What is a Surgical Technician?

Surgical technicians, also known as operating room technicians, are healthcare professionals who assist surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other members of the surgical team during surgical procedures. Their primary responsibilities include preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and passing instruments to the surgeon during the operation.

Where Do Surgical Technicians Work?

Surgical technicians typically work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities that perform surgical procedures. They may also work in outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, and even in the military.

How to Become a Surgical Technician in Georgia

To become a Surgical Technician in Georgia, one must first complete an accredited educational program, typically an associate's degree. Next, they must obtain certification by passing the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Once certified, they can then search for job opportunities in hospitals, surgical centers, or other healthcare facilities to earn a competitive salary.

Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum prerequisite for surgical tech programs. You should be at least 17–18 years old and may need to complete basic biology or health science classes in high school to prepare for college-level coursework.

2. Graduate from an Accredited Surgical Technologist Program

Enroll in a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. Surgical technology classes will teach you about anatomy, medical terminology, surgical procedures, aseptic (sterile) techniques, and more. In clinical rotations you'll be in real operating rooms – accredited programs require students to scrub in on around 120 surgical cases across various specialties to build hands-on skills​.

3. Pass the National Certification Exam (CST)

After graduating, to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, you’ll need to submit proof that you completed your accredited program (and sometimes documentation of your clinical cases) when applying to take the exam. Spend time reviewing your coursework, using practice exams, or even attending a review seminar if available. Once you pass the exam, you’ll earn the CST credential, proving you meet national standards for surgical technologists.

4. Apply for Surgical Tech Jobs and Start Your Career!

Update your résumé to highlight your surgical tech training, clinical rotation experience, and certification. Many surgical technologists in Georgia find work in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics, or even physician offices that do in-house procedures. You can search job boards, hospital career websites, and attend healthcare job fairs. Networking with instructors and colleagues from your program can uncover leads as well​!

Continued learning is important too – to maintain your CST certification, you’ll need to complete required continuing education or re-test every four years to stay up-to-date.

Educational Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED – Basic eligibility requirement.
• Completion of Accredited Program – Choose CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited programs.
• Clinical Training – Mandatory hands-on experience as part of your education.
• Optional Certification – CST certification through NBSTSA is highly recommended.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Surgical Technician

After gaining experience, Surgical Technicians can explore advanced roles such as:

• Surgical First Assistant: Assist directly with surgical procedures.
• Operating Room Manager: Oversee surgical teams and operations.
• Medical Sales Representative: Work with surgical device companies.
• Educator: Teach future surgical technologists.
• Specialist Tech: Focus on fields like neurosurgery, orthopedics, or cardiovascular.