How to Become a Surgical Tech

Aspiring surgical techs need to be calm under pressure, possess excellent manual dexterity and be comfortable in medical situations.  They also need thorough preparation in surgical procedures and basic medical knowledge.  Attending an accredited surgical technology program, passing a certification examination and maintaining certification demonstrate to employers that candidates for surgical tech positions have the necessary skills to function in the operating room. 

1. Enroll in a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited training program.  Most of these are diploma or associate degree programs and require one to two years of education and clinical training.


2. Complete your selected training program.  This will involve classroom work and supervised clinical practice.  Training usually includes instruction in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, medical terminology, surgical procedure, aseptic technique, surgical instruments, infection control, professional ethics, patient cares and other topics.  


3. Apply to take a certification examination with the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) to be designated a Tech in Surgery-Certified.


4. Take and pass the appropriate certification examination.


5. Apply for jobs as a surgery tech.  The majority of available jobs are in hospital operating and delivery rooms.  However, the demand for surgery techs in outpatient and ambulatory surgical centers is increasing.


6. Select the job that best fits your needs.


7. Continue your education by attending classes, seminars and conferences.  Both the NBSTSA and NCCT require certified techs to renew their certifications through approved continuing education courses or periodic reexaminations.  The NCCT requires renewal every five years, while the NBSTSA requires it every four years.  Additionally, most employers require professional development and maintenance of certification for continued employment and career advancement.