A Comprehensive Overview of What It Takes to Become a Surgical Technologist
The role of a surgical technologist is an important one in the medical field. As a surgical technologist, you will be responsible for helping surgeons and other medical professionals during surgical procedures. Becoming a surgical technologist requires a combination of education, experience, and certifications. This article will provide an overview of what it takes to become a successful surgical technologist.
Education Requirements
The first step in becoming a surgical technologist is to complete an accredited program in surgical technology. These programs are typically offered at community colleges or technical schools and can take anywhere from nine months to two years to complete. During the program, students will learn about anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and sterilization techniques. They will also gain hands-on experience in the operating room by observing surgeries and assisting with patient care. Upon completion of the program, students must pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Experience Requirements
In addition to completing an accredited program, aspiring surgical technologists must also gain experience in the field. This can be done through internships or volunteer opportunities at hospitals or other healthcare facilities. During these experiences, students will learn how to properly set up for surgeries, assist surgeons during procedures, and help with post-operative care. This hands-on experience is essential for becoming a successful surgical technologist.
Certification Requirements
Once you have completed your education and gained experience in the field, you must obtain certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). The CST exam is administered by the NBSTSA and consists of both written and practical components. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have completed an accredited program in surgical technology and have at least one year of full-time work experience as a surgical technologist or two years of part-time work experience as a surgical technologist within the past five years. Once certified, you must renew your certification every four years by taking continuing education courses or passing recertification exams.
Becoming a successful surgical technologist requires dedication and hard work. By completing an accredited program in surgical technology, gaining hands-on experience in the field, and obtaining certification as a CST, you can become qualified for this important role in the medical field.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
