How to Become a Surgical Technologist

Surgical technologists are trained to assist the doctors and nurses operating on patients in hospitals and clinics. There is an increasing call for surgical technologists as the population is aging and the demand for health care is increasing. This profession requires years of study and a strong constitution to witness surgeries and stay calm in a stressful environment.
  1. Finish high school or get a GED. Look for technical schools that offer surgical technology courses and certificates. Study the types of responsibilities that surgical technicians have and decide whether this vocation is right for you. Understand that the job requires constant exposure to blood and the strong odors associated with surgery.
  2. Attend a technical or vocational school for a 2-year certification program. Take all of the required courses to study the role of surgeons and the role that surgical technologists play in the operating room. Think about a specialty you might like to pursue after graduation, such as a scrub assistant or a tech that sets up the operating room.
  3. Graduate from the program with the grades necessary. Get your certificate and begin applying to hospitals and clinics, Apply also to private practice doctors who perform operations in their offices, such as plastic surgeons.
  4. Get some experience on the job and decide if the branch of medicine you chose is a good fit. Further specialize in one medical specialty, such as neurology or orthopedic medicine, if desired and seek a position in that specialty.
  5. Study the surgeons you work for and learn to anticipate their needs in order to make operations run more smoothly. Move up the ranks of surgical technicians to raise your salary and job opportunities.