How to Become a Surgical Tech
A surgical technologist, commonly referred to as a surgical tech, is a vital member of a surgical team, ensuring procedures run smoothly from beginning to end. Ranked among the top 15 highest-paying jobs without a degree, this profession offers a fulfilling career with a competitive salary. And the job prospects? With over 51 million surgeries performed annually in the U.S., the need for skilled surgical techs is great.
Curious about how to become a surgical tech? This article covers everything you need to know, from educational pathways to certification and salary details.
Surgical Tech Career Snapshot
- Mission: Facilitate efficient and safe surgical procedures.
- Responsibilities: Sterilize equipment, assist surgeons with instruments, and maintain a clean operating room environment.
- Workplace settings: Hospitals, surgical centers, and outpatient clinics.
- Career path: Completion of a surgical technology program or on-the-job training.
What Is a Surgical Technologist?
A surgical technologist is a member of an operating room team who assists surgeons and other medical personnel before, during, and after surgical procedures. These professionals prepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, handle specimens, and assist surgeons during surgeries by passing instruments, among other tasks.
Surgical techs assist with a wide range of surgeries. The most common types performed in the U.S. include:
- Appendectomy
- Bariatric procedure
- Cardiac catheterization
- Cesarean section
- Hip arthroplasty
- Spinal fusion
- Trauma surgery
- Tumor resection
What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
When considering how to become a surgical tech, it’s important to determine if the job responsibilities align with your interests. Let’s dissect what exactly a surgical tech does on a day-to-day basis.
These professionals juggle three main groups of tasks: pre-procedure, procedure, and post-procedure. Their pre-procedure duties typically include:
- Preparing the operating room for surgery.
- Sterilizing and arranging instruments.
- Ensuring all supplies are ready.
- Transporting the patient.
During a procedure, the surgical tech’s responsibilities typically include:
- Handing instruments to the surgeon.
- Maintaining a sterile field.
- Assisting with patient positioning.
- Managing surgical equipment and supplies.
A surgical tech also assists after surgery, handling postoperative tasks such as:
- Assisting with patient transfer to recovery.
- Cleaning and sterilizing the operating room.
- Organizing and restocking surgical supplies.
- Documenting the procedure in patient records.
How to Become a Surgical Tech
Attaining adequate education is one of the first steps on the path of how to become a surgical technologist. Let’s explore the key steps to start your journey into this unique specialty.
1. Finish High School
First, you’ll need at least a high school education (e.g., a high school diploma, GED, or any higher education degree). However, a bachelor’s degree will likely give you an edge in the job market. You can also work as a surgical tech while in nursing school, gaining vital experience to prepare for other nursing roles.
2. Enroll in Surgical Tech School
There are several types of surgical tech programs: certificate programs, diplomas, and associate degrees. Certain programs might ask for prerequisite courses such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and microbiology. These courses ensure you have a solid knowledge base to step into medical roles.
3. Become a Certified Surgical Technologist
Getting certified is highly recommended and often preferred by employers. Here are some certification pathways you might want to explore:
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
- Tech in Surgery TS-C (NCCT)
How Long Does It Take to Become a Surgical Tech?
Typically, completing a surgical technology program can take around one to two years, depending on whether you pursue a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. However, some accelerated programs may offer shorter completion times, while part-time or hybrid programs may take longer.
Where Do Surgical Techs Work?
When considering how to become a surgical tech, it’s important to decide which work setting is a good fit for you. These professionals can work in acute care facilities, specialty hospitals, physician offices, plastic surgery centers, and emergency rooms. There are also a range of diverse specialties to explore. Some common options include:
- Cardiology
- Neurosurgery
- Transplant surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric surgery
- Aesthetic surgery
How Much Do Surgical Techs Make?
The average surgical tech salary in the U.S. is about $62,250 per year. You might make more or less depending on your location, education, experience, and work setting.
To find out exactly how much surgical techs earn, explore our job board for the latest surgical tech opportunities across the nation. You’ll be able to see salary ranges, job duties, and available positions to make informed career decisions.
If you’re open to relocation, consider sending your surgical tech resume to these top five highest-paying states for surgical techs:
How to Become a Surgical Tech: FAQs
How much does it cost to become a surgical tech?
The cost of becoming a surgical tech will vary based on the type of program, location, and whether financial aid is available. On average, tuition for a surgical technology program can range from $4,000 to $25,000, with additional expenses for books and supplies. The certification exam fees are as follows:
- CST examination price: $190 for AST Members or $290 for non-members
- TS-C examination price: $199
Surgical technologist vs. surgical technician — what’s the difference?
Although the terms “surgical technologist” and “surgical technician” are often used interchangeably, they can represent different levels of training. A surgical technician usually has minimal formal education and learns their job duties primarily through on-the-job training, while a surgical technologist undergoes formal education through an accredited program.
Surgical technologist vs. scrub nurse — what’s the difference?
Surgical techs primarily focus on preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and passing equipment to surgeons. On the other hand, scrub nurses are registered nurses who not only assist during surgeries but also provide direct patient care before, during, and after the procedure.
What is the career outlook for surgical techs?
The job market for surgical assistants and technologists is set to grow by 5% in the next decade. This growth is fueled by factors such as an aging population who may require more surgical procedures, as well as by advancements in medical technology, offering solid job prospects and stability in the field.
Can I pursue a surgical tech program online?
Learning how to become a surgical tech requires hands-on training to be able to perform the requirements of the job, such as maintaining a sterile field. If you want to do some coursework from home, consider hybrid programs that offer a mix of online and in-person learning.
What are career growth opportunities as a surgical tech?
You can advance to roles such as lead surgical tech, surgical first assistant, or even pursue further education to become a nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Additionally, with experience and additional certifications, you can specialize in specific surgical areas or advance into management positions.
What are the challenges of being a surgical tech?
One challenge you might face as a surgical tech is needing to stand for long periods of time. Attention to detail is also crucial in the fast-paced operating room environment, where adaptability is key. Also, these professionals can have hectic schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts.
Ready to Start Applying for Jobs?
Now you know how to become a surgical tech. Ready to take the next step? We specialize in personalized job matching to help you find a role you’ll love — in the right specialty, facility, and location.