Are you interested in a career as a surgical technologist, but also want to serve your country? The military offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for healthcare with your desire to serve. As a surgical technologist in the military, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of service members and their families.
What is a Surgical Technologist?
A surgical technologist, also known as a surgical technician or operating room technician, is a healthcare professional who assists surgeons and other medical professionals during surgical procedures. Their primary responsibility is to maintain a sterile environment, prepare operating rooms, and ensure that all necessary equipment and supplies are available.
Types of Surgical Tech Careers in the Military
The military offers various surgical tech careers, each with its own unique responsibilities and requirements. Some of the most common types of surgical tech careers in the military include:
- Operating Room Technician: Assists surgeons and other medical professionals during surgical procedures, maintains a sterile environment, and prepares operating rooms.
- Surgical Technologist: Prepares operating rooms, maintains a sterile environment, and assists surgeons and other medical professionals during surgical procedures.
- Sterilization, Preparation, and Packaging Specialist: Responsible for sterilizing and preparing medical equipment and supplies.
Branches of the Military that Offer Surgical Tech Careers
All branches of the military offer surgical tech careers, including:
- Army: Offers a Surgical Technologist (68D) Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
- Navy: Offers a Surgical Technologist (HM-8483) rating
- Air Force: Offers a Surgical Technologist (4N051) Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC)
- Marine Corps: Offers a Surgical Technologist (HM-8483) Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
- Coast Guard: Offers a Surgical Technologist (HM-8483) rating
Requirements for a Surgical Tech Career in the Military
To become a surgical technologist in the military, you'll need to meet certain requirements, including:
- Age: Be between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Education: Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen
- Background: Pass a background check
- Medical Standards: Meet the military's medical standards for enlistment
Training and Certification
The military provides training and certification for surgical technologists. Training typically includes:
- Basic Training: 8-12 weeks of basic training, which includes physical fitness, first aid, and combat skills
- Advanced Individual Training: 16-24 weeks of advanced individual training, which includes surgical technology training
- Certification: Certification as a surgical technologist through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Benefits of a Surgical Tech Career in the Military
A surgical tech career in the military offers many benefits, including:
- Job Security: A steady income and job security
- Education Benefits: Opportunities for education and training
- Travel Opportunities: Opportunities to travel and see new places
- Comprehensive Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Camaraderie: A sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps
Salary and Benefits
The salary and benefits for a surgical technologist in the military vary based on rank and time in service. Here are some approximate salary ranges:
- Basic Pay: $1,733 - $3,788 per month
- Allowances: $200 - $500 per month
- Bonuses: $1,000 - $5,000 per year
Gallery of Surgical Tech Careers in the Military
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a surgical technologist in the military?
+The typical salary range for a surgical technologist in the military is $1,733 - $3,788 per month.
What kind of training and certification can I expect as a surgical technologist in the military?
+The military provides training and certification for surgical technologists, including 16-24 weeks of advanced individual training and certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
What are the benefits of a surgical tech career in the military?
+The benefits of a surgical tech career in the military include job security, education benefits, travel opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and camaraderie.
Conclusion
A surgical tech career in the military offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for healthcare with your desire to serve your country. With comprehensive training and certification, a steady income, and a range of benefits, a surgical tech career in the military can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice.