Where To Find Online Surgical Tech Programs
Studying and completing an online course at home is an easy way to earn a qualification in the comfort of your own environment and the freedom to work when you want. A Surgical Technician or Surgical Technologist program will provide you with the skills and the certificate get into employment at basic entry level. There are a number of different courses available to complete online most, if not all are recognized by the industry. Depending on where you live or want to work you may be able to check with your local health department if they have a preferred certification for local Surgical Tech Schools Online. Although it would be unlawful and unfair to dismiss an application because of where you have gained your certificate you will certainly be able to gain an advantage over others if you have exactly what the employer is asking for.
The vast majority of courses for a job as a Surgical Technician cover the basics of working in an operating and delivery room. The main points of study on most courses include learning the medical language and terms, surgical tools, general health care and pharmacology. Although studying through one of the accredited Surgical Tech Schools Online will take you quite a long time depending on how much time you can spend on the course every week the benefits are great. It means you can continue with whatever job you currently have not have to worry about earning a living. An online program for Surgical Technicians will prepare the student for the working environment and what they can expect to come across in a modern operating room. Although there will be no practical work involved students are encouraged to research certain things independently and occasionally may have to, to pass a certain section. Of course this will be no trouble for a student who is genuinely interested in the career path.
All of the resources (textbooks) will be provided by the program tutor and as long as you are learning with a recognized college they will be up to date and will teach what you would expect if you started work as a Surgical Technician the next day. Another important part to the course is leaning and understanding how to be a good team player within the surgical group. As well as this other important areas covered will involve recognizing the key surgical equipment and setting up surgical trays. These are the 2 subjects that normally involve a practical lesson but with the internet at your disposal there really is no need. A student who is working towards a degree at one of the reputable Surgical Tech Schools Online will be able to learn many things not just gain a certificate. As Surgical Technicians are working in the same environment as other staff such as Surgeons and Nurses they will soon pick up skills of other staff as well. If you have already gained a certificate in your own time you are showing a willingness to learn and improve your own skills and you may find that your employer will be able to help you go that one step further up the career ladder and complete another certificate on a higher level.
Applying For Surgical Tech Schools Online
Applying for a surgical technical program is a fairly simple process as long as the initial investigation is done to see what schools are looking for, what the prerequisites are and whether the schools are accredited or not.
Schools that Offer Online Surgical Technical Programs
Just to name a few the Anthem Institute, ECPI, High Tech Institute, Allied College, National College and Brown Mackie College offer Surgical Tech Schools Online. Many of these institutes offer competitive programs that are accredited by the commission on accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Not all programs are the same; they must be accredited to be accepted for certification and licensing. Many accredited programs may accept at leats some courses that have been taken online. However, the science courses, such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Chemistry typically need to be taken in a traditional setting. Therefore, any interested person must find a campus near them to pursue this course of training.
Pre-requisites
The prerequisites for the Surgical Tech Schools Online are: that the student is a high school graduate or equivalent. They must also have taken highs school science courses like chemistry, biology and health courses; they must also have taken and passed college entry level math courses. The courses that will be explored once the student is accepted into the course are: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, surgical procedures, medical terminology, and principles of anesthesia. The whole program could take anywhere from 14- 24 months depending on whether the student wants a certification or an associates degree.
What to Look for In Surgical Tech Schools Online
A good school will offer mentoring programs to help young students, it will have some type of financial assistance programs, it will be accredited, it will offer several options for internship and externship programs, it will have professors that are currently in the field to offer helpful suggestions and it will have students from every background. A well rounded institution is the best place to learn. Any student interested in a surgical technician program must be willing to work hard, study hard and they must have a strong stomach and a level head in all types of emergency situations. For those that are sickened by blood, or squeamish when it comes to bodily fluids or wounds this is not the area for them. A student must know what they are preparing themselves for and they must be able to withstand all situations.
Conclusion
A surgical technician is someone that deals with all types of situations in the ER or in the operating room. They must be able to have a level head when emergency situations occur, and they should enjoy the all types of sciences and math. Locating an accredited college is fairly easy, ask questions, visit campuses and find out what the specific requirements are, each college may vary and make sure that your individual prerequisites are complete before applying. If someone knows that they want to do this early on it is best to start preparing as early as junior high school. An individual can carve out their path by taking as many science and math courses at the advanced levels to prepare themselves for one of the premiere Surgical Tech Schools Online. Once this preparation is made becoming a surgical technician will be a welcomed reward.
What Are The Career Options For A Surgical Technician?
A surgical technician mainly works in an operating room and his main jobs include providing the equipment and maintaining the operations of the surgical room during surgery. He usually performs his job only under the supervision of nurse or a surgeon and it responsible for handling various pieces of diagnostic equipment. They are usually called as scrubs or surgical assistants. Although practical experience is very important for this job, technicians need to have a comprehensive education along with a certification to succeed in this field.
Key Roles: These technicians usually work in an operating room along with a group of other health professionals. They assure all surgical equipment necessary for an operation are stored and kept in the right location in the operating room close to the health personnel by these technicians during surgery. They follow specific procedures to make sure that the sterility is maintained in the surgical equipment throughout the surgery. They are responsible for assisting the patients in their relocation to the operating room and preparing them for surgery providing them with appropriate supply materials. The important symptoms of the patients will be noted down by surgical technicians. Differentiating and arranging the sterile and non-sterile instruments are also performed by these technicians. Transferring the specimens to laboratories or testing area and disposing them in a secure manner after the work is completed are also their main duty. They are required to store the appropriate amount of supply materials, equipment and various tools and providing them to the health personnel at the right time. These technicians can work in an operating room in a hospital, private surgical areas, and dental clinics or in the teaching industry to educate and train the students. Another most important job is performing the retraction and suturing of patient’s tissues without any contamination.
Career Opportunities: Surgical technicians can excel in their specific field with many years of experience. They work along with a group of surgical experts or privately under the supervision of a nurse or a surgeon. They can gain specification in different fields such as neurosurgery, heart surgery, wound producing and anesthesia. Usually they begin their career as a surgical assistant and then get promoted to higher levels with many responsibilities as they gain experience.
Certification: To become a technician in the surgical field, an associate degree program can be pursued from an approved school or an easy certification or a diploma program should be gained. The duration of the degree course is about 2 years and for the certification or the diploma course, it is usually about 1 year. After completing the diploma or the degree program, getting certified is very important for getting a decent job in the surgical field. To get the certification, it is necessary to pass the examination conducted by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
A technician career in surgery field is an interesting job as they play one of the key roles in protecting the life of a patient. The US Department of Labor has reported that the career opportunities for technicians in the surgical field will increase in high number by 2016 and ever after that. Hence, this job is highly recommended if people need a well-paying job and willing to working in service industry.
Surgical Tech Schools Online: Background and Credit Checks
A surgical technician provides assistance in surgical suites and the operating room and is supervised by licensed physicians, nurses, and other qualified healthcare personnel. Technicians are a valuable part of the operating room team, which also includes anesthesiologists, and specialty nurses.
Criminal Background Checks
Criminal background checks are performed to screen potential employee candidates so that certain concerns can be ruled out before hiring. These concerns relate to the risk of possible financial losses to the company, general risk to the company owners, and their employees. It is essential for the department of human resources to retrieve pertinent information on a surgical technician who is being considered for employment as well as other possible candidates. In doing so, they can make sound and reasonable hiring decisions. This information includes local and national criminal background checks, previous employment history, social security identification number verification, and for some employers, a drug screening test. If it is discovered after a background check that a potential employee has a criminal record, certain considerations will be reviewed such as:
- What was the age of the offender at the time of the crime?
- What was the nature of the crime?
- Was the crime committed at the offender’s place of employment?
- Was the crime a misdemeanor, or a felony?
- How much time has passed since the conviction?
- Has the offender completed a probationary period?
- Is this the only crime ever committed?
The fact that a surgical technician may have a criminal record does not automatically mean that an employer won’t hire that person for employment. It will ultimately depend on some of the factors listed above, and if the crime is related to the type of employment a candidate might be seeking. Example: A theft or robbery type crime will not be looked upon favorably in a bank or institution where handling money is involved.
Credit Report History
Employment background checks now include a credit report history from at least one of the major credit reporting agencies. This report will show:
- How much outstanding credit an individual owes?
- How timely credit payments are made.
- Is credit debt higher than an individual’s income?
- Has there been a bankruptcy in the last 7 years?
- Have there been any liens or judgments against an individual?
Many employers use credit history to determine a candidate’s level of financial competence and responsibility. A bad credit rating, or credit report can adversely affect the chances of becoming an employee of some companies. It is advisable to make every effort to pay all bills on time. If there are bills that are late, they should be paid as soon as possible. Surgical technicians are in great demand in hospitals and universities. They support surgeons in operating rooms all over the country. Technicians must receive training by attending an accredited two year college, university, vocational school, or through military training. This is a very good occupation in which to receive professional training and certification. Background checks and credit checks are valuable to employers, so try to keep things in excellent order.
Surgical Tech Salary
The role of a surgical technician is to assist surgeons in the operating room. Techs will also do the prep work, as in sterilizing the operating room and instruments used for surgery. Techs may also be responsible for the transportation of patients to and from surgery, and preparing patients for surgery. During surgery, techs are responsible for handing surgical tools to the surgeons. Sometimes techs have to witness open surgeries, so it would be advantageous for a tech to have a strong stomach. The salary range for techs are vast. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, salaries in the lowest 10% can be lower than $32,000. the Surgical Tech salary in the upper 10% can be over $64,000. The median salary is $40,000. Technicians just out of school would obviously make less ,while experienced surgical technicians would make more. Salaries also depend on where a tech is employed. Listed are a few examples of salaries in certain offices, referenced from the Occupational Outlook Handbook:
- Specialty hospitals $40,888
- Outpatient care centers $39,660
- General care and surgical hospitals $38,640
- Offices of physicians $38,520
- Offices of dentists $36,380
The geographical area in which a surgical technician is employed is a factor in wages. A tech employed in New York will make considerably more than a tech employed in Dubuque, Iowa. New York has a higher cost of living then Dubuque, hence a higher salary. Another factor in the amount of salary is the amount of education. A tech may obtain a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree. A diploma would require training of 9 months, while an associate’s degree would require training up to 24 months. Hence, an associate’s degree would amount to higher wages than a diploma. In other words, a tech with an associate’s degree would have more responsibility than a tech with a diploma and less training. The more experience you have, the more your salary will be. A tech with 15 years of experience can make $28 an hour, while an inexperienced tech just out of school can make $10 an hour. As stated earlier, this also depends on the geographical location you are employed in. You can also make more money by becoming an on -call tech in addition to your regular job. Thus, you would get paid for both being a full time surgical technician and on-call.
Employers prefer to hire certified surgical technologist. A certified surgical technologist or CST may obtain a higher salary than a non-certified tech. If a tech is certified in a certain field of surgery, such as open-heart or neurology, salaries will rise. With experience and certification, advancement to surgical assistant is not uncommon. Although, further training may be needed to become a surgical assistant. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, job growth for a surgical technician is expected to grow by 25% between 2012 and 2018. The baby boom generation is growing older and will need more surgeries. The job outlook is excellent, the pay is excellent, so what is keeping you from becoming a surgery technician.
Will I Make More Money As A Surgical Technician If I Have A Degree?
To become an effective surgical technician there are many character traits and attributes that an individual must have in order to perform their duties in a highly efficient and effective manner. Surgical technicians must display a high level of competence and ability in their chosen field, due to the fact that their skills can have far reaching effects on the ability of the surgeons to perform their duties. The more effective that the surgical technicians are in assisting the surgeons and other medical professionals in the performance of their duties, more likely there will be a positive outcome for the patient under their care. Due to the high level of interpersonal relationships that often forms between the surgical technician and the medical professionals such as doctors that employ them, it is important that these technicians have a high-level of human relations skills.
The higher the level of educational attainment that a surgical technician has, the more likely it is that they will attain a higher income for their services. A higher level of educational achievement shows potential employers that this individual is highly qualified for the position, and has the inner drive for self-improvement and to continuously develop his or her skills in this profession. An individual that attains only the minimal amount of education required for this position may indeed receive employment, but minimum educational attainment would usually result in the minimum salary that individual can receive for this profession. Research has proven that higher educational attainment more often than not corresponds with higher salaries throughout one’s lifetime, and this fact will apply to this profession as well.
A higher level of education in this field usually result in a much higher level of knowledge, in this field. A high level of knowledge of the practices, procedures, and techniques of surgical technicians, will invariably lead to a high level of overall competence in this profession. A highly competent practitioner of any profession is sought after by quality employers, and is respected by those around him. The competence that is gained from educational knowledge Shows in the high level of skill and performance of the individual, which has a positive effect on those around him. Those who work hand-in-hand with an educated and competent individual tend to develop a level of confidence in the individual, which makes for a more stable and pleasant work environment. When a work environment is stable and pleasant then the productivity of those individuals who work in that environment is increased dramatically. An increase in harmony and productivity is a sought after goal in any organization, and is the result of a highly competent and educated workforce.
It is important for surgical technicians to continuously upgrade their education in their field, in order to keep up with the continuing advances in medical technology that will eventually affect their profession. Educational attainment is a lifelong process and and will be rewarded with a successful career and a prosperous and fruitful future in the profession they choose.
Continuing Education For Surgical Techs
As an integral member of the surgical team, surgical technicians work under the supervision of doctors and nurses to ensure that all procedures are conducted effectively and safely. They are skilled in the application of sterilization techniques as well as ensuring that all equipment is in proper working order. Just like nurses and doctors, surgical technicians also possess knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures and all manner of implementation tools and technologies to assist the doctor with diagnostic and invasive procedures. As a valued member of the team, it is essential that they take care of their continuing education needs as well. Diagnostic and surgical procedures are ever developing and changing and the best of technicians change with them. As such it is essential that surgical technicians maintain at their certification through education through an accredited program in a four or five year period. While there is a slight difference between the organization mentioned on how long a person can go before needing to recertify, they acknowledge that the certification must be done. This can be done one of two ways:
- Complete 60 approved education credits in four years
- Completing an exam at the end of aforesaid four year period
When looking for an accredited program to fulfill the education requirements for renewing certification the website of the Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) has exactly what you need. They offer a variety of programs that are readily available for download, as well as the testing materials needed to submit for credit. While the organization does require membership to take advantage of the educational benefits it is well worth it. They also require that all continuing credits be earned while maintaining an active membership to the organization. Another reputable place to obtain re-certification is through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). This is a third party organization that not only develops but overseas the certification of more than 200,000 medically certified professionals. Many accredited institution obtain there lesson plans through this organization.
They have established programs that are directly related to the working professional and help to give them the best possible resources to increase their skills and marketability in the workplace. The guidelines they have in place have come from instructors, employers and working professionals. This ensures that those who undertake recertification are receiving the education that meets or exceeds the standards of what will be expected from them as a certified professional. Both organizations are dedicated to the education of surgical technicians as individuals and to the medical profession as a whole. Regardless of what place you choose to obtain the credits needed, be sure that the program they offer is accredited. Those who choose the path of becoming a surgical technologist have a long but rewarding road ahead of them. It take a lot of forward thinking to choose a profession that insist that you continue to learn and perfect the craft in order to continue participation. Choose the right program and reap the rewards.
The Association of Surgical Technologists
The Association of Surgical Technologists is an organization that was started in 1969. It was initiated by members of the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses, American College of Surgeons and the American Hospital Association. Representing over 55,000 surgical assistants and technologists, it is run by 11 Board of Director members, and local levels consist of 46 state formed assemblies who deal with members issues and concerns. This association is widely recognized as the oldest surgical assistant and surgical technologists organization that ensures that these professionals have acquired the proper skills and knowledge that is required to administer high quality patient care. This association’s mission is to provide enhancement to this profession, to ensure excellence in patient care. The AST work to provide uniform standards for educating students that are entering into this profession. They work with the committee of education in surgical technology’s accreditation review, to ensure standards that include the preferred entry level of this profession to be an associate degree. They also lobby at national and state levels for accredited education in this field, and hold and maintain the Certified Surgical Technologist credentials for employment as well as regulating and reimbursement of surgical assistants.
They also provide opportunities in continuing education for advancement in skills and knowledge of surgical techs and surgical assistants. In 1984 the organization began a national recognition week to honor and celebrate these professionals. Becoming a member of this organization allows free archiving of continuing education credits. They automatically transfer the credits to the National Board of Surgical Technicians and Surgical Assistants for renewal of their certification. They offer twelve continuing education courses free of charge that are eligible for use in a 4 year renewal of certification, which is 20 percent of the required amount. They also offer discounts of substantial amounts on continuing education courses and the certification examination. A monthly journal is included with topics that are relevant to this profession. Other benefits of being a member of this organization are discounted educational supplies such as textbooks, DVDs and CDs, current website, up-to-date salary information.
Since this is the only organization that supports and represents these professionals on a national level, they are committed to providing excellent education resulting in excellent patient care. With their on-line website, members can easily update information, renew membership, explore benefits and submit CEUs. They also offer a job search that can assist surgical technologist in finding employment. Certification is very important. CEUs should be completed at least six months prior to the certification expiration date. If these credits are not completed and filed before the expiration date, the only option is the take the exam that is required by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. To renew credentials the certified tech must have earned 60 CEUs in the four years of each cycle. Certification is issued through the NBSTSA, and the Association of Surgical Technologist are in charge of approving and processing continuing education units. Joining this organization saves surgical technologist costs on processing fees of CEUs, which are quite expensive. Annual membership is $80.00.