Benefits of Getting a Surgical Tech Degree in Florida
Jan 14, 2015 | 9:00 am
One might ask what is a surgical tech and what do they do? A certified surgical tech is an allied health professional who works as part of a surgical team to ensure that the operative procedure is conducted under optimal conditions.
Some of their duties might include preparing the operating room for surgery, preparing patients for surgery, sterilizing all equipment and ensuring there are ample supplies needed for surgery, assisting surgeons during surgery and anticipating their needs, passing the surgeons instruments and other sterile supplies, inventory supplies and ensuring a sterile environment. Applying bandages and dressings once the surgery is completed, and assisting in the transport of patients to and from the operating rooms, might also be included.
Most surgical techs will work full-time, while some will be on call 24/7 for weekends and holidays as needed. They will primarily work in hospitals, but some will also work in outpatient facilities.
Education
One can attend school in a community college, university, vocational school or hospital. The education will take up to 2 years and the student will obtain a diploma, certificate or an associate’s degree depending on the school. Students will most likely have to pass a background and drug test and pass a physical.
Florida Medical Schools
In Florida, students must not only pass the background and drug test, but they also are required to pass an entrance examination; they must provide a current CPR certification. All students must have a clean criminal record in order to become licensed or renew their license. Students must achieve or surpass exit scores. They must attend an accredited school recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Certification is obtained through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgeon Assisting and the National Center of Competency Testing. Both certifications are often required.
The courses studied are in the classroom, labs and clinical practices. The classes will consist of anatomy, physiology, biology and microbiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, classification and healing of wounds, sterilization and advanced classes such as robotics, biomechanics and computer science. There is also a gainful employment program that students can take advantage of. Many schools do not give advance courses, so it might be in the best interest of the student to see if these courses are available.
Statistics for the Career
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the job growth for surgical technology is 30 % from 2012 to 2022 with a lower percentile making around $30,000 per year and the median salary being around $42,000 per year and the higher percentile being around $60,000 per year. The employer, size of the company or facility, their location and your education and experience will play a role in the level of potential salary that can be made. There are also higher-education degrees that can be obtained, which can bring in a much higher salary potential as well as higher level of experience. Look into scholarships for a Florida medical school, financial assistance, grants and loans that may be available.