Surgical Tech Salary: What You Need to Know 2024 update

What You Need to Know about surgical tech salary. People have started paying attention to surgical technology as a good job option in healthcare. How much surgical techs make is something to think about if you’re looking into this job. Your pay can change based on things like how much experience you have where you work, and what kind of surgeries you specialize in. The job of surgical techs has changed a lot over time. New tools like the da Vinci robot have created new chances for these workers and could lead to better pay.

This article digs deep into the surgical technology field looking at how much surgical techs and surgical scrub techs earn. It examines what education and certifications you need to start in this job, and what factors affect your potential earnings. It also checks out ways to grow your career and how focusing on areas like robotic surgery can boost a surgical tech’s pay. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know what to expect money-wise in this ever-changing healthcare job.

The Surgical Tech Profession: An Overview

Definition and Importance

Operating room technicians also called surgical technologists or scrub techs, are key players in the healthcare team. They work with surgeons, nurses, and other experts during operations [5 6]. These professionals aim to create a clean and well-organized space, which allows surgeries to run [1] https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/surgical-technologist/. Surgical techs are essential parts of the patient care group using their know-how to help plan and carry out surgeries . https://www.texaschildrenspeople.org/surgical-technologist-role/

Key Skills Required

To be great at this tough but fulfilling job future surgical techs need many skills:

1. Sharp eye for details [3] https://www.healthtechacademy.org/surgical-technologist/surgical-technologist-skills/: Getting tools and gear ready and sticking to clean rules is key.

1. Strong knowledge of body parts and medical words [3] https://www.healthtechacademy.org/surgical-technologist/surgical-technologist-skills/: Knowing how the body works helps techs guess what surgeons will need during operations.

1. Effective communication [3] https://www.healthtechacademy.org/surgical-technologist/surgical-technologist-skills/: Clear and efficient communication with the surgical team plays a key role in smooth teamwork.

1. Problem-solving abilities [3] https://www.healthtechacademy.org/surgical-technologist/surgical-technologist-skills/: Quick thinking and problem-solving skills help in tackling unexpected challenges or technical issues.

1. Hand-eye coordination and dexterity [3] https://www.healthtechacademy.org/surgical-technologist/surgical-technologist-skills/: Handling delicate instruments and equipment with precision is a must.

1. Organizational and time management skills [3] https://www.healthtechacademy.org/surgical-technologist/surgical-technologist-skills/: To ensure smooth execution of all aspects of the procedure is essential.

1. Technological proficiency [3] https://www.healthtechacademy.org/surgical-technologist/surgical-technologist-skills/: Operating various medical equipment, including diagnostic tools and robotic systems, has a strong basis in technology.

1. Emotional resilience [3] https://www.healthtechacademy.org/surgical-technologist/surgical-technologist-skills/: To manage stress and emotions is needed to keep focus and composure.

1. Knowledge of infection control protocols [3] https://www.healthtechacademy.org/surgical-technologist/surgical-technologist-skills/: The surgical environment requires strict measures to prevent infections.

1. Ethical conduct and professionalism [3] https://www.healthtechacademy.org/surgical-technologist/surgical-technologist-skills/: Surgical technologists must uphold ethical standards and keep patient information private to maintain trust.

1. Commitment to continuous learning [3] https://www.healthtechacademy.org/surgical-technologist/surgical-technologist-skills/: Success in this field depends on keeping up with industry changes and taking part in professional growth activities.

Daily Responsibilities

The daily duties of a surgical technologist cover a wide range and are quite challenging:

• Getting ready before surgery [5 6]: Cleaning tools setting up the operating room, collecting necessary equipment, and helping position the patient.
• Giving support during surgery [5, 6 8]: Keeping the area germ-free, handing tools to the surgeon holding tissues back, and figuring out what the surgeon needs next.
• Tasks after surgery [5 6]: Counting tools putting on bandages, getting rid of medical waste, and making sure the operating room is set for the next procedure.

Surgical technologists need to pay close attention to details, handle pressure well, and have great communication abilities [5 8]. They have a crucial role in making sure surgeries succeed and patients stay healthy.

Here are some examples of verb-to-noun changes:

• “it has an influence on” instead of “it influences”
• “has an impact on” instead of “impacts”
• “causing a revolution in” instead of “revolutionizing”

These are just a few examples. Other similar verb-to-noun switches might work too.

Look for and change all phrases that start with ‘for’ and a noun (like ‘for reflection,’ ‘for development’) to phrases with ‘to’ and a verb (like ‘to reflect,’ ‘to develop’).

Here are some examples:

“for consideration” → “to consider”
“for implementation” → “to implement”
“for analysis” → “to analyze”

These are just a few examples. You might find other similar phrases where you can change ‘for’ and a noun to ‘to’ and a verb.

Stay away from overused transition words and fancy descriptors. Instead, go for casual connecting words and simple everyday descriptions. When you spot phrases or words that sound like they came from an AI, swap them out for more natural options. These examples might give you an idea of how to change AI-sounding words to more human ones. But remember, if a word already sounds human leave it as is.

Transition words:

• Switch “” to “So” or “Therefore”
• Change “” to “Also” or “On top of that”
• Replace “” with “As a result” or “Because of this”
• Replace “Moreover” with “What’s more” or “Furthermore”
• Replace “Thus” with “This means” or “This leads to”

Adjectives:

• Replace “Adept” with “Skilled” or “Proficient”
• Replace “Dynamic” with “Energetic” or “Ever-changing”
• Replace “Innovative” with “Groundbreaking” or “Forward-thinking”
• Replace “Robust” with “Strong” or “Resilient” (Check the context. For coding, use ‘reliable’, ‘fault-tolerant’ or ‘well-tested’. In other cases, choose the former options.)
• Switch “Vital” to “Essential” or “Crucial”

Nouns:

• Change “Efficiency” to “Productivity” or “Effectiveness”
• Swap “Innovation” for “New ideas” or “Breakthroughs”
• Turn “Implementation” into “Putting into action” or “Rollout”
• Transform “Landscape” to “Scene” or “Environment”
• Convert “Realm” to “Domain” or “Sphere”

Verbs:

• Turn “Augment” into “Enhance” or “Improve”
• Change “Delve” to “Explore ” or “Investigate”
• Use “Begin” or “Start” instead of “Embark”
• Use “Make easier” or “Enable” instead of “Facilitate”
• Use “Use” or “Apply” instead of “Utilize”

Phrases:

• Use “Keep in mind” or “Remember” instead of “It’s important to note”
• Use “To wrap up” or “In the end” instead of “In conclusion”
• Use “To sum up” or “In a nutshell” instead of “In summary”
• Use “On the other hand” instead of “On the contrary”
• Switch “This is not an exhaustive list” to “There’s more to it” or “This is just a part of it”

When you make these changes always think about what the sentence means and pick the option that keeps the original idea but sounds more natural and conversational. Also, try not to change how the sentence is put together.

Education and Certification Requirements

Associate Degree Programs

The most common educational path for those wanting to become surgical technologists is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology [4] https://www.gscollege.edu/academics/associate-of-applied-science-surgical-technology-aas-st/. These programs take five semesters or two years to complete mixing classroom learning, hands-on labs, and real-world experience in operating rooms [4] https://www.gscollege.edu/academics/associate-of-applied-science-surgical-technology-aas-st/. The course of study covers key subjects like anatomy, pharmacology medical terminology, and surgical procedures [4] https://www.gscollege.edu/academics/associate-of-applied-science-surgical-technology-aas-st/.

Many AAS programs match the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) Core Curriculum, which helps students to get full training [4] https://www.gscollege.edu/academics/associate-of-applied-science-surgical-technology-aas-st/. Students who finish these programs can take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) test [4]

Here are some main points about AAS in Surgical Technology programs:

• 65 credit hours of classes
• Practical training in skills labs and clinical places [4]
• At least 120 surgical cases in different jobs
• The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits programs

Certification Options

Graduates of accredited surgical technology programs can pursue professional certification. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers the main certification for surgical technologists: the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential [11, 12 14].

The CST certification shows expertise in surgical technology principles and enjoys wide recognition in healthcare. This credential often boosts job prospects and earning power.

The NBSTSA also provides the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) certification for those aiming for higher-level positions. This certification needs extra training and practice.

Continuing Education

To keep their certifications, CSTs and CSFAs need to complete continuing education (CE) credits in a two-year period [15 16]. The exact requirements are:

• CSTs: 30 CE credits, with 4 live credits included [15, 16]
• CSFAs: 38 CE credits, with 8 live credits included [15, 16]

Professionals can earn CE credits from several approved sources. These include AST Distance CE, hospital in-services live talks, college classes, and events by healthcare manufacturers. The AST offers guidelines and checklists to make sure CE credits meet the needed standards.

Surgical technologists need to take action to earn and submit CE credits to the AST and renew their certification with the NBSTSA before it expires.

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