Are you interested in pursuing a career as a surgical technician? If so, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps you need to take to become a successful surgical technician. From education and training to certification and job outlook, we will cover everything you need to know to start your journey towards this rewarding career.
Education and Training
The first step on the path to becoming a surgical technician is to obtain the necessary education and training. Most surgical technician programs require a high school diploma or GED for admission. You can choose to attend a community college, vocational school, or university to complete a surgical technology program. These programs typically last between 9 months to 2 years and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
Certification
After completing your education and training program, the next step is to become certified as a surgical technician. While certification is not always required to work as a surgical technician, it can improve your job prospects and earning potential. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, which is the most widely recognized certification for surgical technicians in the United States.
Skills and Qualities
In addition to education and certification, successful surgical technicians possess a variety of skills and qualities that are essential for the job. These include attention to detail, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and physical stamina. Surgical technicians must also be able to work well under pressure and in fast-paced environments. Developing these skills and qualities will help you succeed in your career as a surgical technician.
Job Outlook and Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for surgical technicians is promising. Employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. As of May 2020, the median annual wage for surgical technologists was $49,710. The highest 10 percent of surgical technologists earned more than $71,400 per year. With the growing demand for healthcare services, the need for skilled surgical technicians is expected to continue to rise.
Conclusion
Embarking on the path to becoming a surgical technician is an exciting and rewarding journey. By obtaining the necessary education and training, becoming certified, developing essential skills and qualities, and staying current on industry trends, you can achieve success in this fulfilling career. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences as a surgical technician, feel free to leave a comment below.