What Are the Prerequisites for Surgical Tech?

You may be wondering what you need to do to become a surgical technologist. Here we will outline the prerequisites for surgical tech so that you can get started on your journey.

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General Prerequisites

There are a few general prerequisites that you must meet before you can begin training to become a surgical technologist. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and you must be able to pass a criminal background check. You will also need to have basic math and reading skills. Once you have met these prerequisites, you can begin training to become a surgical technologist.

Must be at least 18 years of age

Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians or scrub techs, are allied health professionals who work under the supervision of surgeons and registered nurses to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures.

The technical skills required for this occupation are learned through formal education programs that typically last about 9 months and lead to a certificate or associate’s degree. Many community colleges offer surgical technology programs, as do some hospitals and trade schools. Some surgical technologists enter the occupation with prior training in another allied health profession, such as emergency medical technology (EMT) or nursing.

While not required, certification by a recognized professional organization can demonstrate competence and may offer an employment advantage. Surgical technologists typically complete a formal education program and must pass a national certification exam to earn the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Some states regulate surgical technologists.

High school diploma or equivalent

To become a surgical technologist, you usually need to complete secondary school, although some programs may require only a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, most provinces and territories require you to complete an accredited surgical technologist program before you can work in this occupation.

Successful completion of a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

In order to be eligible to take the surgical technology certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), an individual must successfully complete a surgical technology program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, www.caahep.org) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES, www.abhes.org).

A CAAHEP-accredited program requires successful completion of a minimum of five academic terms or equivalent thereof, with a minimum of 15 credit hours required in allied health sciences courses, and a minimum clinical experience of two academic terms or equivalent thereof; ABHES-accredited programs require successful completion of a minimum of six academic months with a minimum of 21 credit hours in allied health science courses and a minimum clinical experience equal to six academic months.

Both CAAHEP and ABHES maintain lists of accredited surgical technology programs on their websites; CAAHEP’s website also provides a searchable database.

Certification

Surgical tech school is a post-secondary educational program that typically lasts about nine months. During this time, students take a number of classes and gain hands-on experience in surgical technology. After completing the program, students are then eligible to take the national certification exam.

Graduates of surgical technology programs accredited by either CAAHEP or ABHES are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

In order to be eligible to take the NBSTSA exam, applicants must:
-Be a graduate of an surgical technology program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
-Submit an official transcript from the surgical technology program to the NBSTSA.
-Submit a completed application form and fee to the NBSTSA.
-Be at least 18 years of age.

Upon successful completion of the NBSTSA exam, candidates will be awarded the credential Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). To maintain this credential, surgical technologists must complete continuing education requirements and renew their certification every four years.

Certification is also available through the American Board of Surgical Technology (ABST).

ABST certification is available to surgical technologists who have graduated from an accredited program and have completed a minimum of one year of full-time employment as a surgical technologist. Candidates must also pass a written examination. For more information, please visit: http://www.absurgerytech.org/

Licensure

Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians or scrub techs, are an essential part of the surgical team. They are responsible for making sure the operating room is ready for surgery and that the patient is prepared for surgery. They also assist the surgeon during the surgery. To become a surgical technologist, you will need to complete a surgical technologist program and obtain a license.

Although licensure is not required for surgical technologists, some states have licensure laws for surgical technicians.

There are four surgical technology credentialing organizations that offer the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential: the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and the National Healthcare Association (NHA). To be eligible to take the CST exam, an individual must have graduated from an accredited surgical technology program or completed a military training program in surgical technology. Completing continuing education requirements and passing a criminal background check may also be required.

In these states, surgical technologists must meet certain educational and/or experience requirements and pass an examination before they can be licensed.

In these states, surgical technologists must meet certain educational and/or experience requirements and pass an examination before they can be licensed:
-Arizona
-Arkansas
-California
-Colorado
-Connecticut
-Delaware
-Florida
-Georgia
-Hawaii
-Idaho
-Illinois
-Indiana
-Iowa
-Kansas
-Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts Michigan Mississippi Missouri Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming