Are you interested in a career in the medical field, but don't want to spend years in school? Becoming a surgical technologist, also known as a surgical tech or operating room technician, may be the perfect career path for you. Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) offers a program in surgical technology that can help you achieve your career goals. In this article, we'll explore five ways to become a surgical tech at GTCC.
What is a Surgical Technologist?
A surgical technologist is a healthcare professional who works in the operating room, assisting surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses during surgical procedures. They prepare the operating room, sterilize equipment, and maintain asepsis during the procedure. Surgical technologists also help with patient care, including preparing patients for surgery and transporting them to the recovery room.
Benefits of Becoming a Surgical Technologist
There are many benefits to becoming a surgical technologist. Here are a few:
- Job stability: The demand for surgical technologists is high, and the job market is expected to grow in the coming years.
- Good salary: Surgical technologists can earn a good salary, with median salaries ranging from $45,000 to over $60,000 per year.
- Variety: Every surgical procedure is different, so surgical technologists can expect to see a variety of cases and work with different medical professionals.
- Personal satisfaction: Surgical technologists play a critical role in the operating room, and can take pride in knowing that they are helping to save lives.
5 Ways to Become a Surgical Tech at GTCC
If you're interested in becoming a surgical technologist at GTCC, here are five ways to get started:
1. Meet the Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the surgical technology program at GTCC, you must meet certain admission requirements. These include:
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Taking the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam
- Having a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Completing prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry
2. Complete the Surgical Technology Program
The surgical technology program at GTCC is a two-year associate degree program that includes both classroom and clinical training. The program covers topics such as:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Surgical procedures
- Patient care
- Asepsis and sterilization
- Pharmacology
3. Gain Clinical Experience
As part of the surgical technology program at GTCC, you'll have the opportunity to gain clinical experience in a real-world setting. This will give you hands-on training and help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a surgical technologist.
4. Obtain Certification
While certification is not required to work as a surgical technologist, it is highly recommended. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers certification for surgical technologists. To become certified, you'll need to pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
5. Maintain Certification
To maintain certification, you'll need to complete continuing education requirements and adhere to the NBSTSA's code of ethics.
Conclusion
Becoming a surgical technologist at GTCC requires a combination of education, training, and certification. By following these five steps, you can set yourself up for success in this rewarding and challenging career.
What is the salary range for surgical technologists?
+The salary range for surgical technologists varies depending on location, experience, and employer. However, the median salary range is between $45,000 and $60,000 per year.
How long does it take to become a surgical technologist?
+The surgical technology program at GTCC is a two-year associate degree program.
Is certification required to work as a surgical technologist?
+No, certification is not required to work as a surgical technologist. However, it is highly recommended and can improve job prospects.