Considering a career as a scrub tech? You’re likely seeking a clear-cut roadmap on how to become a scrub tech, navigating the educational requirements, certifications, and hands-on experience needed to succeed in this vital surgical role. In this guide, we’ll dive straight into the steps you must take – from choosing the right high school courses to obtaining the proper certification – ensuring you grasp what it takes to become a scrub tech, the challenges you may face, and the rewards of a career in this field.
Key Takeaways
- Scrub techs, or surgical technologists, are integral members of the operating room, responsible for maintaining sterility and assisting during surgical procedures. Their training requires focusing on science courses in high school, enrolling in an accredited program, and gaining practical experience through internships.
- Certification is a critical step for surgical technologists, with the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) being notable credentials. Additionally, some states require licensure or specific certifications to practice, emphasizing the need to meet these regulatory standards.
- Career growth opportunities for scrub techs are abundant, with the potential to advance into specialized roles or different medical settings. The job market is expanding due to factors such as the aging population and surgical advancements, and continuous education is vital to keep up with evolving healthcare technologies.
Understanding the Scrub Tech Role
In the operating room, operating room technicians, also known as scrub techs, play a crucial role as unsung heroes, maintaining sterile conditions and providing necessary assistance to surgeons. A typical day in their life involves tasks ranging from:
- Positioning patients before surgery
- Planning and caring for surgical supplies and instruments
- Assisting with the clean up and disinfection of equipment post-surgery
These certified surgical technologists work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, contributing significantly to patient safety during surgical procedures. The roles and responsibilities of surgical technologists include:
- Maintaining a sterile environment during surgeries
- Assisting surgeons and nurses during procedures
- Handling surgical instruments
- Administering injections under supervision
While they follow the orders of higher-ranking staff members, they may also perform tasks akin to those of a scrub nurse. Surgical technologists play an essential role in the surgical team.
Required Education and Training for Scrub Techs
The journey to become a surgical tech involves achieving several educational goals. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Focus on specific science courses in high school.
- Enroll in an accredited surgical technology program.
- Gain hands-on experience through internships or job shadowing.
By following these steps, you can work towards becoming a successful surgical tech.
Obtaining a high school diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree from these programs can pave the way to this rewarding career.
Required Education and Training for Scrub Techs
The journey to become a surgical tech involves achieving several educational goals. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Focus on specific science courses in high school.
- Enroll in an accredited surgical technology program.
- Gain hands-on experience through internships or job shadowing.
By following these steps, you can work towards becoming a successful surgical tech.
Obtaining a high school diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree from these programs can pave the way to this rewarding career.
High School Preparation
The path to becoming a surgical tech commences in high school. Students eyeing a career in surgical technology should prioritize courses like:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical terminology
- Biology
Excelling in these subjects lays a solid foundation for the technical knowledge required in surgical technology.
In addition, participation in health science education programs and internships during high school provides valuable early insights into the surgical technology field. These opportunities offer a glimpse into the life of a scrub tech and can spark the passion needed to pursue this career path.
Accredited Scrub Tech Programs
Enrolling in an accredited surgical tech program marks another crucial milestone in this journey. These surgical technology programs ensure the curriculum meets high educational standards and prepares students for quality patient care and certification exams. Employers tend to prefer hiring graduates from programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Accredited programs, such as those provided by CAAHEP or ABHES, instill confidence in graduates, enabling them to thrive in the operating room. Hinds Community College (HCC) in Raymond, Mississippi, is an example of a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program that sets its graduates up for success.
Hands-On Experience and Internships
For aspiring scrub techs, internships and job shadowing experiences are vital in gaining practical experience. Many surgical technologist programs include a practicum or internship in a hospital setting, offering students valuable real-world experience.
Participating in externships at hospitals provides exposure to the real-world environment, enhancing professional development and offering networking opportunities. Volunteering at local hospitals or clinics can also lead to acquiring valuable experience and networking with professionals who may have insights on job openings.
Scrub Tech Certification and Licensure
Once they complete an accredited program, scrub techs should aim to secure certification. Options include the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) provided by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting and the Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) provided by the National Center for Competency Testing. The CST certification is obtained by graduating from an accredited surgical technologist program, with the exam including 175 questions of which 150 are scored.
It’s worth mentioning that in some U.S. states, including Colorado, North Dakota, and Washington, surgical technologists are required to register before they can practice. Other states like Idaho, Indiana, and Texas, have specific certification requirements for employment. While state laws vary, the importance of obtaining the necessary certification and licensure to practice cannot be overstated.
Essential Skills and Traits of a Successful Scrub Tech
The journey to becoming a scrub tech extends beyond merely obtaining the necessary qualifications. Possessing certain skills and traits is vital to thriving in this role. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential, enabling clear interactions with the surgical team and patients, and contributing to team collaboration. Moreover, scrub techs must have exceptional attention to detail and precision, particularly in tasks such as loading sutures and managing instruments, to prevent complications and ensure patient safety.
Physical capabilities for lifting and moving patients and sufficient visual and auditory ability are also necessary due to the demands of operating room operations and patient care. Additionally, adaptability in handling unexpected challenges, combined with strong problem-solving abilities, helps scrub techs successfully navigate the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of surgical procedures.
Above all, the ability to manage stress effectively and maintain composure during high-pressure scenarios is crucial in ensuring a safe and efficient operating room environment.
Career Opportunities and Advancement for Scrub Techs
Scrub techs, with their broad skill set and thorough training, can explore a variety of career avenues. The majority of surgical technologists work in hospitals, with about 71% employed in such settings, while others find opportunities in physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, and even dentists’ offices.
For those wishing to scale the career ladder, there are ample opportunities for advancement. Scrub techs could transition into roles like:
- Surgical first assistants
- Registered nurses
- Coordinating surgical teams
- Managing departments
- Managing central supplies
- Working with surgical equipment firms
Additionally, specializing in areas like orthopedics, neurology, cardiovascular surgery, or other specialized surgical fields can enhance a scrub tech’s value and open doors for career growth.
Salary Expectations and Job Outlook for Scrub Techs
Becoming a scrub tech certainly offers appealing financial rewards. The average hourly salary for surgical technicians ranges from $20.89 to $35.56, with an average annual salary for a surgical tech reported as $23.98 per hour or $52,246 per year as of August 2021. However, earnings can vary based on:
- Experience
- Geographic location
- The type of medical facility
- Specialization in fields like neurosurgery or cardiac surgery.
Surgical technologists can also look forward to a promising job outlook. Employment is projected to grow by approximately 6-7% from 2020/2021 through 2030/2032, supported by the aging population and surgical advancements increasing the demand for surgical services.
Continuing Education and Professional Development for Scrub Techs
Just like any other medical profession, a scrub tech’s career necessitates continuous education. Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) must earn 30 CE credits, with at least 4 defined as live, before their two-year cycle expires to renew their credential. Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFA) must earn 38 CE credits, including 8 defined as live, before their two-year cycle expires to renew their credential.
The world of healthcare is continuously evolving, and keeping up with the latest trends and technologies is crucial for professionals in this field. Adapting to new technologies like robotic-assisted surgery and 3D imaging is crucial for scrub techs aiming to advance their careers. The NBSTSA emphasizes the importance of continual professional development and ongoing credentialing for the delivery of the best surgical patient care.
Tips for Landing Your First Scrub Tech Job
While landing your first scrub tech job may seem intimidating, adopting the right strategies can streamline the process. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Utilize online job boards such as Indeed.com, SimplyHired.com, and Monster.com to find job postings for scrub techs.
- Set up job alerts on these platforms to stay updated with new openings.
- Consider reaching out to staffing agencies specializing in healthcare placements. They can help you find either temporary or permanent surgical technologist positions.
By following these strategies, you can increase your chances of finding your first scrub tech job.
Presenting yourself effectively to potential employers is equally important. Maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile with relevant education, certifications, and work experience, and employing strategic keywords related to surgical technology is essential for increasing visibility among potential employers. Demonstrating interest and initiative by following up with hiring managers or recruiters
Summary
In conclusion, the journey to becoming a scrub tech is one of commitment, dedication, and continuous learning. From high school preparation to specialized training, certification, and hands-on experiences, the path to this career is as challenging as it is rewarding. With opportunities for career advancement and a positive job outlook, the role of a scrub tech offers a fulfilling and promising career in the healthcare field. Remember, your efforts make a significant difference in patient safety, and your role is crucial in ensuring successful surgical outcomes.
References:
- CAAHEP | Home
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- CST Certification | NBSTSA
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Complete Guide on Vivian Health
- Is Becoming a Surgical Tech Worth it? 6 Points to Consider | Rasmussen University
- How Much Does a Surgical Technologist Make? (CST)
- How to Become a Surgical Tech | Steps + Salary
- Job Search | Indeed
- Monster Jobs - Job Search, Career Advice & Hiring Resources | Monster.com
- Job Search Engine | SimplyHired