Key Points:

• Graduate Nurses have advanced clinical duties; Surgical Technicians assist surgeons during operations.
• Graduate Nurses typically earn higher salaries than Surgical Technicians.
• Both fields have good job prospects, but Surgical Technicians may have more job openings.
• Graduate Nurses require a master's or doctoral degree, while Surgical Technicians need a certificate or diploma.
• Graduate Nursing programs are generally more expensive and take longer to complete than Surgical Technician training.

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.

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