Surgical Technology, AS

Launch Your Career in Surgical Technology

A Surgical Technology professional (also known as a surgical tech, surg tech or scrub) is a vital member of the surgical team in an operating room. A surgical technologist acts as a surgeon's trusted right hand by anticipating the needs of the surgeon and passing instruments during an operation.

What Surgical Technologists Do 

Surgical technology specialists are at the center of the action in surgery and never queasy at the sight of blood.  Surg techs are trained professionals who work under the direction of a surgeon and the medical team to deliver the highest level of patient care before, during and after the surgery.

Individuals certified in surgical technology take on many critical roles in the operating room.  Surg techs often help prepare patients for surgery, inspect and ensure surgical instruments are sterile, and make certain the operating room is organized for the medical team.  During surgery, surg techs help to position patients on the operating table and drape them with sterile cloths.  They troubleshoot equipment and may be called upon to clean and cauterize blood vessels or close wounds.

Surgical Technology - what you will learn

The 22-month program for an Associate of Science degree in Surgical Technology is a combination of classroom studies, hands-on learning in a surgical suite laboratory, and clinical-based practice in Greater Omaha Area hospitals.  Learning includes:

• Coursework in human anatomy, microbiology, critical thinking and communications
• Care and handling of surgical instruments and equipment before, during and after surgery
• Maintaining a sterile field for the surgical team including applying surgical dressings, holding retractors, cutting sutures, preparing sterile solutions, and caring for and/or transporting human specimens for laboratory analysis or disposal
• Draping and positioning of patients during surgery
• Operating room preparation including cleaning, restocking, and equipment preparation and positioning
• National standards required to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

Surgical Technology Program Information

• 22-month, accredited Associate of Science degree program in Surgical Technology
  
• Industry-experienced instructors work one-on-one with you in small classes to develop your professional skills in patient care, surgical technology and communication
• Students are prepared to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) national examination in their final semester, and are prepared for employment as soon as they graduate
  
• Surg Tech Student Outcomes
• Program Outcomes for Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology Salary 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for surgical technologists in the U.S. for May 2015 was $44,330 per year ($21.31 per hour), with a much faster than average projected job growth of 15 percent between 2014 and 2024.

Surg Tech Career Outlook

People qualified in surgical technology are in high demand throughout the United States and opportunities to advance are exceptional.  Surg techs may start their careers working in a hospital, outpatient facility, physician's clinic or dental office.  For those who learn additional skills or earn a Bachelor of Science degree, other career opportunities may include:

• First or Second Assisting Technologist
• Private 'Scrub' (specializing in transplants or other complex surgeries)
• Surgical Services Administrator
• Surgical Supplies Administrator
• Surgical Equipment/Instrument Sales
• Insurance
• Trainer or Instructor

Surgical Technology Professional Organizations

• Association of Surgical Technologists 
• The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting

Surg Tech Blog Posts

• Surg Tech Undercover: Students Reveal Favorite Operations  
• Neurosurgeon Reveals What Makes a Good Surg Tech
• Careers 101: 4 Reasons You'll Love Being a Surgical Tech
• Graduate Spotlight: Molly Bouc, Surgical Technology
• Behind the Mask of a Surgical Technology Student
• What is a surgical tech?

Program Accreditation

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology (ARC ST/SA). 25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763. (727) 210-2350. Email: mail@caahep.org; Website: www.caahep.org