Why is it a must?
A patient’s life rests on the surgical technologist’s devotion and ability, even though surgeons receive all the credit.
Surgical technologists are critical members of the surgical team and need an iron stomach and a cool head to do their duties well. For example, you’ll be prepping the operating room (OR) for surgery, carrying patients and their medical supplies into and out of the operating room, handing tools to the attending surgeon, and sewing up wounds.
The significance of the surgical technician cannot be overstated since the patient on the operating table might be in danger if the OR is contaminated.
How to Become a Surgical Technician?
A certificate, diploma, or associate degree are all alternatives for surgical technicians regarding their level of education, but many medical occupations demand a specialized degree. The time it takes to finish a surgical tech training program varies from 12 to 24 months.
Certificates and degrees may be achieved in as short as a year owing to courses that concentrate on surgical technique and do not include general knowledge or electives. Often, these programs are completed in a vocational or technical school.
Between 18 to 24 months, students may expect to finish an associate’s degree program. A surgical technology associate’s degree will also include general science, English, and math education. In addition to community colleges, technical and vocational institutions, and even certain universities, these programs may be found.
What is the need for the Surgical Technician National Certification Exam?
In order to demonstrate that surgical technicians have completed the requisite training, education, and practical experience to do their jobs to the highest standards, passing the national exam for surgical technician certification or CST test is vital.
If you wish to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) test, your program must be certified by either the CAAHEP or the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Even if your state doesn’t need CST certification for surgical technologists, you’re still likely to run upon businesses that do.
Every four years, a CST certificate has to be renewed. There are only two options for renewing a credential: continuing education credits or a retake of the certification test. CST cards and certificates have an expiry date printed on them.