How To Become A Surgical Technologist

Step 1. Study Hard in High School

While you’re still in high school, it’s going to be best to study hard and get good grades. If you do well in science and math courses, then you’ll have an easier time becoming a surgical technologist. Getting good grades makes it so that you can more easily qualify to attend respected community colleges, too. Pay attention in school and take courses that will give you the right educational foundation to do well in your chosen field.

Step 2. Attend a Community College or Technical School

Once you’ve graduated from high school, it’s going to be time to find a school to attend. Look for schools in your area that are offering surgical technologist courses. Many community colleges and technical schools will have degree or certificate programs in this field. You can attend school and work toward earning an associate’s degree or certificate. 

Most people will attend school for two years to receive an associate’s degree. Some technical college programs might offer a certificate that can be obtained in just one year, though. It’s crucial to choose a school that is accredited so that you can get a good job upon graduation. Your school of choice should be accredited by the CAAHEP or the ABHES. 

There is a notable alternative to this path that needs to be mentioned before moving on. You can get a job as a surgical technologist if you have experience that is equivalent to obtaining an associate’s degree or certificate from an accredited school. For example, you can receive training in the US military that will give you the skills that you need.

Step 3. Get Training by Taking on Internship Opportunities

While you’re going through your educational process, it’s going to be wise to look for practical training opportunities. Many aspiring surgical technologists will seek internships where they can gain knowledge. Sometimes there will be opportunities to shadow working surgical technologists on the job. Any experiences like this that you can have will be valuable as you look to pursue a career in the field. 

The more practical experience that you have, the easier it will be to perform well on the job. Some college students are able to be mentored by people who are currently working in the field. This gives them a chance to learn what to expect when working the job, and they can prepare themselves mentally. Look for any opportunities to shadow professionals or take on internships.

Step 4. Take the Certification Exam

Taking the certification exam is the next required step, and it might take some people longer to pass than others. You’ll be taking certification exams from the National Board of Surgical Technology. Not every state requires this certification, but having certification makes you stand out as truly qualified for the job. This certification exam can be completed in one day, but the application process can take up to three months. 

It’s going to be best to check the status of your state and whether or not they require certification. If you need to pursue certification before even becoming eligible for employment, then you’ll want to do what you can to study for the exam. It’s a good idea to take the exam anyway, and earning certification will only help your chances of landing a great job.

Step 5. Start Applying for Jobs

Now that you have obtained certification, it will be time to start applying for jobs in the field. Most graduates of accredited surgical technologist programs will find employment at hospitals. Some surgical technologists will also find work at dental offices and the offices of private physicians. It’s best to seek out entry-level positions in your area and apply to the ones that you’re interested in, but the amount of time it takes to get a job will depend on how competitive the market is in your area. 

Some prospective surgical technologists might find it hard to find employment in a specific area. If things are very competitive, then it might be wise to search outside of your local area to fill vacant positions elsewhere. Generally, it isn’t too hard to find employment as a surgical technologist, and qualified candidates will find employment opportunities within a year of graduation. This field is growing at a faster than average rate, and that means that surgical technologists are sought-after in most cities.

Step 6. Become a Member of a Professional Organization

Becoming a member of a professional organization can help to raise your stock in the field. Many graduates of surgical technologist programs seek membership in the Association of Surgical Assistants (ASA) or the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA). This can help you to find job opportunities by giving you access to job boards that not everyone can see. It’ll also present you with significant networking opportunities that can make finding employment easier, and it’s well-worth pursuing membership.

Step 7. Seek Other Networking Opportunities

Other networking opportunities can help you find jobs as well. It’s a good idea to consider signing up for networking sites so that you can connect with people in the field. This can lead to being given job opportunities, and it will at least give you information about available jobs. You want to do whatever you can to get a good job at a hospital, dental office, or physicians’ office.