Becoming a surgical technician can be a rewarding and lucrative career path for those interested in the medical field. A surgical technician, or a scrub tech, is a medical professional that assists with patient care and in the operating room by preparing the operating room, setting up surgical instruments, and helping the medical team during the procedure.
If you’re interested in becoming a surgical technician, the first step is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. After graduating, prospective surgical techs will need to enroll in an accredited surgical technology program, which can be found at community colleges, vocational-technical schools, universities, or hospitals. Most programs are designed to last between six months to two years and include topics such as medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology.
It’s also important to note that before enrolling in a surgical technology program, prospective students should have taken courses in mathematics, biology, and chemistry.
After graduating from a surgical technology program, it’s recommended to become certified by passing the exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
With certification in hand, it’s time to start applying for surgical technician jobs. In order to be successful in this career, you must have excellent communication skills, be able to work independently, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. After you’ve been hired, it’s important to continue to stay up to date on new medical technology and procedures.
As a surgical technician, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks of the job. These include exposure to contagious diseases, exposure to radiation, and the possibility of being injured from handling sharp instruments.
Becoming a surgical technician can be a great career choice for those interested in the medical field. With the right training and certification, you can land a job in a hospital or clinic and help save lives.
