Are you interested in a career in healthcare that doesn’t involve several years of medical school? If so, you may want to consider becoming a surgical technologist. These highly skilled professionals play a critical role in the operating room by assisting surgeons and other medical professionals during surgical procedures.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a surgical technologist, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Research the Career Before you start down any career path, it’s important to do your research. Learn as much as you can about what surgical technologists do, what types of surgeries they assist with, and what the job outlook and earning potential are like in your area.
- Complete an Accredited Program To become a surgical tech, you’ll need to complete an accredited surgical technology program. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
- Pass a Certification Exam After completing your surgical technology program, you’ll need to pass a certification exam to become a certified surgical technologist (CST). The exam is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting and covers a range of topics related to surgical technology.
- Gain Work Experience Most employers prefer to hire surgical technologists who have some work experience, so it’s a good idea to seek out internships or other opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field.
- Keep Learning and Growing As with any healthcare profession, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in surgical technology. Consider pursuing continuing education courses or additional certifications to expand your knowledge and stay competitive in the job market.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career in healthcare that allows you to work closely with surgeons and other medical professionals, becoming a surgical technologist may be the right choice for you. By following these steps and putting in the hard work and dedication necessary, you can launch your career in this exciting field and help make a difference in the lives of patients every day.