Embark on a Rewarding Career as a Surgical Tech
Looking to start your career or to change careers? Becoming a Nationally Registered Surgical Technician (surgical tech) may be just right for you. Let's take a look at what surgical techs do and how to become a nationally registered surgical tech. Understand the critical roles, responsibilities, and opportunities available, learn how to obtain your surgical tech certification online with American Allied Health (AAH), and take the next step to start your career in healthcare today.
What is a Surgical Tech?
A surgical tech, also known as a surgical technician or technologist, is a vital member of the operating room team. If you enjoy a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, the day-to-day life of a surgical tech might be perfect for you. Each day offers new challenges and exposure? to diverse surgical procedures, ranging from routine operations to urgent emergencies. As a surgical tech, you'll be at the heart of the action, efficiently preparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, and ensuring all necessary equipment is ready. During surgeries, you'll work closely with surgeons, passing instruments and maintaining a sterile environment. This role requires quick thinking and precise coordination, as you'll often need to anticipate the needs of the surgical team. If you thrive under pressure and enjoy a job that keeps you on your toes, a career as a surgical tech can be incredibly rewarding.
What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
Surgical techs perform a range of essential duties, including:
- Operating Room Preparation: Ensuring that the operating room is sterile and equipped with all necessary instruments and supplies.
- Instrument Sterilization: Sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment to prevent infections.
- Assisting During Surgery: Passing instruments to surgeons, holding retractors, and ensuring that the surgical field remains clear.
- Patient Care: Assisting in transferring patients to and from the operating room and ensuring their comfort and safety.
- Post-Operative Procedures: Helping with the cleaning and restocking of the operating room after procedures.
Where Can I Work as a Surgical Tech?
As a certified surgical tech, you have the option to work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as:
- Hospitals: Surgical techs are crucial in hospital operating rooms, emergency rooms, and labor and delivery units.
- Ambulatory Surgery Centers: These centers specialize in outpatient surgeries, where surgical techs play a key role.
- Specialty Clinics: Some surgical techs work in clinics specializing in areas such as orthopedics, cardiology, or plastic surgery.
- Physician's Offices: Certain medical practices, especially those performing in-office surgical procedures, employ surgical techs.
How to Become a Surgical Tech
The path to becoming a surgical tech requires education, hands-on experience and certification.
Education
Complete a surgical tech training program, which typically covers anatomy, medical terminology, surgical procedures, and sterile techniques.
Clinical Experience
Gain hands-on experience through a clinical internship or externship, where you'll practice surgical techniques under supervision.
Certification
After completing your training, pursue certification through American Allied Health (AAH). The Nationally Registered Surgical Tech (NRST) certification exam demonstrates your proficiency and dedication to the profession.
Importance of Surgical Tech Certification
Obtaining surgical tech certification is crucial for several reasons:
- Career Opportunities: Certification enhances your job prospects and makes you more competitive in the job market. Employers often prefer certified surgical techs because it assures them of your skills and knowledge.
- Earning Potential: Certified surgical techs typically earn higher salaries than non-certified individuals.
- Quality Assurance: Certification ensures that you adhere to industry standards and best practices, promoting patient safety and quality care.
Get Your Surgical Tech Certification Online
Through American Allied Health, you can obtain your surgical tech certification online with our Nationally Registered Surgical Tech exam. Once you register for your exam you receive access to free study materials and practice exams. You can easily upload eligibility documentation, take the exam online, and receive immediate certification status documentation for your records or your employer.
Maintain Your Certification
Keep your certification current by completing continuing education (CE) each year and paying renewal dues to access your new certificate upon completion. American Allied Health now offers a suite of CE courses online through your account. Now you can earn your CE on your schedule and conveniently renew your certification.
Start Your Journey Today
Becoming a certified surgical tech offers a rewarding career path where you can significantly impact people's lives and have a bustling day-to-day.
To learn more about becoming a surgical tech through American Allied Health, visit our Nationally Registered Surgical Tech Certification page.