Surgical Technologists
Special Requirements
Certification is generally required or strongly preferred for Surgical Technologistpositions in state government. According to the Department of Labor:
Surgical technologists receive their training in formal programs offered by community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals, and the military. In 2002, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) recognized 361 accredited programs. High school graduation normally is required for admission. Programs last 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
Programs provide classroom education and supervised clinical experience. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, and medical terminology. Other studies cover the care and safety of patients during surgery, sterile techniques, and surgical procedures. Students also learn to sterilize instruments; prevent and control infection; and handle special drugs, solutions, supplies, and equipment.
Most employers prefer to hire certified technologists. Technologists may obtain voluntary professional certification from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist by graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program and passing a national certification examination. They may then use the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) designation. Continuing education or reexamination is required to maintain certification, which must be renewed every 4 years.
Certification may also be obtained from the National Center for Competency Testing. To qualify to take the exam, candidates follow one of three paths: complete an accredited training program, undergo a 2-year hospital on-the-job training program, or acquire seven years of experience working in the field. After passing the exam, individuals may use the designation Tech in Surgery-Certified, TS-C (NCCT). This certification may be renewed every 5 years through either continuing education or reexamination.
For More Information, Contact:
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
6 West Dry Creek Circle
Suite 100
Littleton, Colorado 80120
Phone: (80.0) .0057
Fax: (30.3) .2536
http://nbstsa.org
[email protected]
Commission On Accreditation Of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
35 East Wacker Drive
Suite 1970
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312.553.9355
http://www.caahep.org/
Association of Surgical Technologists
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200
Littleton, CO 80120-8031
Phone: (30.3) .130
Phone: 800.-63.7433
Fax: (30.3) .169
http://www.ast.org
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
7007 College Blvd., Suite 705 Overland Park, KS 66211
Phone: 800..87.404
Fax: 913..49.243
http://www.ncctinc.com
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
