Health care is a fast growing field that provides students with numerous options for higher education. One training possibility is completing a vocational college program to become a surgical technician. Students can become a surgical professional by training to work alongside doctors inside an operating room.
Working through a vocational program typically leaves students with a nine-month or 24 month training possibility. The knowledge level students want to seek will determine the program they should enter.
*Nine-Month Training
A nine-month program usually provides students with a certificate. The training is concentrated on teaching students the basics of the field. Before becoming a vital member of the operating team students need to successfully gain a broad skill set that trains them for work. Courses train students in a variety of subjects. The bulk of curriculum will be made up of courses on patient care, surgical procedure, anatomy, and pharmacology. Certificate programs are highly focused and typically require only a few courses to be taken in general education. The skills learned in a certificate program may include:
- Setting up an operation room
- Assembling medical equipment
- Prepping patients for surgery
Beginning a career as a surgical technician is possible after completing a nine-month program. Students that want to have more responsibility and a better career outlook should consider continuing education or completing a 24-month training option. The knowledge and skill set earned inside this option is extremely beneficial.
The result of this amount of education is an associate’s degree. This is the best educational option for students wanting to become a technician. Training covers everything from preparing patients for surgery to correctly sterilizing surgical equipment. The field is explored through its three main areas of work. The different areas that are discussed in training include:
- Before Surgery – Course work teaches students the role of a technician before a surgery starts. Education encompasses how to set up an operating room, which includes sterilizing all equipment and making solutions. Another major role is shaving, cleaning, and sterilizing a patient’s incision site.
- During Surgery – To help a surgeon focus, technicians are present to pass surgical equipment and other needed instruments. Some surgical work that is incorporated into learning consists of holding instruments, cutting stitches, and keeping track of equipment. Some programs may also prepare students to handle specimens gathered during surgery as well as operate tools.
- After Surgery – This area of the job is mainly concerned with taking patients to the recovery room. Education also focuses on giving students the knowledge to properly clean and restock everything that was used during surgery.
Both educational options prepare students to take on these three main areas of the career. Students that obtain an associate’s degree are required to perform more job duties and take on a higher level of responsibility. Accredited surgical technician programs can be completed through numerous vocational colleges and students can pick the right college for them. Agencies like the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools are approved to fully accredited schools and colleges that offer students the best quality education available.
