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Surgical tech certification is an important credential for anyone seeking a career in this field. Learn how to get certified as a surgical tech and what the requirements are.
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Introduction
Surgical tech certification is not required in all states, but many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified. The most common credential is the Certified Surgical Technician (CST) credential offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To earn the CST, you must graduate from an accredited surgical tech program and pass a written exam.
While certification is not required, it may give you an edge when you are applying for jobs. Many employers prefer to hire surgical techs who are certified, and some states have incentives for employers who hire certified techs. For example, in Florida, surgical techs who are certified by the NBSTSA may be eligible for a $1,000 bonus from their employer.
If you plan to become a certified surgical tech, you will need to complete an accredited surgical technology program. There are more than 300 accredited programs in the United States, and most take about 10 months to complete. During your training, you will learn about medical terminology, human anatomy, sterilization techniques and patient care. You will also get experience in the operating room by shadowing experienced surgical techs and completing clinical rotations.
After you graduate from an accredited program, you can apply to take the CST exam. The exam is administered by Prometric, a testing company that specializes in professional certification exams. To apply for the CST exam, you will need to submit an application to the NBSTSA along with a fee of $300. Once your application is approved, you will be able to schedule your exam at a Prometric testing center near you.
The CST exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, operating room procedures and patient care. You will have four hours to complete the exam, and you need to answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly to pass. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can retake it after 30 days for a fee of $200.
What is a Surgical Tech?
A surgical technologist, also called a surgical technician or operating room technician, is an allied health professional working as a member of the surgical team. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room is ready for surgery and that the patient is prepared for surgery. They also work with surgeons during surgery to provide necessary instrumentation and supplies.
After completing a surgical technologist program, graduates must obtain certification from either the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). To be eligible for certification, candidates must graduate from an accredited surgical technologist program and pass a certification exam.
The Certification Process
Surgical technologists are an important part of the surgical team. They work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses to ensure that surgeries are performed safely and efficiently. If you’re interested in becoming a surgical technologist, the first step is to get certified. In this article, we’ll walk you through the certification process and show you how to get started.
Eligibility Requirements
An individual who wishes to become a surgical technologist must meet the following eligibility requirements:
-A high school diploma or equivalent
-Completion of an accredited surgical technology program
-Passing scores on the Certification Examination for Surgical Technologists (CST) exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
In order to be eligible to take the CST exam, individuals must first graduate from an accredited surgical technology program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and technical schools and range in length from 9 months to 2 years. Once individuals have completed an accredited program, they can then register for the CST exam.
The Certification Exam
To become a certified surgical technologist, you must pass a certification exam administered by either the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA).
The NBSTSA offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, which is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). To be eligible to take the CST exam, you must have completed an accredited surgical technology program and have graduated from high school or have a GED.
The NHA offers the Surgical Technologist Certified (STC) exam. To be eligible to take the STC exam, you must either have completed an accredited surgical technology program or have worked full-time as a surgical technologist for at least five years.
Both exams are comprised of computer-based multiple-choice questions that cover material related to preoperative preparation, intraoperative procedures, and postoperative care. The CST exam has 125 questions and the STC exam has 100 questions. You will have two hours to complete each exam.
A passing score on either exam will earn you the credential of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Surgical Technologist Certified (STC), respectively. You will need to renew your certification every four years through continuing education or reexamination.
Maintaining Certification
Maintaining certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is a multi-step process that includes completing continuing education credits and paying an annual fee.
The NBSTSA offers several options for completing the required continuing education credits, including taking courses offered by the organization, attending workshops or seminars, or participating in online learning opportunities. A certain number of credits must be earned each year, and a certain percentage of those credits must be related to surgical technology topics.
In addition to completing continuing education credits, surgical techs who are certified through the NBSTSA must pay an annual fee in order to maintain their certification. This fee is used to support the organization’s operating expenses, as well as to fund its programs and services.
Renewing Certification
Renewing certification is a process that surgical techs must go through every few years to maintain their active status. The specific requirements for renewing certification will vary depending on the certifying organization, but generally include completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee. Some certifying organizations may also require surgical techs to retake the certification exam every few years.
The Importance of Certification
Surgical techs are an important part of theOR team. They are responsible for making sure the operating room is ready for surgery and that the patient is prepared for surgery. They also help with during surgery by passing instruments to the surgeon and helping to keep the area clean. After surgery, they make sure that all of the instruments are accounted for and that the operating room is clean.
While certification is not required in all states, it is becoming increasingly more common. Employers often prefer to hire certified surgical techs because it shows that they have gone through an accredited program and have passed a national exam. Certification also means that surgical techs have taken continuing education courses to keep up with changes in technology and surgical procedures.
Conclusion
There are many different ways to become certified as a surgical technologist. The most common way is to attend an accredited surgical technology program and then pass the national certification exam. Other ways to become eligible for certification include completing a military training program, on-the-job training, or completing a vocational program.
