Surgical Technology Programs at Community College
Surgical technologists are important members of the health care team, preparing operating rooms and helping doctors during procedures. This career offers many opportunities for advancement and salary growth.
The full-time program is offered at TMCC and includes classroom instruction, skills lab hours and clinical hours at an assigned hospital. Students are eligible to take the national certification exam after graduation.
Job outlook
Surgical techs perform many different roles, from transporting patients to and from the operating room to preparing surgical instruments. A career as a surgical technologist is highly rewarding and can offer you stability in the healthcare field. Surgical technologists can also advance their careers with professional certification. If you are interested in this profession, it is important to find an accredited surgical technology program that includes internship opportunities and clinical rotations.
Surgical technologists are in high demand and can earn competitive salaries. They work closely with physicians and surgeons to prepare operating rooms for outpatient surgery or emergency surgeries. They also work in hospitals, physician’s offices and outpatient care centers. In addition, they may work in specialized areas such as cardiovascular, urological, ophthalmologic and plastic surgery. Many surgical technologists also enjoy a high job satisfaction rating, according to a survey by Career Explorer. However, this is a demanding career that requires stamina and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Education requirements
To become a surgical technologist, you must complete an accredited program. These programs are usually offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities. They can take between 9 and 24 months to complete. They provide classroom instruction and hands-on training in sterile field preparation, surgeon assistance, and patient care.
These programs combine lectures, labs, and internships to give you the medical knowledge and skills you need for a successful career in this fast-paced field. You’ll also learn how to use the same instruments that are used during actual surgeries. Then, you’ll perform mock surgeries in the laboratory.
The FRCC Surgical Technology program offers an associate degree, and most students finish the course in two years. Its small class sizes and specialized courses make it an excellent option for those who want to be a surgical technician. In addition, the program is accredited and offers a clinical rotation. It also offers scholarships for its students.
Training requirements
Surgical technicians are trained through formal education programs that may be offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals. These programs can last nine to 24 months, and they typically include classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Coursework often includes topics such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology. Surgical techs are also trained in the care and safety of patients and in sterilization techniques.
SMCC offers a two-year certificate program in surgical technology that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The program is comprised of a four-semester sequence of clinical rotations at multiple ambulatory surgery centers. Upon completion of the program, students earn an Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the national certification exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assisting.
Applicants to the Surgical Technology Program are required to complete all college prerequisites and have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher to be considered for selection into the program. Those who are accepted into the program will be required to attend a two-day orientation prior to starting the curriculum.
Career opportunities
There are a number of career opportunities available to those who complete a surgical tech program. This type of degree typically lasts from one to two years and prepares graduates for national certification exams. Those who choose to pursue a graduate degree can also take advantage of scholarships offered by the Association of Surgical Technologists.
Surgical technologists are the people who make sure operating rooms run smoothly. They set up equipment and assist doctors during a variety of operations. They are also responsible for sanitizing tools and connecting drains. Some states require that surgical technologists be certified and continue to take education courses.
Many community colleges have programs that provide a combination of skills-based instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Some of these programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, and others offer accelerated tracks for those who already have on-the-job training. Many students find these programs more flexible than traditional degree options and can be completed in less than two years.