In the healthcare industry, there are numerous career paths that individuals can pursue. Two popular options are graduate nursing and surgical technician. Both roles play important roles in patient care, but they have distinct differences in terms of job responsibilities, education and training requirements, and career outlook. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between graduate nursing and surgical technician to help you make an informed decision about which path may be right for you.

What is Graduate Nursing?

Graduate nursing refers to the advanced level of nursing practice. Nurses who pursue graduate nursing typically hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and choose to further their education to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs have a higher level of responsibility and autonomy compared to registered nurses (RNs). They are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide primary and specialty healthcare services.

What is a Surgical Technician?

A surgical technician, also known as a surgical technologist, is a healthcare professional who works alongside surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members to ensure that the operating room functions smoothly. Their primary responsibility is to prepare the operating room and assist during surgical procedures. Surgical technicians are responsible for sterilizing and arranging surgical equipment, preparing patients for surgery, and providing the surgeon with the necessary instruments during the procedure.

Difference between Graduate Nursing and Surgical Technician

While both graduate nursing and surgical technician play important roles in the healthcare industry, there are several key differences between the two professions. These include:

• Scope of Practice: Graduate nurses have a broader scope of practice compared to surgical technicians. They are trained to provide comprehensive healthcare services, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medications. Surgical technicians, on the other hand, have a more focused role in the operating room and are not involved in diagnosing or treating patients.

• Level of Education and Training: Graduate nursing requires a higher level of education and training compared to surgical technician. To become a graduate nurse, individuals must complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Surgical technicians typically complete a certificate or associate degree program in surgical technology, which can be completed in 1-2 years.

• Job Responsibilities: Graduate nurses are responsible for providing direct patient care, conducting physical exams, ordering diagnostic tests, and developing and implementing treatment plans. They may also specialize in areas such as family practice, pediatrics, or psychiatric nursing. Surgical technicians, on the other hand, primarily focus on preparing the operating room, sterilizing surgical equipment, and assisting surgeons during procedures.

• Work Environment: Graduate nurses have the flexibility to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They may also have the option to work in specialized areas such as oncology, cardiology, or geriatrics. Surgical technicians primarily work in operating rooms and may be employed by hospitals, surgical centers, or outpatient clinics.

Graduate Nursing vs Surgical Technician: Job Description

• Graduate Nursing: The job description of a graduate nurse varies depending on their specialty and work setting. However, common job responsibilities include:

  • Conducting physical exams and medical histories
  • Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses
  • Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
  • Prescribing medications and other treatments
  • Providing counseling and education to patients and their families
  • Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care

• Surgical Technician: The job description of a surgical technician includes:

  • Preparing the operating room for surgery
  • Sterilizing surgical equipment
  • Assisting the surgical team during procedures
  • Handing instruments to the surgeon as needed
  • Monitoring and maintaining the sterile field
  • Ensuring the safe and efficient flow of the surgical procedure

Graduate Nursing vs Surgical Technician: Education and Training

• Graduate Nursing: To become a graduate nurse, individuals must complete the following steps:

  1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program.
  2. Obtain a registered nurse (RN) license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
  3. Gain clinical experience as an RN.
  4. Pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, specializing in a specific area of advanced practice nursing such as nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife.
  5. Obtain certification in their chosen specialty.

• Surgical Technician: To become a surgical technician, individuals typically complete the following steps:

  1. Enroll in a certificate or associate degree program in surgical technology.
  2. Complete coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and surgical procedures.
  3. Gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in operating rooms.
  4. Pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam to become certified.

Graduate Nursing vs Surgical Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

• Career Outlook: Both graduate nursing and surgical technician offer promising career outlooks, but there are some differences in demand and growth opportunities.

  • Graduate nursing is projected to experience strong job growth due to the increasing demand for healthcare services, the aging population, and the need for advanced practice nurses to fill the gap in primary care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

  • Surgical technology is also expected to experience growth, although at a slower pace compared to graduate nursing. The BLS projects a 7% increase in employment for surgical technologists from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for surgical technologists is driven by the need for healthcare services and advancements in surgical procedures.

• Salary: The salary for graduate nurses and surgical technicians can vary depending on factors such as experience, education, location, and work setting.

  • According to the BLS, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives was $117,670 in May 2020, significantly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.

  • On the other hand, the median annual wage for surgical technologists was $49,040 in May 2020, slightly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between graduate nursing and surgical technician is a personal decision that depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Both professions offer rewarding opportunities to make a positive impact on patients' lives and contribute to the healthcare industry. Consider factors such as the level of education and training required, job responsibilities, and career outlook when making your decision. Additionally, it may be helpful to shadow professionals in each field or speak with individuals currently working in the roles to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and requirements.

Dreambound's programs are available in different places. Check these blogs for a good look at the two vocations, including what you need and tips on how to start:

• Graduate Nursing in Arizona
• Surgical Technician in Arizona
• Graduate Nursing classes near you
• Surgical Technician classes near you