With more than 310 million elective and emergent surgeries worldwide every year, there’s a consistent need for surgical technologists. Their responsibilities include sterilizing the operating room and equipment, passing instruments to a surgeon during procedures, transferring patients when it’s time for surgery, and stocking supplies. The trained professional in this role can also be referred to as a surgical tech, surgery tech, scrub tech, or operating room technician.
It’s a great time to find surgical tech jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there’s a 5% projected job growth for the occupation, which is faster than the average for all other jobs. Whether you’re looking for full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or per diem positions, you can find the latest surgical technologist jobs right here on IntelyCare.
Surgical Tech Education and Skills
The requirements to qualify for a surgical tech job vary by state, but in general you’ll need a high school diploma or GED to begin. Then you need to enroll in one of the surgical tech programs that has been accredited by either the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Not every state requires certification for surgical tech positions, but obtaining it can not only deepen your clinical expertise, but also put you in a favorable position when applying to jobs. Beyond surgical tech school requirements, consider sitting for one of the following exams:
- Certified surgical technologist (CST), offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
- Tech in surgery - certified (TS-C), offered by the National Center for Competency Testing
- Certified operating room and surgical technician (NCORST), offered by the National Healthcare Workers Association
These certifications are excellent stepping stones if you decide to advance your career and become a surgical nurse in the future.
Surgical Tech Resume and Cover Letter
Take the time to update your resume before applying to surgical technologist jobs. Align your skills to the requirements of a particular job. For instance, if an employer’s surgical tech job description requires a candidate who is adept at “preparing and anticipating additional instrumentation, equipment, and supplies,” feature that skill in your resume.
Use your surgical tech cover letter to explain not only your enthusiasm for the role, but also the value you could contribute to the team. This can demonstrate to a potential employer that you would be a great fit for the job.
Interviewing for a Surgical Tech Job
As someone whose job it is to be cool-headed in intense situations, you’re probably keenly aware of the importance of preparation. Be sure to review some of the more common surgical tech interview questions you might face for a healthcare role, and practice until you feel more relaxed.
Surgical Tech Jobs: Salary
The average annual salary for a surgical tech is around $62,250. Your location, certifications, experience, facility type, and employer can make a difference in what you make. If you’d like to see where you can earn the most as a surgical tech, here’s a look at the top five states for surgical tech pay by average annual salary and hourly wage.
If these wages look good to you, then check out the latest surgical tech jobs in these states:
- Connecticut surgical tech openings
- California surgical tech openings
- Nevada surgical tech openings
- Washington surgical tech openings
- Alaska surgical tech openings
Ready to Find Surgical Tech Jobs?
Check out all the positions available right now. Want other options? IntelyCare can match you with even more healthcare jobs that interest you.