Working As A Vital Member of The Surgery Team: Surgical Technology
Are you interested in working in the medical field and helping to save or improve the lives of people undergoing surgery? By studying surgical technology you can go on to become a surgical technician and play a vital role in the operating room. It is a great choice for anyone who want to enter the healthcare field quickly without having to spend years on a degree. Not only will you be able to work in a field where you’ll be making a difference every day, but it is also a field where you won’t be stuck behind a desk all day doing the same tasks.
Surgical Technology Degree Information
Admission to a surgical technology program typically requires students to have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Programs tend to be available as at either diploma or certificate level as well as associate’s degrees.
Associate of Applied Science in Health Science - Surgical Technology
The Associate of Applied Science in Health Science - Surgical Technology degree can be completed in as little as 18 months and consists of coursework as well as practical experience. Courses may include Medical Terminology, Surgical Theory, Surgical Procedures, as well as Human Anatomy and Physiology. During the course of this type of degree program, students are typically also prepared for completing the National Certifying Examination.
Bachelor of Health Sciences - Surgical Technology
Students with an associate’s degree in surgical technology can also go on to complete a Bachelor of Health Sciences - Surgical Technology degree to enhance their career prospects. The Health Sciences core of this program typically includes courses such as Human Diseases, Principles of Epidemiology, Organization and Administration of Health Services and Applied Ethics in Health Care.
Surgical Technology Degree FAQ
Is It Possible To Earn a Surgical Technology Degree Online?
Surgical technology is a very hands-on field, which makes it difficult to find degrees that can be completed online only. Instead, students may be able to find hybrid programs where the theory portion of the course can be done online and the practical side on-location. Most online programs also require an externship in order to gain experience with real-world scenarios. It is also possible for students who hold an existing associate’s degree in the field to complete online only bachelor’s degrees, which can enhance their career prospects without having to disrupt their existing job obligations. Online courses typically consist of audio or video components that can be viewed from any computer or laptop with an internet connection. Students can also use online communication options, such as chat rooms or emails to interact with other students or lecturers.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Study For A Surgical Technology Degree?
Students who are interested in studying for a surgical technology degree should be very detail oriented as a large part of the work involves ensuring that the correct equipment is available at the right time. A certain degree of dexterity is also very beneficial as you spend a lot of time working with your hands and have to be able to quickly provide whatever equipment is required by surgeons. This is also why physical stamina is vital for this kind of degree as your job will more than likely require you to be on your feet for long periods. Also, since you’ll more than likely end up working in the medical profession, it is important to have integrity and operate in an honest and ethical manner at all times. The environment in which surgical technologists work tends to involve a lot of pressure, which means you need to be able to handle stress. Finally, since you’ll be working in a team environment along with doctors and nurses, it is vital that you are able to follow instructions and work well with others.
What Type of Job Opportunities May Be Available With A Degree In This Field?
Students who earn a degree in surgical technology typically go on to work as surgical technicians. There are a number of places that employ surgical technicians, ranging from hospital operating and delivery rooms to outpatient care centers, dentists and doctors’ offices as well as ambulatory surgical centers. Some surgical technicians also go into medical equipment sales.
What Type of Responsibilities Might I Have When Working As A Surgical Technologist?
When working as a surgical operating technician, your primary responsibility is to ensure that everything from the equipment to the instruments in an operating room is available and accessible. When working in this profession, it is typically also expected that you assemble and check certain equipment and operate some of the equipment, such as suction machines during procedures. You’ll also have to hand surgeons all the supplies and instruments they require in the operating room. Other common duties in this field include preparing patients for surgery, continually assessing the conditions in the operating room and ensuring that everything remains sterile throughout surgery.
How Much Can I Potentially Earn When Employed In This Field?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists earned a median annual wage of $45,160 as of May 2016. However, this number was less than $31,730 for the lowest 10 percent of earners while those in the highest 10 percent bracket earned in excess of $64, 4800. The top paying industries for this occupation are outpatient care centers, followed by offices of physicians and hospitals. The employment outlook for surgical technologists is quite positive as a growth of 12 percent is projected up until 2026, which is faster than the average for all other occupations. However, the best job prospects are for surgical technologists who hold a certification and have completed an accredited education program.
What Are The Other Advantages To Earning A Degree In Surgical Technology?
Like all careers in the medical field, studying surgical technology can be stressful, but comes with a lot of job satisfaction as you could be helping to save lives on a daily basis. It is also a career path where there are lots of opportunities for advancement, should you choose to become more specialized in specific fields.
