Key Points

• What is a Surgical Technician? A Surgical Technician is a vital healthcare professional who prepares operating rooms, arranges sterile equipment, and assists doctors and nurses during surgical procedures.

• To work in Florida, you must graduate from an accredited surgical technology program and earn a national certification, which is the standard for employment.

• Length of training for a Surgical Technician: Certificate or diploma programs typically take 9 to 15 months, while an associate's degree takes about two years to complete.

• The median annual salary for a Surgical Technologist in Florida is approximately $58,500.

• As of May 2024, there were approximately 10,200 Surgical Technologists employed in Florida.

What is a Surgical Technician?

A Surgical Technician, more formally known as a Surgical Technologist or Scrub Tech, is an indispensable member of the surgical team. They are the experts in sterile procedure, surgical instrumentation, and operating room efficiency. Working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, they ensure that every surgical procedure is safe, sterile, and runs smoothly from start to finish. Their ability to anticipate a surgeon's needs is crucial for a successful and efficient operation.

What does a Surgical Technician do?

The duties of a Surgical Technologist are focused, fast-paced, and critical to patient safety. Key responsibilities include:

• Creating and maintaining the sterile field in the operating room.
• Preparing the operating room by setting up sterile surgical instruments, drapes, and equipment.
• Performing a "surgical scrub" and putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
• Passing instruments, sponges, and other supplies to the surgeon during the procedure.
• Handling and preparing tissue specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Performing counts of sponges, needles, and instruments before and after surgery to ensure nothing is left behind.
• Assisting with cleaning and restocking the operating room after each procedure.

Requirements to Become a Surgical Technician in Florida

To get hired at a top hospital or surgical center in Florida, you'll need to meet the industry standards for this vital profession.

• Education: You must have a high school diploma or a GED.
• Accredited Education: You must successfully graduate from a surgical technology program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
• Professional Certification: While Florida does not have a state license, holding a professional certification like the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a mandatory requirement for nearly every job in the field.
• Background Check: You must be able to pass a criminal background check to be eligible for clinical training and employment.

How to Become a Surgical Technician in Florida?

To become a Surgical Technician in Florida, one must first complete an accredited surgical technology program, which typically takes 1-2 years. After graduation, individuals must pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam to obtain certification.

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before you can enroll in a program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong performance in science courses like biology and anatomy is highly beneficial. You will also need to be prepared to pass a background check and drug screening as required by all healthcare facilities for your clinical training.

2. Enroll in an Accredited Surgical Technology Program

Your most critical step is to enroll in a surgical technology program that is accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. These programs, which can range from a 9-month certificate to a two-year associate's degree, combine intensive classroom learning with hundreds of hours of hands-on clinical training in local hospital operating rooms.

3. Earn Your National Certification

In Florida, certification isn't just a suggestion—it's the standard for employment. Earning this credential is the final step that qualifies you for a professional career.

How to Get a Surgical Technician Certification in Florida?

To obtain the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, you must:

• Graduate from your CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program.
• Apply to take the CST examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
• Pass the comprehensive exam, which covers the foundational knowledge of aseptic technique, surgical procedures, and patient safety.

4. Apply for Surgical Technician Jobs

Once you are a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), you are ready to enter the job market. A great place to explore the specific skills employers look for is MyNextMove.org.

How to Get a Surgical Technician Job in Florida?

Create a professional resume that prominently features your CST credential and details your clinical rotation experience (including the number of cases scrubbed). Search for job openings on the career websites of major Florida hospital systems like HCA Florida Healthcare, AdventHealth, and Cleveland Clinic Florida. Network with your clinical instructors and fellow graduates, as they are excellent sources for job leads in the state's surgical community.