Careers in Surgical Technology
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Surgical technologists can be said to work at the literal “cutting edge” of medicine, as they work in the high-stakes surgical environment. While the field of medicine is vast and varied, surgery still trends as among the most complicated and fast-paced areas of this big field, as it often involves high-pressure situations and the need for split-second decision-making on the part of the doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals involved.
Surgical technologists are responsible for many tasks in the operating room, from preparing the surgery site to dealing with the patient and their needs. Additionally, surgical technologists play a vital role during many surgeries, by passing equipment to the surgeon, and ensuring that the equipment in use is properly sterilized and stored after its use.
Often, surgical technologists are the first to arrive in the operating room, and the last to leave it once a surgical procedure has concluded. As such, they are in frequent demand, and good surgical technologists are highly regarded by their colleagues in the hospital environment.
But what benefits does a career as a surgical technologist offer an interested individual? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), the “surgical assistants and technologists” job category forecasts a healthy 5 percent job growth between 2022 and 2032.
As a career that does not require a bachelor’s degree but can be attained by the completion of a certificate program or associate degree, becoming a surgical technologist is a great entry point into the medical world, as well as a perfect option for individuals who are more interested in hands-on work than in the long and highly theoretical education that is necessary to become a surgeon or medical doctor.
But how to go about starting a career in this field? What options are available to individuals who are certified surgical technologists? This guide is intended to help orient people interested in surgical technology and point out some interesting aspects of this career.
Become a Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists work in nearly every operating room nationwide, providing a vital link between surgeons and patients. They oversee many important processes in creating a safe and efficient surgical environment and act as an essential assistant to the surgeon or medical doctor overseeing a procedure. In highly complex surgeries such as transplants, multiple surgical technologists may work simultaneously to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. Surgical assistants may cut sutures and wash and dress wounds as well.
Specializations for Surgical Technologists
While all surgical technologists and assistants undergo the same training and certification process, some individuals may want to specialize in a particular area of surgery once they have completed their studies, or later on as they become more comfortable in their role. Some of the specializations available include the following:
- Cardiovascular
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Orthopedic
- Neurology
- Reconstructive
Demand & Career Outlook for Surgical Technologists
The future looks very bright for surgical technologists. As proof of point, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023) projects a 5 percent increase nationally in job openings in this field between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average anticipated growth for all occupations during that period (3 percent). With the expected addition of 5,900 positions for surgical technologists around the country, there are expected to be ample professional opportunities in this field in the decade to come.
How Much Do Surgical Technologists Make?
According to the BLS (May 2022), the 107,400 surgical technologists nationwide had an annual average salary of $57,500. In more detail, here are the salary percentiles of surgical technologists across the US:
| Surgical Technologists | United States |
|---|---|
| Number employed | 107,400 |
| Annual mean wage | $57,500 |
| 10th percentile | $38,860 |
| 25th percentile | $47,860 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $55,960 |
| 75th percentile | $64,360 |
| 90th percentile | $78,560 |
Education
Surgical technologist is a certified profession in the United States, meaning that individuals who wish to enter this field must attain specific training and education and certification to perform this role. Certification for this career is handled by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Below are some educational programs that can lead to a job as a surgical technologist.
San Juan College is located in Farmington, New Mexico, and offers its students the opportunity to complete a surgical technology program in less than a year. San Juan College boasts a full operating theater where students can practice their skills in a real-world setting and multiple corporations with local medical facilities.
The learning objectives of the San Juan College program for surgical technology are preparing instruments, preparing surgical suites, assisting physicians and surgeons in their work, and aseptic and decontamination techniques. Prospective students at San Juan may particularly benefit from the generous scholarships that the state of New Mexico offers to its residents.
The program comprises 60 to 64 credits.
- Location: Farmington, NM
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months or less
- Estimated Tuition: New Mexico residents ($56 per credit); non-New Mexico residents ($178 per credit)
San Joaquin Valley College is located in the area of the same name in California and offers interested students the opportunity to study surgical technology at one of four campuses in the state. SJVC is geared towards real-life applications and advertises itself as having strong connections to medical facilities in the area in which it can place its graduates.
According to its website, the institution’s program is aimed at the following learning outcomes: knowledge of surgical technology skills; reading and using medical and physiological studies; culturally appropriate care; learning to work within the surgical setting; familiarity with different clinical settings; learning the role of a surgical team member; and complete all necessary requirements for board certification.
SJVC’s main campus is located in Hesperia, but the school also has additional campuses in central, southern, and northern California. This associate of science degree is offered at the Bakersfield, Fresno, Rancho Cordova, and Temecula campuses.
This 72-credit program includes courses such as surgical case management; basic surgical procedures; introduction to surgical technology; anatomy and physiology with medical terminology; advanced surgical procedures; and professional development, among others.
- Location: Bakersfield, Fresno, Rancho Cordova, and Temecula, CA
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 15 months
- Estimated Tuition:
Monroe College is a New York-based college with 2 campuses in that state and another one on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Monroe offers an associate in applied science degree in surgical technology with a strong emphasis on clinical work.
According to its website, Monroe College’s admissions requirements include submitting an application and all necessary starting paperwork, paying the application fee, submitting a high school diploma or equivalent, and completing an interview with an admissions counselor or staff member. While Monroe College does not have a minimum required GPA for admission, it does place heavy emphasis on the outcome of an admissions interview.
This AAS degree requires 67 credits of coursework that include 37 credits of major area courses and 30 credits of liberal arts and science courses. Moreover, students will also have the opportunity to work directly with health professionals while training. Two surgical technology practicum experiences are included as part of the program.
The curriculum includes courses such as medical terminology; pathophysiology; introduction to surgical technology; orientation to perioperative services; surgical procedures; and pharmacology and anesthesia.
- Location: Bronx, NY
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: $663 per credit
Austin Community College is located in Texas’ bustling capital and offers a myriad of associate programs, including in the allied health professions. ACC emphasizes placement in local medical institutions and hosts a well-connected financial aid office which may aid students in mitigating the financial burden of their education at the school.
The surgical technology program at Austin Community College prepares graduates to assist in surgeries and helps them learn about surgical equipment preparations, the fundamentals of the surgical environment, operating room procedures, and handling specimens. The 60-credit curriculum includes courses such as introduction to surgical technology; fundamentals of perioperative concepts and techniques; clinical – surgical technology/technologist: beginning; technological sciences for the surgical technologist; surgical procedures; and introduction to psychology.
Graduates will be eligible to take the national credentialing examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
- Location: Austin, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: In-district ($85 per credit); out-of-district ($286 per credit); out-of-state ($353 per credit)
Mt. Hood Community College is located in Oregon, and named for the famous mountain that is one of that state’s most famous landmarks. MHCC’s “surgical technology, perioperative nursing for the RN and sterile processing technician” degree plan is one of the only two accredited programs for surgical technologists in Oregon, making this the best choice for prospective students looking to stay in or relocate to this state. MTCC accepts 20 students a year and has a minimum GPA requirement for the necessary prerequisite courses.
The 92-credit curriculum includes courses such as surgical technology theory; medical terminology; surgical technology – general and pediatric surgery; surgical technology – obstetric, gynecologic and genitourinary surgery; surgical technology – orthopedic surgery; surgical technology – otorhino- laryngologic, oromaxillofacial, plastic and burn surgery; surgical technology – ophthalmologic and neurosurgery; and surgical technology – thoracic, cardiovascular and vascular surgery.
- Location: Gresham, OR
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: In-state ($122 per credit); out-of-state ($247 per credit); international ($265 per credit)
Become a Surgical Assistant
Surgical assistants perform similar roles to surgical technologists but perform a more tightly prescribed function in some environments. As opposed to surgical technologists, surgical assistants often are not responsible for cutting sutures or other direct contact with patient wounds. Like surgical technologists, they are responsible for sterilizing equipment, operating surfaces, and the surgery site itself.
Specializations for Surgical Assistants
Candidates interested in working closely with surgeons must consider pursuing careers as surgical assistants. Requiring some previous experience as EMTs, operating room scrubs, or surgical technologists, this degree prepares graduates for surgery assistance.
Different surgeries have different skill and knowledge requirements, so surgical assistants and technologists often focus on specific specializations. These include:
- Neurosurgery
- Cardiac surgery
- Urology
- Plastic surgery
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Demand & Career Outlook for Surgical Assistants
The future looks very bright for surgical assistants. As proof of point, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023) projects a 5 percent increase nationally in job openings in this field between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average anticipated growth for all occupations during that period (3 percent).
How Much Do Surgical Assistants Make?
According to the BLS (May 2022), the 18,650 surgical assistants nationwide had an annual average salary of $61,200. In more detail, here are the salary percentiles of surgical assistants across the US:
| Surgical Assistants | United States |
|---|---|
| Number employed | 18,650 |
| Average annual salary | $61,200 |
| 10th percentile | $35,130 |
| 25th percentile | $40,670 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $57,290 |
| 75th percentile | $74,330 |
| 90th percentile | $95,060 |
Education
Just like surgical technology, surgical assistant is also a certified profession in the United States and individuals who wish to enter this field must attain specific training and education, in addition to a certification to perform this role. Certification for this career is also handled by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Below are some educational programs that can lead to a job as a surgical assistant. Surgical assistants typically need a certificate or associate’s degree from an accredited program.
Gulf Coast State College’s associate of science degree in surgical first assisting prepares graduates for the roles of surgical technologist and surgical first assistant.
This 74-credit program includes courses such as anatomy and physiology; surgical tech & procedures; pharmacology & anesthesia; introduction to surgery clinical; surgical procedures; surgical simulation; principles of surgical assisting; advanced integrated surgical sciences; advanced surgical procedures for the surgical assistant; and surgical assisting clinical.
- Location: Panama City, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: In-state ($72.92 per credit); out-of-state ($294.34 per credit)
The surgical first assistant certificate program offered by the College of DuPage trains and educates graduates to expeditiously and safely assist in surgical procedures and operations. Graduates will be exposed to surgical procedures, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative surgical functions that help surgeons carry out safe surgical procedures.
In addition, the program provides graduates with skills and knowledge to perform preoperative and postoperative functions and facilitate proper patient care under the supervision and direction of surgeons. Classes are offered in an online format and students will be required to attend clinicals in order to complete the 140 case requirement. Additionally, they will be responsible for securing their own clinical site. The program comprises 35 credits.
- Location: Glen Ellyn, IL
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months or less
- Estimated Tuition: In-district ($144 per credit); out-of-district ($347 per credit); out-of-state ($417 per credit)
Graduates of Delta College’s surgical first assisting post-associate certificate program will be qualified to sit for the national certification (CSFA) through the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. This four-semester cohort program starts in the spring. Students come in as a group and take classes together from the first semester until the last. Clinical assignments may be completed at their current place of employment.
Notably, over 50 percent of this program’s curriculum can be completed online, maximizing time management opportunities for full-time working students. Comprising 24 credits, the program includes courses such as principles of surgical assisting; bioscience; advanced surgical anatomy; advanced surgical procedures; and fundamental techniques.
- Location: University Center, MI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four semesters
- Estimated Tuition: In-district ($127 per credit); out-of-district ($214 per credit); out-of-state ($224 per credit)
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science
Mayo Clinic’s twelve-month surgical first assistant program in Rochester, MN, offers one of the best-accredited certificate training programs in the Midwest. Graduates in this program gain an advanced understanding of human anatomy while also refining their surgical skills. This certificate program prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to become effective members of surgical teams with extensive knowledge of surgical procedures while learning this role’s professional standards.
The program includes five months of classroom instruction, lab education, and seven months of clinical experience. The clinical rotations included in the program require experience in a minimum of 240 cases (approximately 1,150 hours) and include the following surgical areas: neurosurgery, orthopedics, genitourinary, trauma, ambulatory, plastics, vascular, robotics, and cardiothoracic. Clinical rotations are primarily conducted at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Rochester with a few weeks at various Mayo Clinic Health System sites.
- Location: Rochester, MN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
- Estimated Tuition: $18,666 total tuition
Stark State College offers an advanced one-year certificate in surgical assisting technology that CAAHEP accredits. Applicants to the program must possess specific credentials and previous work experience to apply to this program.
This 30-credit program includes courses such as introduction to surgical assisting; principles of surgical assisting; advanced surgical anatomy & physiology; surgical assisting procedures; surgical assisting directed practice; and surgical assisting advanced pathophysiology.
- Location: North Canton, OH
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months or less
- Estimated Tuition: In-state ($194.60 per credit); out-of-state ($323.60 per credit)
