Specialty Spotlight: Everything You Need to Know about a Surgical Technologist

Being a surgical technologist means you have the opportunity to help people when they are most vulnerable – during surgery. But, it is also a lot more difficult to acquire the necessary credits and licenses in order to do this amazing work.

That’s where we come in! If you plan on getting a degree or certificate through a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), we want to make sure you have all the resources you need before taking the leap of starting a traveling journey or expanding your career.

So, what does it take to get started in this profession? Take a look:

Earning Your Certification

First things first, you’re going to need to make sure you are taking the appropriate classes. Your student advisor should be able to assist with this step. However, it always helps to have a little insight. Here are some of the basic areas you will want to study to become a surgical technologist:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• Hands-on training in sterilization techniques
• Surgery procedures
• Equipment handling
• Patient care and safety

Along with classes and other learning opportunities, there will be some major tests you must not only complete, but receive a passing grade on in order to be fully certified. This includes the national certification exam, such as the one administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. This particular exam is a multiple-choice test taken on a computer and is open to anyone who has earned a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited degree from an institution. It covers the medical knowledge and skills required of entry-level technologists, including specific techniques in perioperative care, intra-operative care, post-operative care and basic science.

Renewing Your Certification

Once you pass all the necessary exams, you are on your way to becoming an amazing tech who helps people in need. However, there are also some things that you need to be sure to keep in mind.

After becoming a CST or TS-C, a certified surgical technician must keep their credentials current. Mandatory renewal of CST certification involves the following:

• Enrolling in continuing education classes
• Re-taking the certification exam every four years
• TS-C certification is renewed in the same manner every five years

What a Surgical Technologist Does

You may have seen surgical technologists in some of your favorite hospital dramas as the pair of hands always providing the surgeon with the necessary tools. In fact, many claim this is an “invisible profession”. However, we know better! And, we understand that surgical techs are just as important as any other RN or doctor within the hospital. So, what do they do that makes them so great?

Overall, a surgical tech is there to help the patient whether it be lifting them onto the operating table, operating specific machinery, or anything in between. Most importantly though, a good surgical tech will anticipate a surgeon’s needs for the patient, working efficiently to provide prompt access to sterile items. This can also mean connecting drains and tubing; preparing specimens for analysis; holding retractors and instruments; while sponging or suctioning the operative site. Following surgery, they dress the patient’s wounds and prepare the operating room for the next patient.

So, as you can see, a surgical technologist is vital to every aspect of the surgery procedure. They are what help the flow and process run smoothly as they ensure that both doctor and patient have what they need during this time of pressure.

Are you already a surgical tech or working up to be one? Choose Freedom Healthcare to help you along your journey and as a way to kick off an amazing travel career. Apply with us today!