By: The Sider Group
Submitted: 2011-10-25 01:49:31 | Word Count: 445
If you want to work in the operating room but can't imagine going to through all those years of medical or nursing school, surgical technology programs could be your ideal educational option. You can train to become a surgical technologist in much less time than it takes to become a nurse, and you can enjoy the challenges and rewards of being part of a team alongside surgeons and other skilled medical professionals. These programs can be found at accredited community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and various extended learning programs at universities around the nation.
The training programs for surgical technologists typically last between nine months and two years, depending on whether the student wants to earn a diploma, certificate or associate's degree. Many employers prefer applicants with associate's degrees because they have had more schooling, but for those eager to get into the field as quickly as possible, a diploma or certificate will be enough for many of the jobs out there. For those seeking better opportunities, an associate's degree as well as professional certification will be most helpful.
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Right now, there are more than 450 accredited surgical technologist training programs in the United States providing diplomas, certificates and degrees to motivated students that are able to pass all requirements for graduation. Getting into these programs typically requires a high school diploma. Although it isn't necessarily required, students are better off if they have taken prep courses in biology, chemistry, health and math. At a very minimum, these training programs include courses in anatomy, ethics, medical terminology, microbiology, pharmacology, physiology, and best practices, including sterile equipment handling and surgery protocols.
Once the diploma, certificate or degree is finished, many graduates go on to complete professional certification to qualify for better jobs and promotions. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting and the National Center for Competency Testing both offer voluntary professional certification for surgical technologists. The NBSTSA requires graduation from an accredited school and the passing of an exam to become certified; additionally, a minimum number of continuing education hours to maintain that certification is required. The NCCT allows graduates of an accredited training program or a two-year hospital on-the-job training program to take the exam, as well as any surgical professionals with at least seven years of experience. Certification is good for five years.
Surgical technology programs are just the first step in the educational process towards this rewarding and challenging career in the healthcare field.
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