A Guide to Surgical Technologist Education

surgical technologist education

Would you say you were satisfied with your current job? Would you prefer to work in a faster-paced environment where an everyday benefit could be helping save someone’s life? If you’re thinking yes, then chances are, enrolling in a Surgical Technologist education program to pursue a new career in this field could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

 A Surgical Technologist education can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to help swap your current job for an exciting career inside an operating room (OR) instead. That’s because, as a Surgical Tech, you’ll get to work with skilled surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OR nurses to prepare and assist in various medical surgeries and procedures. So, if you’ve always wanted a career that is both exciting and rewarding… then training in a Surgical Tech education program could be your path to achieving your goals. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to Surgical Technologist education to highlight a pathway to becoming an essential member of any medical operating room team.

Speak to Dorsey College today about starting a Surgical Technologist education program today!

The education requirements to become a Surgical Technologist  

The great news is,Surgical Technologist education programs provide a pathway to becoming a healthcare operating room professional. If you hold a high school diploma or GED, your first step is to apply to an accredited college that offers a Surgical Technologist degree program.

A Surgical Tech education provides insight into the skills and attributes needed to become a qualified Surgical Tech. Working alongside experts throughout the courses, you will have the opportunity to learn and then apply your knowledge in a supervised, hands-on clinical training facility. 

An Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology degree program is designed to teach you the core aspects involved in the role of a Surg Tech. Elements include learning essential medical terminology, surgical procedures and instrumentation, sterilization, and surgical patient care. These core subjects provide a great insight into becoming a Surgical Tech and also form the basis of preparing students to challenge a certification exam, once they have graduated.  

What you can expect from your Surgical Tech Education

 If you ask Surgical Technologists what their favorite element of their job is, it may be the fact that no two days are ever the same. However, with the fascinating array of responsibilities, it’s vital you enroll in a surgical technologist program where the curriculum covers the required range of topics and skills. For example, here at Dorsey College, our team of expert faculty can help you expand your knowledge and learn about these essential topics, including advanced medical terminology, microbiology, physiology, and human anatomy, pharmacology and more.

 Don’t forget, like many other medical professions, studying to become a Surgical Technologist isn’t just about in-classroom learning… It’s about being given a chance to put those talents into practice too.  Hands-on clinical training offers you the opportunity to apply these learned practical abilities, all under the close supervision of skilled medical professionals. These real-time clinical experiences provide a solid foundation to help prepare for taking a certification exam. However, putting classroom-taught theory into practice is also an excellent way to establish the skills needed to thrive in a new career as a Surgical Technologist. 

How long does it take to become a Surgical Technologist?

 This may surprise you, but training to become a Surgical Technologist doesn’t take long. In fact, a Surgical Technologist education program can be completed within just 24 months of study. So, not only can you train as a vital, front-line member of the healthcare profession within two years. Nowadays, you may also have the chance to study around your current employment and family commitments if the school you enroll at offers you a hybrid course option. 

 

Things you should consider before enrolling in a program

 Let’s face it, becoming a Surgical Technologist can be both incredibly exciting and personally rewarding. However, it’s important to understand the skills and personal qualities needed to tackle the day-to-day tasks a Surgical Tech can face.

 Every day provides a new challenge for Surgical Technologists, so the ability to be adaptable is a highly valued personality trait. In the physically demanding, fast-paced world of a modern-day operating room, other highly desired attributes include:

  • The ability to work as a team
  • Excellent time management
  • Amazing attention to detail
  • The aptitude to be calm under pressure
  • Outstanding problem-solving skills
  • Being caring and empathetic

 Additionally, the experience gained through your Surgical Technologist education can help you to foresee critical situations that may occur during surgery. These vital skills can help you apply your learned medical knowledge to help identify potential surgical issues by anticipating the needs and instruments a surgeon might require mid-operation. 

Why you should choose a Surgical Technologist degree

In summary, the role of a Surgical Technologist provides a fantastic opportunity for you to positively impact patients’ lives on a day-to-day basis. By enrolling in a Surgical Technologist education program, you can take the critical first step towards pursuing an exciting new career. 

Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist is more appealing than ever.  This is due in part to recent employment projections.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of Surgical Technologists and Assistants is projected to grow 6% from 2021-2031, which is as fast as average for all occupations (1). As a result, prospective employers continue to seek certified Surgical Technologist graduates for entry-level positions in this field to help fulfill this growing demand.

In addition, with the predicted growth in employment, qualifying as a Certified Surgical Technologist also offers excellent job security. Not to mention, many graduates often pursue even more advanced career progression through continued learning and experience. So, if you like the sound of becoming a vital member of a healthcare facilities OR team. Then enrolling in a Surgical Technologist education program can help propel you toward this exciting new career!

 

Get started in a program today at Dorsey College!

To get your Surgical Technologist career off to a great start, speak to Dorsey College today. We pride ourselves on delivering the support and training that students need to succeed.  

Here at Dorsey College, our Surgical Tech education program is taught by expert instructors.  The program, offered at our Roseville, MI campus, also offers hands-on training and clinical practice.  For those who prefer additional flexibility, our program is delivered in a hybrid format.  That means some of your classes will be delivered online and others will take place on-campus or at a clinical site.  So if you feel it’s time you swapped your old career for an exciting opportunity within the fast-paced healthcare industry…Contact Dorsey College to learn how you can begin your Surgical Technologist education.  

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Sources

(1)   https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm#tab-6