How Do I Become a Certified Surgical Tech?

Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) play an essential role in operating rooms, working closely with surgeons and medical teams to ensure procedures are performed safely and efficiently. Becoming a certified surgical technologist involves completing an accredited educational program, passing a national certification exam, and maintaining certification through ongoing education. Accreditation from reputable bodies such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is fundamental, ensuring eligibility for certification exams and enhancing employability. Professional certification from organizations like the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) further validates expertise, demonstrating commitment to professional standards and patient care excellence.

Education Requirements

The first step toward becoming a certified surgical technologist is enrolling in an accredited educational program. Accreditation from CAAHEP or ABHES assures the program meets national standards, positioning graduates for certification exams and employment opportunities. Programs typically offer diploma, certificate, or associate degree tracks, each varying in length and depth. For instance, associate degree programs at institutions like Blinn College in Texas and Piedmont Technical College in South Carolina provide comprehensive curricula, including anatomy, surgical procedures, pharmacology, and extensive hands-on clinical experience.

Clinical experience is a crucial component of surgical technology education, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Accredited programs typically include supervised clinical rotations exceeding 120 hours, where students assist in actual surgical procedures. Programs such as those offered at CT State Gateway emphasize simulation labs and clinical rotations, preparing students for the realities of the operating room.

For individuals with prior military surgical training or extensive professional experience, alternative pathways may be available, often allowing direct eligibility for certification exams through bodies like the NCCT.

Certification Exams

Once educational requirements are fulfilled, aspiring surgical technologists must pass a national certification exam. The two primary certifying bodies are the NBSTSA and NCCT, each offering distinct credentials—Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C), respectively.

The NBSTSA’s CST exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering critical areas including perioperative care, surgical procedures, patient safety, and sterilization techniques. Candidates must graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program or have documented military training to qualify.

Similarly, the NCCT’s TS-C exam comprises 175 questions, measuring competencies in surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and patient care. The NCCT provides broader eligibility criteria, including pathways based on work experience, military training, or accredited educational programs.

Effective preparation for these exams includes utilizing official practice tests from the NBSTSA and NCCT, review courses at accredited schools, and study groups to reinforce critical concepts. Institutions such as Lansing Community College and College of The Albemarle integrate exam preparation within their curricula, enhancing student readiness and increasing passing rates.

Maintaining Certification

Certification as a surgical technologist is not a one-time achievement; it requires ongoing professional development through continuing education units (CEUs) and periodic renewal. For CST credential holders, the NBSTSA mandates renewal every four years, requiring completion of 60 CEUs during each cycle. Continuing education activities include courses on infection control, technological advancements, surgical innovations, and ethical standards in patient care. Renewal fees typically amount to approximately $199 per cycle.

The TS-C credential from NCCT necessitates renewal every five years, accompanied by either 14 CEUs annually or retaking the certification exam. Renewal fees are also approximately $199.

Advancing professional credentials further supports career progression. The NBSTSA offers the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential for technologists seeking to undertake more advanced responsibilities, requiring additional training and documented clinical experience in areas like vessel ligation and advanced surgical techniques.

Pursuing a Career as a Certified Surgical Technologist

The surgical technology profession continues to grow, driven by an increasing demand for surgical procedures and advancements in medical technology. Formal education from accredited institutions and national certification are crucial steps towards securing employment and professional success in the operating room. Certification ensures alignment with national standards, enhances career prospects, and positions surgical technologists for continued professional growth and leadership opportunities within healthcare settings.

For aspiring surgical technologists, investing in accredited education and maintaining professional certification significantly improves employability and integration into surgical teams, ultimately contributing to enhanced patient outcomes and career satisfaction.