Becoming a surgical technician is a rewarding career path that offers opportunities to work in fast-paced healthcare environments, assisting with life-saving procedures. In this blog, we’ll explore the steps to becoming a surgical technician, the benefits of enrolling in a surgical technician program, and insights into surgical technician salary expectations.

Key Points

• A Surgical Technician assists in surgical procedures, ensuring the operating room is prepared and sterile for patient care.
• To become a Surgical Technician in Maine, completing an accredited program and obtaining certification like the CST is recommended but not mandatory.
• Most Surgical Technician programs take about 1-2 years to complete, including coursework and clinical internships.

What is a Surgical Technician?

A Surgical Technician, also known as a Surgical Technologist, is an essential part of the surgical team. They work alongside surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure smooth and safe surgical procedures.

Responsibilities of a Surgical Technician

• Preparing the operating room by sterilizing and arranging surgical equipment and supplies.
• Assisting the surgical team by passing sterile instruments and supplies during procedures.
• Monitoring and maintaining a sterile field throughout the surgery.
• Anticipating the needs of the surgeon and the team before, during, and after the surgery.
• Handling specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Operating and maintaining surgical equipment.
• Providing post-operative care to patients.

Work Settings for Surgical Technicians

Surgical Technicians can work in various healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals: Supporting surgeries in operating rooms for emergency and scheduled procedures.
• Outpatient Surgical Centers: Assisting with same-day surgeries in specialized clinics.
• Physician’s Offices: Helping with minor surgical procedures performed in office settings.
• Emergency Rooms: Assisting during urgent surgical procedures.
• Specialized Clinics: Providing support for specialized fields like orthopedics or cardiology

Requirements to Become a Surgical Technician in Maine

• Education: Graduate from an accredited surgical technology program offering a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
• Minimum Age: Must be 18 years or older.
• Certification: While not required by law in Maine, earning the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through the NBSTSA is recommended to improve job prospects.
• Hands-On Training: Complete clinical internships for real-world experience.

How to Become a Surgical Technician in Maine?

To become a Surgical Technician in Maine, individuals must first complete an accredited education program, typically an associate's degree or certificate program. Next, they must obtain certification by passing the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Once certified, they can search for and secure employment opportunities in healthcare facilities, earning a competitive salary commensurate with their skills and experience.

Finding Surgical Technician Classes in Maine

Looking for the right program? Dreambound is the largest platform for finding and comparing Surgical Technician training programs in Maine.

With Dreambound, you can:

• Explore program costs, schedules, and student reviews.
• Compare certification programs to find the best fit for your goals.
• Start your Surgical Technician journey with confidence today!

How Long Does It Take to Become a Surgical Technician?

The timeline to become a Surgical Technician varies, but most complete the process within 1–2 years:

• Training Programs: 12–24 months.
• Clinical Internships: Included in training programs for hands-on practice.
• Certification Testing: Requires several weeks of preparation and testing.

How Do I Get My Surgical Technician Certification?

Becoming a certified Surgical Technician is a great career path for individuals who are interested in the medical field and have a passion for helping others. In order to become certified, there are a few steps that you will need to take.

1. Research and choose an accredited program: The first step in getting your Surgical Technician certification is to research and choose an accredited program. There are many schools and colleges that offer Surgical Technician programs, but it's important to make sure that the program you choose is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These accrediting bodies ensure that the program meets certain standards of education and training.

2. Complete the required coursework: Once you have chosen an accredited program, you will need to complete the required coursework. This typically includes a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on clinical experience. The coursework will cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, surgical procedures, and sterile techniques.

3. Complete a clinical internship: In addition to the coursework, most Surgical Technician programs require students to complete a clinical internship. This provides students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a surgical setting and apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom. The length of the internship can vary, but it is typically around 120 hours.

4. Pass the certification exam: After completing the required coursework and clinical internship, you will need to pass the certification exam in order to become a certified Surgical Technician. The exam is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and consists of 175 multiple-choice questions. It covers topics such as surgical procedures, patient care, and sterile techniques. In order to pass the exam, you will need to score at least 70%.

5. Maintain your certification: Once you have obtained your Surgical Technician certification, it is important to maintain it by fulfilling continuing education requirements. This typically involves completing a certain number of continuing education credits every few years. The specific requirements can vary depending on the certifying body, so it's important to stay informed and up to date on any changes.

How Do I Get a Job as a Surgical Technician?

Once you have obtained your Surgical Technician certification, the next step is to find a job in the field. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of getting hired as a Surgical Technician:

1. Create a professional resume: Your resume is often the first impression that potential employers will have of you, so it's important to make sure it is professional and well-written. Include relevant information such as your education, certification, clinical experience, and any additional skills or certifications you may have.

2. Network: Networking is an important aspect of finding a job in any field, including surgical technology. Reach out to friends, family members, and colleagues who may have connections in the medical field. Attend job fairs and professional conferences related to surgical technology to meet professionals in the field and make valuable connections.

3. Apply to job openings: Search for job openings in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities. Many hospitals and healthcare systems have online job boards where you can search for open positions. In addition, consider reaching out directly to hospitals or surgical centers in your area to inquire about any potential job openings.

4. Prepare for interviews: If you are selected for an interview, it's important to be well-prepared. Research the company or facility beforehand, familiarize yourself with common interview questions, and practice your answers. Be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences during the interview.

5. Consider additional certifications: While not always required, obtaining additional certifications can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Consider obtaining certifications in areas such as advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) or surgical first assisting. These additional certifications can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and may make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Career Paths and Opportunities for Surgical Technicians

Becoming a certified Surgical Technician opens up a variety of career paths and opportunities within the medical field. Here are a few potential career paths you may consider:

1. Operating Room Technician: Many Surgical Technicians work in operating rooms, assisting surgeons and other medical professionals during surgical procedures. In this role, you would be responsible for setting up the operating room, prepping patients for surgery, and assisting with surgical instruments and equipment during procedures.

2. Surgical First Assistant: With additional training and certification, Surgical Technicians can become Surgical First Assistants. In this role, you would work closely with the surgeon during procedures, providing additional assistance and support. Surgical First Assistants often have a higher level of responsibility and may perform tasks such as suturing incisions and controlling bleeding.

3. Surgical Technologist Educator: Some Surgical Technicians choose to pursue careers in education. In this role, you would teach and train future Surgical Technicians, helping them develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field. This can be a rewarding career path for individuals who enjoy teaching and mentoring others.

4. Surgical Equipment Sales Representative: Another career path for Surgical Technicians is to work in sales for surgical equipment companies. In this role, you would use your knowledge and expertise to educate healthcare professionals about different surgical products and equipment. This career path can be lucrative and offers the opportunity to work closely with medical professionals.

5. Travel Surgical Technician: For individuals who enjoy travel and adventure, becoming a travel Surgical Technician could be an exciting career choice. As a travel Surgical Technician, you would work on short-term assignments in different healthcare facilities across the country. This allows you to gain experience in a variety of settings and locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest paid surgical tech?

The highest-paid surgical technologists often specialize in areas like cardiovascular surgery or work as traveling surgical techs. For instance, cardiovascular operating room technicians can earn up to $116,500 annually, while traveling surgical technologists may average around $119,056 per year. Additionally, location influences earnings; surgical technologists in California earn an average of $72,860 annually, with those in Alaska earning about $73,960.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Surgical Technician in Maine is a rewarding and stable career with plenty of opportunities for growth. Whether you’re assisting in life-saving procedures or supporting specialized surgeries, this field offers both job security and competitive pay.

Ready to take the first step? Explore training programs on Dreambound and start your Surgical Technician journey today!

Are you thinking about a job change or wanting to learn more about different career paths? Feel free to check out these additional articles:

• Sterile Processing Technician Training in Maine
• Radiology Technician Training in Maine
• Patient Care Technician Training in Maine
• Pharmacy Technician Training in Maine