Accredited Surgical Tech Programs

What is an Accredited Surgical Tech Program?

An accredited surgical tech program is a training program that has been approved by a recognized accrediting body. This means that the program meets certain standards of quality and provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a surgical technologist.

There are many different types of accredited surgical tech programs available, including associate degree programs, certificate programs, and online programs. The length of the program will vary depending on the type of program and the specific requirements of the accrediting body.

Benefits of Attending an Accredited Surgical Tech Program

There are many benefits to attending an accredited surgical tech program. Some of the benefits include:

Increased job opportunities: Employers are more likely to hire surgical technologists who have graduated from an accredited program.
Higher earning potential: Surgical technologists who have graduated from an accredited program typically earn higher salaries than those who have not.
Improved patient care: Surgical technologists who have graduated from an accredited program are better prepared to provide safe and effective patient care.

How to Choose an Accredited Surgical Tech Program

When choosing an accredited surgical tech program, there are a few things you should keep in mind. These include:

Accreditation: Make sure that the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body.
Curriculum: The curriculum should include all of the necessary coursework to prepare you for a career as a surgical technologist.
Faculty: The faculty should be experienced and qualified to teach surgical technology.
Clinical experience: The program should provide you with the opportunity to gain clinical experience in a real-world setting.

What to Expect in an Accredited Surgical Tech Program

In an accredited surgical tech program, you can expect to learn about a variety of topics, including:

Surgical procedures: You will learn about the different types of surgical procedures and how to assist the surgeon during surgery.
Patient care: You will learn how to provide care for patients before, during, and after surgery.
Sterilization and disinfection: You will learn how to sterilize and disinfect surgical instruments and equipment.
Medical terminology: You will learn the medical terminology used in the surgical setting.

Career Outlook for Surgical Technologists

The job outlook for surgical technologists is expected to be good over the next few years. This is due to the increasing demand for surgical procedures and the aging population.

Surgical technologists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers. They can also work in the military or for private companies.

Salary Expectations for Surgical Technologists

The salary for surgical technologists varies depending on their experience, location, and employer. However, the median annual salary for surgical technologists is around $50,000.

Surgical technologists who have additional training or experience can earn higher salaries. For example, surgical technologists who are certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) can earn an average of $5,000 more per year than those who are not certified.

Advancement Opportunities for Surgical Technologists

There are a number of advancement opportunities available to surgical technologists. These opportunities include:

Surgical first assistant: Surgical first assistants work closely with the surgeon and are responsible for assisting with the most critical aspects of the surgery.
Certified surgical technologist (CST): CSTs are surgical technologists who have passed a national certification exam. CSTs are typically paid more than non-certified surgical technologists.
Surgical physician assistant (SPA): SPAs are surgical technologists who have completed additional training and education. SPAs can perform a variety of tasks that are typically reserved for physicians, such as suturing and closing wounds.

Conclusion

If you are interested in a career in the medical field, an accredited surgical tech program may be a good option for you. Surgical technologists are in high demand and can earn a good salary. With the right training and experience, you can advance your career and become a valuable member of the surgical team.