Surgical Tech

I'm a 37 year old Woman, looking to go back to school to pursue a career as a surgical tech. I am very conflicted about choosing this career due to the fact I have heard so many negative aspects about the job. Can anyone tell me something positive? Can anyone give good solid information regarding schooling, pay and getting hired right out o school? Much appreciated, thank you.

I'm kinda in the same boat as you, I work in a hospital as a nursing assistant in the OR and I'm thinking of going to school to be an ST as well. I got some info from this web site: www.allalliedhealthschools.com/faqs/surgical_tech.php
Would you mind letting me know if you find any goo info. My e-mail is tla822002@gmail.com
Thanks

Miss Michelle in Buena Park, California said: I'm a 37 year old Woman, looking to go back to school to pursue a career as a surgical tech. I am very conflicted about choosing this career due to the fact I have heard so many negative aspects about the job. Can anyone tell me something positive? Can anyone give good solid information regarding schooling, pay and getting hired right out o school? Much appreciated, thank you.

I know what you mean. But, if it is something you are really waiting to do then do not let anything stop you. I can not go to school right now due to the fact I have a small child and do not qualify for any help for child care. I am currently trying to get a job at a day care so I can start saving to go back to school. Times are hard for me, but, my husband told me not to give up and one day I will be able to go back to become a ST. I can not wait. I do not care if it takes forever to get a job. I just want to do it. Don't give up and I would go for it. Everybody seems so negitive and that's really they own problem no ours....LOL good luck

I meant their own problem

Im 24 years old, and I've been a surgical tech for almost five years. I specialize in transplant surgery, and have at least a basic experience in just about every service (meaning peds, neuro, ortho, gyn, ent, plastics, urology and so on). This career has its good and bad things. Surgery is extremely exiting most of the time. Yes you get to see things that most human beings will never get to see in their lifetime, and you get to help people working as a team...for the most part. I really don't mean to sound negative, I really like surgery, but there are many very important things to consider before making the desicion to become a surg tech. Hours are really demanding if you work at a hospital. Eventhough most places can offer you a 3 twelve hour shift week and it sounds great... but try standing on your feet on a single spot for 99% of that time. Our job deals not only with the physical stress but also mental stress because you have to be able to adapt yourself to many different personalities, circumstances and moods at the same time in one single case. You also deal with the stress from surgery and stability of your patient. It really does not sound bad, but when you deal with it on a daily basis it takes a tow on you eventually. Another thing to consider is that you more than likely will be required to take call. As far as pay is considered, you can find places that can give you a "decent" pay. And I really mean it when I say the pay is not usually great considering the physical strain. I do not want to discourage anyone to better themselves through this career, but if you want my honest advice...get a nursing degree. You can still work in the OR doing the same as a teck, but making a lot more money for having a degree. If anyone would like further advice, feel free to e mail me keq6@hotmail.com

I have been a tech since Sep 07; I like the job, but the worst part is the nasty personalities in the OR. If you can take a lot of crap and not let it get to you, then you will be fine.
If you take things personally, you will be crying a lot. Also,
if you want to be a nurse in the OR, you might want to be a tech first...it will be easier for you and you will have a foot in the door. If I had to do it over again, I would do it again.
the pay is more than I expected, and taking call is not bad where I am. If you have to work for a living, you could do worse. I like working only Monday through Friday, with weekends off.

I am 40 years old and have been a certified surgical tech for 1 year and I love it! But I must say it is a very physical job and some days I barely get my breaks and lunches. I work 3 12 hr shifts and have to take call 4 times a month, sometimes my call shift falls after my 12 hour shift and I have worked 20 hours straight, OUCH! working with many different surgeons with god complexes can be emotionally demanding, so you must be very thick skinned to deal with all this. Its a great job, I get to see inside the human body everyday that I go to work! I love helping people through surgery! I knew from the first day I stepped into the OR that this is where I belonged! My one year has had many ups and downs but I wouldn't trade any of it. If you are considering a career in this field know from the start that it is much much more than passing instruments to your surgeon and that many people just aren't cut out for the OR. If you love one on one patient care this job is not for you, working in the OR we have very little patient interaction while the patient is awake. hope this gives you some things to think about.

I was hired at the hospital I trained at, I put the word out to the OR manager that I was very interested in working there after my graduation and then called him upon my grad. and e-mailed a resume. I called every week for 5 weeks and got the job, persistance does pay off. I worked like hell while I was a student to show them I was a good worker and that I was an asset to their company even though I was a new grad. Be confident and sell yourself, everyone has to start somewhere. as for picking a school, make sure that it is accredited and if possible get a school that allows you to get you AS degree along with you ST cert. this saves so much time if you become an OR nurse later.

rhonda said: I was hired at the hospital I trained at, I put the word out to the OR manager that I was very interested in working there after my graduation and then called him upon my grad. and e-mailed a resume. I called every week for 5 weeks and got the job, persistance does pay off. I worked like hell while I was a student to show them I was a good worker and that I was an asset to their company even though I was a new grad. Be confident and sell yourself, everyone has to start somewhere. as for picking a school, make sure that it is accredited and if possible get a school that allows you to get you AS degree along with you ST cert. this saves so much time if you become an OR nurse later.

i agree i think it all depends on how you sell yourself and persistance is the key!

Hi rhonda , i'm trying to get into this carrer but i dont know which school will be good with accreditation and everything,could you tell me something about it? or if someone else read this can help me? I live in Los Angeles area ca
Thank you for your help, my email is faamzalo@hotmail.com

I just finished a Surgical Tech program where I live. I absolutely love it!!! The pay averages around $15 or $16 an hour, but there is usually call pay, and shift differential and other incentives. I had two small children and no money. Look up FAFSA, which is for federal aid and apply. It paid for my school for 2 years and also gave me extra money each semester (a few hundred) to help with other stuff. It is federal aid and not a loan so you do not pay it back. Look into it, it may help. Some schools also have daycare assistance if you apply in time. Good luck.

I'm 28yrs old and have been a ST for 8 yrs. I am on the general team. We cover general, p.v., thoracic, pediatrics, transplant, and surgical oncology. I specialize in surgical oncology mostly. Anyway, my advise to you is to investigate the program, usually there is an observation period within the first semester. During that observation you will get an idea as to whether or not you will enjoy the O.R. Yes you might waste the money on the first semester but you won't wonder what if. As for some of the other comments....yes the job is physical. You are on your feet for your whole shift, and if you work at my hosp. sometimes longer than your shift. There are high expectations of how long it should take you to "turn over" clean a room from one case to the next. Either you meet those expectations or you don't. If you don't, there will be meetings about it. The attitudes in the O.R. I believe are the same everywhere. I WILL NOT defend them and will not say that mine is the best all the time. It is the nature of the beast. When you are cooped up in a place with the same people day in and day out again, expectations are formed, an "off" day is looked at as lazy, even if it's just one every 6 months. Most techs take high pride in their jobs...just remember that if you take the program...they will help students if you take pride in your learning experience. Well I've said my piece. Hope it helped, Good Luck. Joelle
If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at..jo_hauk@yahoo.com

I have been a Certified Surgical Tech for over 30 years. There are many opportunities for surgical techs here, in California. The pay is great, often close to 25.00/hr to start and topping out close to 35.00. Although it is difficult to get hired without experience, it might be worthwhile to begin your career at a Multi-specialty, Ambulatory Surgery Center. These facilities, where the numbers of them are growing all the time, need staff in order to get up and running in a timely manner. Often they are willing to take on new grads to complement there experienced staff members. You will be exposed to all aspects of the facility because cross training is essential in order for the center to be cost effective and efficient. You will be doing ordering of supplies, preparing cases by picking supplies, assembling instruments and working in the sterile processing department as well as scrubbing on the procedures themselves. This is a great opportunity and it instills more of a sense of teamwork than work in a hospital oriented operating room. It also supplies you with different skills and oppportunities that you won't get in a hospital.
I would try to steer away from single specialty facilities like Eyes and Plastics. You will get stuck there and unable to venture out with such a limited experience. You could end up there if you choose but, it would be wiser to not begin there if you can avoid it.

thanks for the email. i actually start my program on sept 22nd...this month! i am very nervous number one to go back to school since i am 30, and have done sales and mortgage my whole career, but i am excited as well! i have one friend who is surgical tech and two best friends who are rn's so i hear alot, i really am interested in plastic surgery centers too, but i will work anywhere when i graduate, but your advice sounds right on!!!!i was worried about the whole"they won't hire you without any experience" thats whats really frecking me out!! some people on this forum have said don;t do it, that they couldn't get jobs after school!!! but everyone has a diff opinion

I understand your fears regarding starting in this career. It is difficult but, there are jobs out there, especially since I see that you are from Sacramento, you should not have any problems.
I recently checked into a possible teaching position at a school in Concord. I might persue that direction at some point. If you have any questions during your training, please don't hesitate to write to me. I'll answer if I can. Also, if you have any other students in your class that need any questions answered, I would be happy to answer them as well.

Good Luck!
Jeannie

thanks so much!!! i am excited and scared...lol....so we will see....i just pray i find a great job after wards and my career goes well. i am right now in a inside sales position that i will stay at as long as i can through school, but i would love to start working in the medical field now,even if it's an admin position or recept position anything, but i have had no luck...

Im a surgical tech student in miami and im starting my intrenship on the 13th of this month... I was wondering which is better to work at.. A hospital or a private practice

A hospital. It would give you a better all around experience that you can take anywhere. If you begin at a single specialty surgery center such as, plastic or opthomology, you might get stuck in that and never branch out. If you go the surgery center (ASC)route, it should be multi-specialty and should always include orthopedics, GYN, laparoscopy and urology would be helpful too. These are all highly specialized and would enable you to get a good footing and help you get other jobs later.
Good luck,
Jeannie

I think it is a great career, especially in certain parts of California where you can make up to or over 35.00/hr.
I was a tech for over 30 years, certified in 1973. When I started, surgery wasn't nearly as complex as it is now. A lot of new technology came along and I was able to learn it as it came. Now, you have a lot to take in at once and it is more difficult now. Surgical techs in hospitals tend to have specialties or are assigned to teams like Neuro/Ortho, Cardiovascular, etc.
If you work in a multi-specialty Ambulatory Surgery Center, you will have to do a little bit of everything including Sterile Processing and some Materials Management. This is the direction I would advise because it's fun, you get to do more and there is little sitting around time. There is more of a team approach and less personal conflict and competetiveness that can be found in larger hospitals. The downside of working in the O.R. is that there are a lot of strong personalities which you will need to survive there. However, it shouldn't be allowed to get to the point of conflict. If you aren't sensitive, have a backbone, know your stuff, you will do well. It will eat you up otherwise.
I would suggest learning SPD and Materials Management as well as obtaining computer skills in Excel, Word and a Preference List database. If you can learn a little about billing you will be on your way to a nice position in an ASC. There are a lot of start-up ASCs that look especially for techs who can do a little of everything. You will be in demand.

to all of you surg techs out there: I started the program - have three semesters to complete - I want to be in the OR but, when I was in my clinicals, it was mentioned that it is very typical to get stuck with needles, sharps by the surgeons as many of the surgeons refuse to use the "neutral" zone to pass sharps back and forth. One of the surgeons I worked with was awesome and the other was absolutely nasty to those working with her. Several of the students and mentors routinely have to get blood pulled after a stick.. Do you find this to be true or did I just have bad experiences?

You may have had a bad experience. I've been stuck only 3 times in over 30 years. Once, I had a glass ampule break and send glass into my eye along with the liquid to methylmerthacolate. Not fun. Anyway, as you work more with particular surgeons, you will sort of learn a choreography with them so that your hands move in a certain learned way and these incidents will lessen.

Jeannie said: You may have had a bad experience. I've been stuck only 3 times in over 30 years. Once, I had a glass ampule break and send glass into my eye along with the liquid to methylmerthacolate. Not fun. Anyway, as you work more with particular surgeons, you will sort of learn a choreography with them so that your hands move in a certain learned way and these incidents will lessen.

Thanks so much for your reply. Do you mind me asking what the typical starting salary is where you are? I'm asking because I'm currently a vet tech at about $14.50 per hour but that's pretty much the glass ceiling and I have no retirement, etc. - I stopped the surg tech program briefly to adopt and now am looking at going back or pursuing RN but I really love the OR - salary will play a role in my decision. It sounds like you really enjoy your job. Do you mind also telling me the pluses and minuses that you have come across since you are so experienced. I appreciate your input very much,
Tena

UCLA hires new grad techs and trains for six months while rotating to all the facilities. Its a great program and a great place to work. The pay to start is lower than other places but you'll be able to put UCLA on your resume, its a great start. Get certified after graduation to open up your opportunities. I love being a Surgical tech. Its a lot of work but its fun.

wow thats awesome. do you know how much lower they start you off at???i'm in school right now for surg tech and i love it

14. something i cant remember what i started at but im only at 14.99 right now. I just got certified so i will get a raise soon and our contract is about to be settled so i should get a regular raise.

Ann in Los Angeles, California said: UCLA hires new grad techs and trains for six months while rotating to all the facilities. Its a great program and a great place to work. The pay to start is lower than other places but you'll be able to put UCLA on your resume, its a great start. Get certified after graduation to open up your opportunities. I love being a Surgical tech. Its a lot of work but its fun.

hi ann my names liz and i live in the l.a area i was just wondering where you went to school? im currently looking for schools that offer surgical tech programs and ive found a few but they are very expensive (around 20,000) i'm not shure if this would be a good investment and if this is simply too much to pay for a school? any advice would be appreciated and verry helpful =)

p.s feel free to email me @ unseenliz@yahoo.com

hi liz,
I went to Glendale Career College in glendale. I paid 20,000. Im glad that I went. I like my job. I originally went to the school to find out about the LVN program. later I found out that LVN start out making more money. try Concorde too its the same price forthe ST program and if you are interested in LVN they tranfer credits in case you want to move on to RN.
Ann

i'm looking into concorde as well, im a bit confused though, i've been reading into the surgical tech programs and how every school offeres either a certificate, a diploma or u can go to a 2 year school that offers your associate degree is this correct? and i hear going for your associates is the best thing to do? or is this not true? i'm trying to find which schools offer what.

lindsay in Sacramento, California said: wow thats awesome. do you know how much lower they start you off at???i'm in school right now for surg tech and i love it

Lindsay,

Where are going to school, I graduated from Hightech in 2006. I got a job right out of school at my extern site. It is very important to get a good extern site. One you would want to work at. Your extern site is like a long job interview. Do your best. It is a tough job because there is so much that your school does not teach you. So much on the job training. And some of the doctors will not tolerate us as new techs. Some are nice and some are real a holes. You have to be able to take it, you need very thick skin. and the ability to learn and remember very quickly. Most doctors will tolerate you if you show you are trying. A few of the local hospital pay very good, but are the hardest to get into. Externing them is the best. Sutter, Mercy, Kaiser. UC davis is OK but they do not pay very well. Good luck in your schooling, and do well in lecture it is important.

Sincerely,
Steve

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone in the Sacramento area can recommend High Tech or Western Career for the Surg Tech program? I noticed that Western was accredited and did not see if High Tech was....does this matter in finding a job? What kind of hours did you go to school and how were your teachers? I know its expensive to go to a vocational school but thats the only place I know of in the entire Sacramento area! Pay range for a newbie I am guessing is around $18-25? Just wondering for Sacramento.....Thanks=)

I don't know about either. I do think Western tries to find instructors that also have degrees aside from the O.R.Tech experience. It is difficult for all of these schools to find good instructors. Accreditation matters when go to get certified. You can't take the exam unless you attended a accredited program.

Felipe in Compton, California said: Hi rhonda , i'm trying to get into this carrer but i dont know which school will be good with accreditation and everything,could you tell me something about it? or if someone else read this can help me? I live in Los Angeles area ca
Thank you for your help, my email is faamzalo@hotmail.com

Felipe,
The best advice I can give you is to check with www.ast.org. They will give you a list of qualified schools.