Very Interested in becoming a Surgical Tech but still have doubts. Seeking advise from Surgical Tech please....FL

Im a 26yr male who's seriously looking into become a Surgical Tech but im not sure if i'll be able to cope with OR environment, blood, smell, needles etc & there is no simulation for that in sch. I was in the delivery room as my wife gave birth to our daughter & i also delivered my niece 2yrs ago as my Sister went into labour early while visiting (I was coached through the procedures by 911 bofore the Medics came) i went through all ok but thats the only experience i've had in those situation. My question is....As a Surg Tech were you sceptical as i am, entering the field? Have you ever thought it wasn't for you? Is there alot of male in this field? Now that you're in...Is it rewarding & was it easy to find a Job? Im located in Tampa FL..can you recommend any sch & do you know the starting salary here? Is it necessary to have a AS? Im thinking of going Concord.
Thanks in advance for spending the time reading and responding to my questions. Your input will be greatly appreciated.

I'm 21 years old and I'm starting the Surgical Tech class come the 25th of June. Is the class difficult to pass? How hard is the stateboard exam? It would be such a shame to go through school and obtain a certificate but don't land a job because you couldn't pass the test. I know towards the end there is a review for the state exam. Is the review based mostly on what the state exam will be or just what you should be knowledgeable of since you passed the class? My instructor said "half of you wont be here come June. This class requires intense studing." There is only 20 students in the class. Will ten students really be left standing or is that some b.s. she made up to scare us? Right now I'm doing the CORE requirement online, so I haven't been to class since the 6th of June. What is the starting pay per hour? do you get paid more to start out if you obtain an A.S. degree in health service management?If so how much more? I live in Lauderhill, Fl. I've researched about the program, but with every new page I enter I keep reading different things. Please help!

you have very valid questions. But you should proably have what they call a share day. Where you will be able to go into an operating room and view the the things that you have questions about. The salary will depend on a number of things the hospital, the area that you will be working. Experince will be the main thing. Right out of school you will be trying to get as much experince as possible. Then there will be your specialty. If you pick something like neuro,ortho,vascular or cvor then you will be in much demand. Pick something easy and you won't. I traveled for five years and took positions in some very good hospitals to have a good resume. You will not come in making a lot, your best bet is to interested in the work in the hospital where you take your clinicals. That way you will have your foot in the door by the time you get out of clinicals. It is not ness. to have an as but helpfull in some parts of the nation.

Your questions and concerns are very legitimate. I had my reservations at the beginning as well. Your teacher is right though, about 1/2 of the class will not make it to see the final exam. This is not a scare tactic as much as it is reality - for whatever reasons - some people don't realize their weeknesses such as blood, smells, etc. Remember, as a tech you will find yourself standing for many hours in a day with possibly only one 1/2 hour break - that in itself does not sound difficult, but do it everyday and it actually starts to wear on your body. As far as money goes - you will hear many people say that they don't make much - as a base salary - I'd have to agree - for the work we do - we aren't compensated, however, keep in mind there are always opportunities for shift differentials, overtime, and call time. My first year directly out of completing a one year certification program - I made 46,000.00 which was a nice jump from the 12,000 I made while attending the program. As a member and deligate of AST I know we are pushing to have certification a requirement of employment, however, as far as an Associate Degree requirement - that hasn't yet been established. Some places offer about a 50 cent per hour pay raise if you are certified, others don't - just be smart when checking with the facilities. I personally am currently pursuing my Surgical Assisting Certification which will allow me more hands on opportunities in the OR. Remember Surgical Technology is a profession just as a registered nurse, or physicians assistant, and we need to express that to employees... So be proud of your new career and make the most of it that you can. I'll tell you there are so many interesting cases that you experience. The first time you see something, for example a below the knee amputation - you might find it shocking, but than you are over it and you move on - when the next one comes around - its not such a big deal. Enjoy !

DO ANYONE KNOW OF ANY WEBSITES THAT CAN HELP WITH GOING TO SURGICAL TECH SCHOOL SUCH AS PRACTICE STUDY QUESTIONS

JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE KNOW OF A WEBSITE WITH PRACTICE STUDY QUESTIONS THAT WOULD HELP ME IN SURGICAL TECH SCHOOL

Sabrina!

Hi,,, you might want to check out the official Association of Surgical Technologists website... its full of information and has some practice tests as well ( I believe)...... check it out .... www.AST.org

also,,, a good website to learn about the surgeries is OR-Live

any other questions feel free to ask!

Chele,CST/FA Student

THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION IF YOU CAN THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE PLEASE LET ME KNOW

BRINA

What other questions do you have? Have you already started a Surg Tech program? or are you just thinking about it?

I WILL BE STARTING FALL SEMINSTER WHICH IS IN AUGUST I AM SO NERVOUS. I AM SHAKING IN MY BOOTS IS IT HARD HOW DID YOU STUDY, WHAT ARE SOME GOOD STUDY TIPS. CAN YOU RECOMEND A GOOD STUDY GUIDE THAT WOULD HELP

BRINA

to be honest with you.... the best thing you can do is learn the name of the instruments... If you know the instruments you can feel confident with doing any surgery.....When you start your class you will get an instrument book... Alot of stuff you learn in class will not really sink in until you start your clinicals... and even after you graduate... it will probably take you about one year to feel comfortable and I don't think there is any time you don't stop learning. I don't know how far you are from orlando, but the national convention will be held there in May - they have a special student rate and some special sessions specifically for students... you might want to check into it - maybe go for a day and talk to some of the students.... the ones going through the program right now would probably be the ones you want to talk to... (check out that AST.org website)

THANK YOU, DO YOU THINK STUDYING THE INSTRUMENT STUDY GUIDE WILL HELP
BRINA

All I can really tell you is this...I thought that when I graduated I was expected to know everything by heart... every procedure, every working piece and part in the body.....every instrument.... that I tried so hard... I lost my focus and was overwhelmed when I went for clinicals..... I still passed... when I got out into the "real" world I noticed that the Doctors usually will ask you ahead of time for the needed instrument because - even though there is a set procedure... things don't always go as planned and sometimes, they don't even know what they need until they get to working...... what you will learn is how to listen to the doctors conversations while they are working and hand them the instruments they are talking about amongst themselves before they actually ask you..... so definately a keen sense of hearing and attentiveness, knowledge of the instruments (I don't know if anyone can name all of them)... oh, and another thing... when you see the instrument sets,, don't be overwhelmed... the whole set may only have 10 different instruments - but a total of maybe 100 - because there are multiples of each... for instance you may have 4 Kellys, 2 Kochers, 4 Criles, 2 Sponge Sticks.... make it fun when learning the instruments too... for example if you have an imagination and hold the kocher on its side and open it - it resembles a crocodile (kocher - crocodile - sound similar) or an Allis - has "Long Legs"... and other fun ways to remember what they are.... there is an ENT instrument that has a chain attached and its called a Harley - like a harley davidson motorcycle rider would wear their wallet.... get the picture.....I won't lie... it is a tuff program... but well worth it .... there are travel opportunities and if you are open to learning... you can join specialty teams or just stay in general surgery.... its really up to you as far as you want to take it... remember you are equally important in the surgical room as the Dr. and Nurse! Good Lu

THANKS A LOT THAT REALY HELP, I CAN SEE PASS THE TREES NOW

Just take a deep breath and go for it! if you have any other questions or even when you start school and if you are having doubts... keep my email and drop me a note.... i'll try to be a support for you ..!!!! Best of Luck Brina!

Chele

THANK YOU I WILL BE SURE TO E-MAIL YOU WHEN I START THE PROGRAM IN THE FALL, BECAUSE I AM GOING TO NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET

BRINA

I look forward to hearing from you !!!! You'll be fine.. give yourself a chance. See the possible dollar signs !!! I interviewed for a job while I was still in the program (I would suggest you start looking when you have about 4 months of school left).... I was hired... granted I had to relocate 2,000 miles, but none the less I pulled in about 40,000 which was a nice move from the 12,000 I made while going through the program... I have only been doing this for two and 1/2 years and last year I made 53,000 for the year - shift differentials and call time really add up ! so take advantage of it. after one year of experience you can start to travel and make twice that! Soooooo stick with it if you can!

Good Luck

Chele

HI BRINA AND CHELE. MY NAME IS LUNNA AND I WAS ALSO LOOKING INTO BECOMING A SURGICAL TECH. I WAS TRYING TO FIND MORE INFOMATION AND FIND OUT ALL I CAN BEFORE I PURSUE IT. READING YOUR MESSAGES REALLY HELP ALOT.YOU ANSWERED ALOT OF QUESTIONS FOR ME.WELL IF ITS NOT A PROBLEM I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT IF ONE OF YOU COULD BE MY SUPPORT PERSON.

Hi! I'd be more than happy to help and support in any way I can ! Talk soon!

Omar i hope this is who i'm looking for, great to know you're moving in to bigger and better things. Contact me, freemmi79@yahoo.com

Omar in Winter Haven, Florida said: Im a 26yr male who's seriously looking into become a Surgical Tech but im not sure if i'll be able to cope with OR environment, blood, smell, needles etc & there is no simulation for that in sch. I was in the delivery room as my wife gave birth to our daughter & i also delivered my niece 2yrs ago as my Sister went into labour early while visiting (I was coached through the procedures by 911 bofore the Medics came) i went through all ok but thats the only experience i've had in those situation. My question is....As a Surg Tech were you sceptical as i am, entering the field? Have you ever thought it wasn't for you? Is there alot of male in this field? Now that you're in...Is it rewarding & was it easy to find a Job? Im located in Tampa FL..can you recommend any sch & do you know the starting salary here? Is it necessary to have a AS? Im thinking of going Concord.
Thanks in advance for spending the time reading and responding to my questions. Your input will be greatly appreciated.

Any student or graduated here from L.A. Area?
Can I contact you directly?

Thanks

Is there any working surgical techs in here from Miami if so can u tell me the best way to go about landing a job as a tech. Im thinking surgery center rather than hospital..

I JUST GRADUATED, PASSED THE CERTIFICATION TEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN'T FIND A JOB FOR HECK LOL.. BUT STILL THE CERTIFICATE AND THE CARD LOOK AWESOME

I noticed you live in Brooklyn New York... If you are willing to relocate to Burlington, Vermont... I know that a few of our surgical techs are leaving - you should apply here. We are in the process of forming a Tech union and this is going to be an awesome place to work. with many benefits and a nice wage... look us up on line Fletcher Allen Health Care Burlington, Vermont.... feel free to put my name on the application.... MiChele Webber

YESSIR in Brooklyn, New York said: I JUST GRADUATED, PASSED THE CERTIFICATION TEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN'T FIND A JOB FOR HECK LOL.. BUT STILL THE CERTIFICATE AND THE CARD LOOK AWESOME

CONGRAD to your exam! May I ask you what kind book did you use to study?
What would you recommend ?

Hey everyone! I just started a Surg Tech program in PA. I like the classes,but i'm still not sure if this is the right career for me. I'm a very hard worker and the idea of being on a surgical team excites me. I guess the problem is i keep visualizing myself screwing up on my externship and out in the real world. I keep doing the "what ifs"! I've just been reading alot of negative aspects of this job. My surg tech instructor is very intimidating ,loud and we have her for the next few terms. I'm getting nervous. Now that i'm in my 30's, i've developed a thick skin, but i don't like the idea of being yelled at by surgeons,etc. My instructor has been telling us how it really is and it sounds scary.Blood and guts don't bother me. I'm just not sure if the surg tech life is the life for me. i was all excited about this prior to starting school and now i feel like i want out! Help!!

deedlebug in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania said: Hey everyone! I just started a Surg Tech program in PA. I like the classes,but i'm still not sure if this is the right career for me. I'm a very hard worker and the idea of being on a surgical team excites me. I guess the problem is i keep visualizing myself screwing up on my externship and out in the real world. I keep doing the "what ifs"! I've just been reading alot of negative aspects of this job. My surg tech instructor is very intimidating ,loud and we have her for the next few terms. I'm getting nervous. Now that i'm in my 30's, i've developed a thick skin, but i don't like the idea of being yelled at by surgeons,etc. My instructor has been telling us how it really is and it sounds scary.Blood and guts don't bother me. I'm just not sure if the surg tech life is the life for me. i was all excited about this prior to starting school and now i feel like i want out! Help!!

I am sorry to hear that! I just started with the program, so far nobody yelled on me. However I heard that ortopadic surgent are the worst.. I am not sure how I would react, but probably after I while I would simple make a complain! Anyhow what is about yelling on a OP? Any thoughts please...

Hi!

I think I can speak for everyone in that we all had reservations while attending school to become a surg tech. teachers are very intimidating because they don't want you to be shocked when you enter the work force. Being open to relocating is probably the best when in this field because it gives you the opportunity to shop around for a place you are comfortable with working... For at least the first year of scrubing I would suggest you find a teaching hospital... Most of these hospitals operate differently than a "normal" hospital...In a typical surgery you will have a circulating nurse, a scrub nurse (you), anesthesia attending, anesthesia resident, attending doctor, resident doctor and medical student. At the field there is usually the attending with his assistant (the resident), a medical student observing and you as the scrub... since this is a teaching facility there is usually a no tolerance policy, meaning - the doctors have to be kind to the residents and students and teach and explain as they go along.. don't get me wrong, there are always scary moments when things start to go bad and everyone is on edge and there may be yelling and such, but you shouldn't take it personally and it will pass... all facilities will always have some doctors that are difficult to work with but that's just the way it is.. so I guess I would suggest you start researching some teaching facilities and their policies... check out fletcher allen healthcare in Vermont - although vermont is an expensive place to live - average rent is 1200.per month, we are paid pretty well and are organizing a tech union which means things will only get better. I was hired before I even finished my tech program and the first year I started I made around 45000 per year... I've been here for three years and am making roughly 55,000 per year now... that is with call pay, shift differential, and bonusses... so the perks are pretty good... hope this helps

Getting ready to start the surgical tech program and was wondering what the starting salary is in Tampa, Fl. I have 12 years + in the medical field in other positions..so I hope that will help getting a job

Hi, I am looking into becoming a surgical tech and was wondering if the people that get into it usually have previous medical experience?

NieceT in Halifax, Massachusetts said: Hi, I am looking into becoming a surgical tech and was wondering if the people that get into it usually have previous medical experience?

I don't have experience at all, I am an architectural designer who is changing carieer.However, I am working in healtcare since 4 months.

Can anyone please point me in the right direction? I'm thinking about starting community college because the fees are soo much less right now I'm paying at least 7,800 to go to Brown Mackie. It's one intense program a month is that easier than community college? I'm going for a Occupational Therapy Assistant program which they do not even have accredited yet which makes the high price even worse! I've always been interested in surg tech but needed to find a program for it that would fit my schedule. I'm micro managed and underpaid as it is and about to lose my mind. Any help anyone would give me I'd deeply appreciate! Thank you

I'm also concerned about the pay surg tech pays more but how hard is it? and I want to be able to take care of my mom financially when the time comes. My mom just got out of the hospital for being in over a month and I have had cancer which has even reinstated my love for helping people.

stephanie said: Can anyone please point me in the right direction? I'm thinking about starting community college because the fees are soo much less right now I'm paying at least 7,800 to go to Brown Mackie. It's one intense program a month is that easier than community college? I'm going for a Occupational Therapy Assistant program which they do not even have accredited yet which makes the high price even worse! I've always been interested in surg tech but needed to find a program for it that would fit my schedule. I'm micro managed and underpaid as it is and about to lose my mind. Any help anyone would give me I'd deeply appreciate! Thank you

depending which State you are...
Community colleges cheaper and you get an associate degree.

swissmissdesigner in Calabasas Hills, California said: depending which State you are...
Community colleges cheaper and you get an associate degree.

thank you :)

stephanie said: I'm also concerned about the pay surg tech pays more but how hard is it? and I want to be able to take care of my mom financially when the time comes. My mom just got out of the hospital for being in over a month and I have had cancer which has even reinstated my love for helping people.

check out the AST website about the salaries
www.ast.org/professionals/professionals_about_prof_stats.aspx,
You can make more money if you are a traveler.

stephanie said: thank you :)

my pleasure

where are you at in florida? i found a technical center that is much easier and cheaper than a community college. and since it is not mandated that you are certified(but highly recommended and more than likely will be) you could get your foot in the door then go back and get an assoc. i don't believe they would pay any higher if you had one though... not sure though..

It is very very important to research the facility where you attend school... make sure they are accredited throught the AST,,,, there are some courses out there that aren't accredited and therefore you can never sit for the certification. AST is trying to push certification as a requirement for employment, this is being done mainly to promote our schooling should be justified as a profession - as are nurses when they receive their RN - we have two years of college and they have equal years of schooling.... this is my understanding... if anyone reading this, knows differently please let me know... just beware when obtaining your education. some credits won't transfer to an associate.....

I know it's weird their R.N and L.P.N programs are accredited but they said their COTA program is pending accrediation.It is a program starting in Dec. actually all their other programs are accredited. She showed me that they paid their accrediation fee or whatever I just hate to be their lab rat if something messes up. It'd be two years of hard work and a whole lot of cash down the drain.

dang I think I somehow replied to the wrong person. lol

cheleangel in South Burlington, Vermont said: It is very very important to research the facility where you attend school... make sure they are accredited throught the AST,,,, there are some courses out there that aren't accredited and therefore you can never sit for the certification. AST is trying to push certification as a requirement for employment, this is being done mainly to promote our schooling should be justified as a profession - as are nurses when they receive their RN - we have two years of college and they have equal years of schooling.... this is my understanding... if anyone reading this, knows differently please let me know... just beware when obtaining your education. some credits won't transfer to an associate.....

How I understand it is that STA is trying to push to the associate degree which I think it would be a great idea.

thank you VERY much for the wonderful info :) the site is very great information

yes, that's what i'm understand as well.. and again... to justify that we view our schooling as much a profession as nursing... therefore we should be treated equally..... etc....

thanks for your input! have a good day

i understand there is a process that takes place to become accredited... the accredation board must review teaching plans, clinic plans, lab plans, tests, etc... so the accrediting board for the rn and lpn programs have probably gone through and approved the school to teach this particular curriculum... whereas, the AST is tigtening their requirements and perhaps they aren't 100% sure that this particular school meets accrediation standards... In as much as I would love to trust what everyone says... i would be hesitant on the response from the school you are questioning... they can say that they have paid money and are waiting for a certificate.. but have they really? would you know a legeal accrediation payment receipt if you saw one? I wouldn't? so just be leary...I would suggest you contact the AST and see who is on their list of accredited schools... in fact I think if you get on line with them you can find out right away... the website is www.ast.org

try that and best of luck with everything... if you have any more questions, please feel free to drop me a line!

chele

I am starting my required classes for Surgical tech hopfully next fall, can anyone tell me the degree of diffiuclty of the course for surgical tech. I am worried because I have 2 teens(16 n 13 girls) and want to be able to take care of them and do school also. I so much want to be a surg tech but am wondering if I should wait for my oldest to be out of high school.

confusedone in Oceanside, California said: I am starting my required classes for Surgical tech hopfully next fall, can anyone tell me the degree of diffiuclty of the course for surgical tech. I am worried because I have 2 teens(16 n 13 girls) and want to be able to take care of them and do school also. I so much want to be a surg tech but am wondering if I should wait for my oldest to be out of high school.

well maybe this will make you feel better.. i start the surgical tech program this august and i have 3 yr. old twins.. i think you should be fine,, your girls will adjust if you make them... remind me of that when i get frustrated..lol

Any surg techs form buffalo ny out there.

confusedone: I am taking right now these classes( see below) at MiraCosta.
If you have any question about the program please feel free to concatc me..

cheers

Anna

Prerequisites at MiraCosta:
· Nursing 151 Body
Systems Survey for Health
Professionals or Anatomy (BIO210 ) or
Physiology(BIO220) ) .
· Nursing 155 – Basic Medical Terminology
· Pharmacology 100 – Basic Pharmacology.
Please note: the prerequisite for PHAR100 is MATH820
or qualification through the Math Competency Exam.

Anna
Thanks!! Im currently taking NURS 155, online course. You have quite a load, good luck!!
Ann