Surgical Technology is an exciting medical profession that is growing, rewarding, and challenging. It gives you pride in knowing that you have helped a patient as a part of the surgical team.

 

What is a Surgical Technologist? 

A surgical technologist also called "scrub tech, "is an allied health professional that is a part of the surgical team. They possess knowledge and skills in sterile and aseptic techniques. They also handle the surgical instruments, sutures and more used in surgical procedures.

 

How do I become a Surgical Technologist?

There are few mandatory professional requirements for surgical technologists, and the scope of practice varies widely across countries and jurisdictions. The goal is for surgical technologists to be able to anticipate the next move the surgeon is going to make the procedure as smooth and efficient as possible. Surgical Technologists are prepared by knowing hundreds of surgical procedures, instruments, and the steps the surgeon needs to take to complete the procedure including the very wide range of surgical instruments they may need. Specialties can include but are not limited to the following GYN, Urology, ENT, Plastics, General, Orthopedics, Neurology, and Cardiovascular. With only a minimum of education, they are very specialized professionals. In the United States, surgical technology students become a surgical technologist or ST and then are required to be certified by the National Board for Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants (NBSTSA). Once a Surg Tech is certified the credential will be a CST – Certified Surgical Technologist. 

 

What does a Surgical Technologist do? 

 

As a Certified Surgical Technologist, you will work under the supervision of a surgeon, registered nurse (RN), or other surgical personnel (such as a more senior technologist). Part of the professional functions includes ensuring that the operating room and environment are safe, equipment functions properly and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical Techs handle the instrumentsscrubsmedications, and other supplies and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. They also perform basic tasks such as checking patients' medical charts and consent forms and preparing sterile dressings. Surgical Technologists may train other operation room (OR) personnel such as new technologists. 

 

CHCP's Surgical Technology AAS Degree

 

The Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as a Surgical Tech. This degree program includes both lecture-based courses and hands-on clinical training. CHCP students will learn skills including skills in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Surgical Techniques, Surgical Procedures, disinfecting and decontamination, sterilization, gowning and gloving, instrument categories and usage, specialty equipment usage, homeostasis, instrument counts, skin preparation and patient positioning, surgery preparation, and assisting of surgeons

 

The Surgical Technology field is recognized by AST – Association of Surgical Technologists by having a Surgical Technology Week which is September 20th through the 26th, 2020. CHCP will be celebrating our students and professional staff at our Austin, Houston Northwest, and San Antonio campuses. To learn more about our programs, visit the Surgical Technology Program Page