow students to apply their knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced professionals. You may choose to take part in an optional volunteer externship with a local organization in your field to gain hands-on experience. Externship sites may require additional documentation such as health records, immunizations, drug screening or background checks.

Essential Skills

Before applying to a surgical tech program, it's important to assess whether you possess the essential skills necessary for success in this field. These skills may include:

Manual dexterity
Attention to detail
Ability to work under pressure
Strong communication skills
Ability to stand for long periods

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