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, can be a great option. With a surgical tech diploma, you can start your career in less than 2 years and begin working in a hospital or surgical setting, assisting surgeons and other medical professionals during operations.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of earning a surgical tech diploma, the typical curriculum and training programs, and the career prospects and salary expectations for surgical technologists.
Benefits of Earning a Surgical Tech Diploma
Earning a surgical tech diploma can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Job readiness: With a diploma in surgical technology, you can start working in the field immediately after graduation.
- Short training period: Most surgical tech programs take less than 2 years to complete, which means you can start your career quickly.
- Growing demand: The demand for surgical technologists is expected to grow 3% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Competitive salary: Surgical technologists are paid a competitive salary, with median salaries ranging from $45,000 to over $60,000 per year.
Typical Curriculum and Training Programs
Surgical tech programs typically include both classroom and clinical training. The curriculum may include:
- Anatomy and physiology: Students learn about the human body and its systems.
- Surgical procedures: Students learn about different surgical procedures and how to assist during operations.
- Patient care: Students learn about patient care and how to maintain a sterile environment.
- Medical terminology: Students learn medical terminology and how to communicate effectively with other medical professionals.
Clinical training is also an essential part of surgical tech programs. Students work in a hospital or surgical setting, assisting surgeons and other medical professionals during operations.
How to Choose a Surgical Tech Program
When choosing a surgical tech program, there are several factors to consider:
- Accreditation: Look for programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- Curriculum: Ensure the program includes both classroom and clinical training.
- Faculty: Look for programs with experienced faculty who are certified surgical technologists.
- Cost: Compare program costs and consider financial aid options.
Career Prospects and Salary Expectations
Surgical technologists can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals: Surgical technologists can work in hospital operating rooms, assisting surgeons during operations.
- Surgical centers: Surgical technologists can work in outpatient surgical centers, assisting surgeons during operations.
- Private practices: Surgical technologists can work in private medical practices, assisting surgeons during operations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for surgical technologists is $50,110 per year. However, salaries can range from $45,000 to over $60,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
Conclusion
Earning a surgical tech diploma can be a great way to start a career in the medical field. With a diploma in surgical technology, you can start working in the field immediately after graduation and begin assisting surgeons and other medical professionals during operations.
What is the typical salary for a surgical technologist?
+The median salary for surgical technologists is $50,110 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What is the typical training period for a surgical technologist?
+Most surgical tech programs take less than 2 years to complete.
What is the job outlook for surgical technologists?
+The demand for surgical technologists is expected to grow 3% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.