IS IT BETTER TO OBTAIN AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE AS A SURGICAL TECH RATHER THAN A DIPLOMA, OR DOES IT NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE??????

Hello everyone, I am a 22 year old male about to go back to school to be a surgical tech. I am going for the associates degree, but I notice that there are a lot of programs that offer it as just a diploma. I was wondering should I save time and go for the diploma, or should I go to college and get the associates degree. What would be the difference????

No it doesn't matter. Associates degree vs diploma still make the same amount of money. What matters the most is being certified, which could increase your pay. I would only recommend going for the associates degree if you plan on furthering your education beyond a Surgical Technician.

Associate degree and certificate programs offer the same pay. If you want to go back to school later on it might be better to have an associates degree. I went through a certificate program and make the same as my associate degree peers. You learn most of your skills on the job after you graduate.

Either way, it is a very rewarding career and I love getting up every day for my job. I was employed by a level one trauma center right out of school and have some of the best experience anyone could ask for. It is well worth the short amount of time you spend in school. Just think positive and get through school, and apply at every place that is hiring in every state when you graduate. Some hospitals may want an "experienced tech" but someone will grab you up. No one wants to hire someone that hasn't worked for several months after graduation.