Useful Tips on How To Become a Surgical Tech

Updated April 18, 2024

Surgical techs are valuable healthcare professionals who work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses to assist them during surgeries. They work under the supervision of the surgeon in outpatient care centers, clinics and hospitals. If you're interested in pursuing this healthcare career, consider the steps you must take to decide if the role of a surgical tech is a good choice for you. In this article, we explore what a surgical tech does, how much they could earn, how to become a surgical tech and other frequently asked questions about this healthcare position.Key takeaways:

Surgical technicians are health care specialists who collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses to assist them before, during and after medical procedures by performing tasks such as organizing medical supplies and tools and handing items to staff during surgeries.
To become a surgical tech, obtain a high school diploma or GED and enroll in a surgical tech program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) at a community college, university or hospital.
Renewal for surgical tech certifications is every four years to continue practicing and staying up-to-date on industry news and trends.

What does a surgical tech do?

A surgical tech's role is to assist the surgeons and nurses before, during and after a surgical operation. You will be responsible for preparing the operating theater or room and ensuring that it is sterile. You must also set up the equipment and supplies, such as gowns, gloves, tubing and instruments, that the medical team will need for the procedure. A vital step in these preparations is to check the equipment and certify that it is all working correctly. If something is wrong, you will need to adjust or replace the necessary equipment.During a surgery, the surgical tech must pay attention to the needs of the surgeon and nursing team members. The surgeon will call on you to hand over medical supplies and surgical instruments. You will be responsible for the following duties:

Handing the surgeon and other members of the medical team necessary medications, implements, solutions and materials
Maintaining an accurate count record of the instruments and needles
Receiving blood and tissue biopsy specimens and passing them to the nurse circulator for processing
Adhering to sterility, aseptic and infection control protocols

Depending on your employer and their policies, a surgical tech may also be responsible for transporting patients from the ward to the operating room. They might additionally help prepare them for their surgeries by disinfecting the surgical sites and helping to position the patients on the operating table.Learn more: Learn About Being a Surgical Technician

Average salary

Surgical techs work as part of the surgical team and can find employment in a large clinical or hospital setting. The potential income for this role depends on several factors, including the size and location of their employer as well as their previous work experience, level of education and qualifications.

Common salary in the U.S.: $1,129 per week
Salaries range from $300 to $2,300 per week.

How to become a surgical tech

Here are the steps you can follow to begin a successful career as a surgical tech:

Earn your high school diploma or GED.
Find and enroll in a surgical tech program.
Earn certifications.
Prepare your resume and cover letter.

1. Earn your high school diploma or GED

Before you can consider a career as a surgical tech, you must complete your high school education. This is a prerequisite for entering into a surgical technician program. Some programs state that you need a minimum of a 2.5 high school grade point average.

2. Find and enroll in a surgical tech program

There are a lot of surgical tech programs available, so be sure to choose one that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). You can find programs offered by community colleges, universities, hospitals and vocational schools. If you research the programs and schools, you will find that some are better respected by employers than others.You can opt to enroll in a one-year postsecondary certificate course or a two-year associate's degree.

3. Earn certifications

Certifications are not mandatory for becoming a surgical tech, as not all employers require them. However, you will be a preferential job candidate if you hold a certification, and you might find that you are eligible to apply for more job listings in this increasingly competitive job market.The certification that is offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is a recommended certification and one that many employers list as a job requirement. To be eligible to take this exam, you must have graduated from an accredited surgical tech program. You will need to renew this certification every four years.The National Center for Competency Testing offers an alternative, nationally recognized certification for surgical techs, which must also be renewed every four years.

4. Prepare your resume and cover letter

Surgical techs are in demand countrywide, but some states might have specific requirements, so you should check to make sure that you are eligible. A surgical tech who has studied with an accredited program and has earned a certification should be able to find a job anywhere in the country.Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you are ready to write your resume and cover letter to apply for available jobs. Outline your education and the experience that you gained through your accredited course. Be sure to align your resume and cover letter according to the requirements of each employer so that you have the best chance of success.Related: Resume vs. Cover Letter: What's the Difference?

Frequently asked questions

If the idea of becoming a surgical technician appeals to you, read these frequently asked questions to learn more about the role:

What qualities and skills does a surgical tech need?

A good surgical tech will have the following hard and soft skills to assist them in their role:

Communication: Strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills are vital to a surgical tech. You must listen and observe the medical team closely to take cues from them and assist them with their needs.
Manual dexterity: The operating theater or surgical room is a high-pressure environment. You must be able to remain calm under stressful situations and have steady hands that can handle small and sharp tools and medical equipment with dexterity.
Flexibility: Surgeries often take longer than expected or occur without warning in the hospital in cases of emergency. You must be able to perform your job under unexpected and changing circumstances.
Teamwork: You are working as part of a tight team of interdependent professionals. Your teamwork must be strong and developed so that you can assist the surgeon, nurses, medical assistants and anesthesiologists effectively and efficiently.

Is continuing education required as part of the role?

Once you are certified, a surgical tech is not required to continue their education. However, you will need to renew your certifications every four years, so it is a good idea to keep up with advances and news in the field. This will also ensure that you are a desirable and knowledgeable employee.

What are the work environment and conditions like for a surgical tech?

Most surgical techs work in hospitals. You may also find employment in doctors' clinics, outpatient centers and day surgery centers, and even in dental offices. The role is physically demanding, as you will be spending most of your working hours standing and lifting equipment, instruments and possibly patients. You will be closely observing surgeries, so you must be able to cope with everything that this entails.You will likely be employed in a full-time position, but this might include shifts that cover care around the clock. You may also have to be on call and come into the workplace to attend to emergencies.

What are some alternative career choices?

In the field of healthcare, there is a wide range of related career choices beyond surgical technician. Here are some alternatives to consider:

1. Nursing assistant

National average salary: $53,917 per year Primary duties: A nursing assistant works under the supervision of a state registered nurse. Their role involves helping patients with basic personal needs, such as bathing, toileting, dressing and eating, and ensuring that their patients are comfortable. Nursing assistants spend a lot of time with their patients, which means they should also take note of how the patient is acting and feeling as well as their general mental state.

2. Lab assistant

National average salary: $17.06 per hourPrimary duties: Laboratory or lab assistants work alongside researchers and scientists in a laboratory setting to assist them in diagnosing diseases, testing for certain substances and undertaking research for new drugs or treatments. They can work in a hospital, private clinic, pharmacology company or university. The role involves processing and preparing test samples, keeping accurate records, maintaining clean and sterile work areas and following laboratory and quality control protocols.

3. Charge nurse

National average salary: $25.26 per hourPrimary duties: Charge nurses are experienced nurses who manage a unit or ward in a clinic or hospital, including the staff and nurses who work there. Their role involves ensuring that the ward and staff comply with policy and safety regulations, monitoring and restocking supply levels, overseeing patient admission and discharge as well as staff schedules and rotas, coordinating with the medical and management teams and dealing with any patient issues.

4. Medical technologist

National average salary: $27.87 per hourPrimary duties: Medical technologists are also known as medical laboratory scientists. They perform their duties in a laboratory setting, preparing blood, urine and other samples for examinations, completing tests and interpreting and logging the results. The role involves using highly specialized scientific equipment and instrumentation, which a medical technologist must know how to troubleshoot and maintain.

Healthcare