How Long Is Schooling for a Surgical Tech?

Surgical technologists, also known as surgical techs or operating room technicians, are vital members of surgical teams. They assist surgeons and nurses in the operating room, ensuring that surgeries run smoothly and patients receive the best care possible. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a surgical tech, it’s important to understand the duration of schooling required for this profession.

Step 1: High School Education

The path to becoming a surgical tech begins with a high school diploma or its equivalent:

• High School Diploma or GED: Start by earning your high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Courses in biology, anatomy, chemistry, and mathematics can provide a strong foundation for your future studies.

Step 2: Formal Education

• Enroll in a Surgical Technology Program: To become a qualified surgical technologist, you’ll need to complete a formal education program in surgical technology. These programs are typically offered by community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, and some universities.
• Program Duration: Most surgical technology programs can be completed in approximately 9 months to 2 years, depending on whether you pursue a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Certificate and diploma programs tend to be shorter, while associate degree programs take around 2 years.

Step 3: Clinical Training

• Hands-On Clinical Experience: As part of your formal education, you’ll undergo clinical training where you’ll gain practical experience by working in real surgical settings. This hands-on training is crucial for developing the skills required to assist surgeons during operations.

Step 4: Certification

• Certification is Optional but Recommended: While certification is not mandatory in all states, many employers prefer to hire certified surgical technologists. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, which you can obtain by passing an exam.

Step 5: Continuing Education

• Stay Current: To maintain your certification and stay updated with the latest surgical techniques and technologies, you’ll need to participate in continuing education activities and periodically renew your certification.

Conclusion:

The duration of schooling for a surgical tech can vary depending on the type of program you choose and your individual circumstances. On average, it takes between 9 months and 2 years to complete the formal education required for this career. It’s worth noting that the surgical technology field offers a relatively quick path to entering the healthcare industry, making it an attractive option for those who want to work closely with surgical teams and play a crucial role in patient care.