Thinking about becoming a surgical technologist? It’s an exciting career path that puts you right in the middle of operating rooms.
You’ll work with surgeons and nurses to make sure everything runs smoothly during surgeries.
If you’re ready to start your journey, picking the right program is key. There are lots of options out there, but some really stand out.
Let’s take a look at six top-notch surgical tech programs that could help you kick-start your career in the operating room.
1) Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Want to become a top-notch surgical tech? Look no further than Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
This world-famous medical school offers an awesome Surgery Apprenticeship Program that’ll give you hands-on experience in the operating room.
You’ll get to work alongside some of the best surgeons in the biz.
The program lets you dive into both research and clinical aspects of surgery.
It’s perfect if you’re thinking about becoming a surgeon yourself one day.
At Johns Hopkins, you’ll learn from a team of expert surgeons who are leaders in their fields.
They’re not just teaching – they’re also doing groundbreaking research and performing cutting-edge surgeries.
The school’s general surgery program is top-notch too.
You’ll get to work in different surgical specialties and gain a ton of valuable skills.
Plus, you’ll be studying in one of the best hospitals in the country.
The hands-on experience you’ll get here is truly unbeatable.
If you’re serious about becoming a surgical tech, Johns Hopkins should definitely be on your radar.
2) Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford offers top-notch training for future surgical techs.
You’ll find world-class programs here that can jumpstart your career.
The school’s surgical critical care fellowship is a great option.
It gives you hands-on experience in a high-stakes environment.
You’ll learn from some of the best docs in the biz.
Stanford’s cardiothoracic surgery department is another cool spot.
They’re always trying new things.
You’ll get to see cutting-edge tech in action.
Want to go all in? Check out the integrated cardiothoracic surgical training program.
It’s a six-year gig that’ll turn you into a heart surgery pro.
Stanford’s known for being super innovative.
You’ll be at the forefront of new surgical methods.
It’s a great place to learn if you’re into tech and medicine.
Remember, getting into Stanford isn’t easy.
But if you make it, you’re set for an awesome career in surgical tech.
Good luck!
3) Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
Mayo Clinic offers a top-notch Surgical Technology Clinical Rotation program.
You’ll get hands-on experience in a world-class medical facility.
The program lasts 6 months and takes place in Rochester, Minnesota.
You’ll join a small class of about 25 students, giving you plenty of one-on-one attention.
To join, you need to be enrolled in a surgical tech program at one of Mayo’s partner schools.
These include Rochester Community and Technical College and Southeast Technical Sioux Falls.
During your rotation, you’ll work in general surgery and outpatient surgery.
You’ll learn from experienced surgeons and get real-world practice.
Mayo Clinic also offers a clinical rotation in Florida.
This program partners with local colleges like Florida State College and Fortis College.
At Mayo, you’ll train in one of the best surgical programs in the country.
It’s a great way to kick-start your career as a surgical technologist.
4) Duke University School of Medicine
Hey there! If you’re looking for a top-notch surgical tech program, Duke University School of Medicine might be just what you need.
This prestigious school offers some seriously impressive training options.
Duke’s surgical technology program is all about getting you ready for the real world.
You’ll learn from pros who really know their stuff.
The hands-on experience you’ll get here is hard to beat.
Want to level up your skills? Duke’s got you covered with their advanced training options.
You can dive deep into specialized areas and become a total pro in your field.
One cool thing about Duke is their focus on innovation.
They’re always looking for new ways to make surgery better and safer.
As a student, you’ll get to be part of that cutting-edge atmosphere.
Duke also offers some sweet perks for surgical techs.
Did you know you could get up to $10,000 as a commitment bonus? Plus, there’s relocation help if you’re moving from out of town.
So if you’re serious about becoming a top-notch surgical tech, Duke University School of Medicine is definitely worth checking out.
It’s a great place to kick-start your career!
5) University of California—San Francisco
UCSF is a top choice for aspiring surgical technologists.
Their program combines hands-on training with cutting-edge technology.
You’ll get to work with advanced robotic surgery systems like the Da Vinci Xi and SP.
These are the most up-to-date tools in the field.
The Surgical Skills Center at UCSF is a great place to practice.
You can hone your skills in a safe environment before working with real patients.
UCSF offers a wide range of surgical specialties.
You’ll get experience in many different areas, from heart surgery to neurosurgery.
The program is tough, but you’ll learn from some of the best surgeons in the country.
They’re leaders in minimally invasive techniques.
After graduating, you’ll be ready for a high-paying job.
Surgical techs in California can earn over $74,000 a year on average.
UCSF’s reputation can give your career a boost.
Many employers know and respect the quality of UCSF graduates.
6) Harvard Medical School
Hey there! Did you know Harvard Medical School offers some awesome programs for aspiring surgical techs? It’s true!
Their Surgical Leadership Program is pretty cool.
It’s designed for surgeons who want to step up their game and become leaders in their field.
You’ll learn from Harvard’s top faculty about all sorts of things that make a great surgical leader.
They cover stuff like communication and how to run a department or project.
But wait, there’s more! Harvard also has other certificate programs that might catch your eye.
These programs help you stay up-to-date with the latest in healthcare.
The best part? These courses can help you move up in your career.
Plus, you’ll be better equipped to help patients and push the field forward.
Understanding Surgical Technology
Surgical technology is a cool field that puts you right in the middle of the action in operating rooms.
As a surgical tech, you’ll be the surgeon’s right-hand person during procedures.
Your job is to get the OR ready before surgery.
This means setting up tools, equipment, and sterile areas.
You’ll also help the surgical team get dressed in their sterile gear.
During surgery, you’ll hand instruments to the surgeon and keep an eye on things.
You might even help with basic tasks like suctioning or cutting sutures.
After the operation, you’ll clean up the OR and get it ready for the next procedure.
It’s a hands-on job that keeps you busy!
To become a surgical tech, you’ll need to complete a certified surgical tech program.
These programs usually take 1-2 years to finish.
In your classes, you’ll learn about:
- Human anatomy
- Medical terminology
- Sterilization techniques
- Surgical procedures
- Patient safety
You’ll also get hands-on practice in lab settings and real operating rooms.
This helps you get ready for the real deal.
After finishing your program, you can take an exam to become a Certified Surgical Technologist.
This certification can help you land better jobs and earn more money.
Accreditation And Certification
Getting the right accreditation and certification is key for surgical technologist programs.
It ensures quality education and boosts job prospects.
Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation is a big deal for surgical tech programs.
It means the program meets high standards. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is a top accreditor.
CAAHEP-accredited programs give you better training.
They cover all the important stuff you need to know.
Employers often prefer grads from these programs.
Accredited programs also let you sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
This exam is super important for your career.
Certification Process Overview
After finishing your program, you’ll want to get certified.
The main cert is the CST from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
To get certified, you need to:
- Graduate from an accredited program
- Pass the CST exam
- Keep your skills up-to-date
The CST exam has 175 questions.
It covers stuff like patient care, sterilization, and surgical procedures.
You get 4 hours to finish it.
Keeping your cert means doing continuing education.
You need to renew every 4 years.
This keeps you on top of new tech and methods in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Becoming a surgical technologist involves important steps like certification, education, and choosing the right program.
Let’s look at some common questions about this career path.
What certifications do you need to become a surgical technologist?
To become a surgical technologist, you need to get certified as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting offers this certification.
You must graduate from an accredited surgical tech program and pass an exam to get certified.
How long does it usually take to complete a surgical tech program?
Most surgical tech programs take about 12 to 24 months to finish.
Some schools offer faster options, while others might take longer.
The duration depends on whether you’re going for a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
Can you recommend any accredited surgical technologist programs?
Yes, here are some top accredited programs:
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Stanford University School of Medicine
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
- Duke University School of Medicine
- University of California—San Francisco
These schools are known for their excellent surgical tech training.
What’s the typical cost of a surgical technologist program?
The cost of a surgical tech program can vary a lot.
It might range from $5,000 to $25,000 or more.
Public schools are often cheaper than private ones.
Some online programs might cost less too.
How much can a surgical tech expect to make annually?
A surgical tech in California can expect to earn about $76,710 per year.
This is higher than the national average.
Your salary can change based on where you work and how much experience you have.
What are the best majors to consider if you want to become a surgical tech?
The Surgical Technology program is the best major for becoming a surgical tech.
This program teaches you all the skills you need for the job.
Other helpful majors include Biology, Health Sciences, or Nursing.
These give you a good background in medical knowledge.