How will a Surgical Tech grads gain required or perfered experience If a hospital will not hire them? ?

Jack's Raging Bile Duct Says: Pls try again.

Telisha in Gary, Indiana said: How do you Surgical Tech grads who can't find a job feel about going back to school for nursing or something else in high demand? I graduated Oct 2009 and no one will hire me. I am so frustrated because I know I will be a good tech. I worked so hard in school and I thought the end result would be great. Well, here I am confused and don't know if I should go back to school for nursing or keep looking and praying someone will give me a chance. During my externship I did really good and surgeons were requseting me to scrub in with them. I applied for a job there but they were not hiring at that time. Someone help me out. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

go to Chicago they always need surgical techs, endoscopy, ob scrub
and northwestern are looking for tranplant personnel.

Hello everyone~
If you really want to know the truth about being a surgical tech from a real surgical veteran, read on...
I see a variety of questions about surgical technology here & I receive a ton of questions on a regular basis about the job market as a surgical tech.
This field is by no means a short cut to an easy medical career.
The education requires dedication & it is tough, and the work experience needed to become proficient can be a challenge to obtain.
BUT IT IS POSSIBLE to take a surgical tech education & use it to open up doors you probably never even thought of. Some of the doors you might open with a surgical tech background can even lead into BIG MONEY$$$! AND there are ways to make the big bucks working as a surgical tech...
My name is Robert Prince, and I recently wrote an article on the Surgical Tech Job Market that you may find to be of use. I'm a CST & have been in the Surgical World since the 1980's.
You can find the free article here:
www.surgicaltechsuccess.com/stjobtruth.html
And please feel free to contact me anytime on my site:
www.SurgicalTechSuccess.com
There is a lot of FREE info & resources at my site.
Thank you!
Robert

Hi Telisha,

I too graduated from ST school, however I didn't care for the job. However, another one of my school mates did just like you, very successful during internship and loved doing it. When we graduated there were no positions opened. My friend continually went back to the same hospital 2 times a week and spoke to the HR department so her face was seen and wasn't forgotten (she was the only one out of about 6 of us who continually did this). It took about 6 months but she finally got on with that same hospital. She loves it and is working there now. It's been about 2 years and she's happy. I would suggest you do the exact same thing. Show up 2x a week and speak to the HR people at that location. Eventually you will get a job. Persistance is the key. Stay on top of your skills and review your books because when the time comes for your interview you want to stay sharp. Get your certification if you haven't because later in life (after you have a years experience under your belt)then you can travel and a whole new world will open for you. Good Luck!

Mona

Well I decided to go back to school for my RN. That is what I wanted in the first place. I see there is not much work out there for a Tech. So what are you doing now since you didn't like it?

I tried all of them. They want me to have at least one year experience. I am back in school for my ASN.

Looking for work is what I'm doing! I worked as a ST for a year trying to give it a chance to see if I would warm up to it. Never did! I was working Per Diem and stopped about 2 months ago. So now I'm back in the job market. Looking for something in the medical field where I can combine my years of administative experience along with my medical experience. I will see how that goes. You going to school to be an RN is a great choice. You can still scrub as an RN and get paid much more. Have fun going back to school, it will be well worth the extra time your putting in. Good Luck and Keep in touch!

Take care
Mona

Thank you and good luck to you on your job search. I see you are from Riverside,CA. I used to live there. Sad about Michael Jackson passing away.

Maury Alston in Lawrenceville, Georgia said: Hi. I am having the same problem here in Atlanta. I have been here 10 months and gone on 2 interviews. I send out resumes like gangbusters and get no response. And here, one just can't walk in and talk to a recruiter unless you are a nurse. I changed careers at 39 and found something I really love. Now I can't find a job and may have to revert back to the same dead-end jobs I left when I went back to school. I am trying to stay positive, but life is really not good right about now

am in albany ga. finish surgical tech december 08 and I haven't found a job. I've put in application in Lawrwnceville, macon,fla because am will to move no one want to hire some one fresh out of school.Everybody say one year of experince, well I can't get that if some one don't give us a chance!!!!

There are a lot of jobs in the Dallas area!

I graduated from an accredited school in May '09 and have sent in over 60 applications and can't even get an interview. I'm so frustrated it's not even funny!

Imagine if we could unite all the unemployed ST GRADS, and engage peacefully somewhere, somewhere where we could be recognized. I don't even think I've seen a Surgical Tech on the news in my life. Imagine if we could do something, just for the whole country to recognize us in the MEDIA. Importantly for the new grad ST, but for the good of the ST in general? We deserve a chance.

Romy in San Diego, CA in San Diego, California said: I graduated 5-months ago and recently pass the CST.I have applied online and applied going to the diff hospitals in my area like Kaiser Perm.,Sharp,Scrips,Polamar and many others. The problem is most hospitals required or prefered a min 1 yr exp. My only experience is externship which is very limited. How can a fresh surgical tech grad gain a year experience if hospitals will not hire them.

hey, i just graduated and want to take cst exam. i need a book.cant aford 2 buy 1 no job

hey, i understand wat u r saying. i have graduated and can not find a job.i want 2 take cst exam but no book 2 study and no money 2 buy a book.

A little bit of advice to some looking and not finding, Some of you if you know someone IN a or some where...use them...SOMETIMES IT WHO NOT WHAT! I know about 4-5 people I went to school with and they have OR jobs. IT DOES HAPPEN...IF YOU REALLY WANT IT!!
As far as people saying they are doing this because they got talked into it...NOT SO GOOD...if you didnt know what you were getting into before hand you could turn out disappointed...I know 2/3 of my class dropped by 3 rd semester. Apply for any shift, per diem, surgi center, sterile processing...be flexible...some have told me to be aggressive....call after you apply in 1-2days.if you aren't married w/kids...look out of state!!! Don't get down...we are in a recession too people...im in spd...not loving it but im in a door. talk to friends who have jobs in places.
Good luck to all!!

I AM STILL LOOKING FOR A JOB, ALMOST EVERY ONE IN ATL HAVE A RESUME WITH MY NAME ON IT,EVERY ONE HAS THE SAME LINE ONE YEAR EXP,WELL! I TRIED AND MY NEXT STEP IS TO MOVE TO FT LAUDERDALE FLA REMIND YOU THAT I ALSO SEND AND FULL OUT APPLICATION AND TO MY SURPRISE THEY ARE SAYING THE SAME THING!! ITS SO HARD TO SEE SOME MUCH JOBS AVAILABLE AND YOU CAN'T EVEN GET ONE ,LIKE EVERY ONE SAY IS WHO YOU KNOW ,BUT I THINK THAT STINKS! GIVE SOME ONE A CHANCE!

Well, I'll tell you this...I graduated from an accredited school in May of this year, with an Associates in Applied Science in the field of Surgical Technology. I've filled out well over 70 applications (yes, there are that many jobs out there) over most of Texas and have yet to get an interview. I'm very discouraged and feel as though I've wasted my time with this field! I have already enrolled to start work on my bachelor degree this fall and submitted my application for nursing school to start in January.

This was not the route I wanted to go at this point. I did want to continue school but not a full-time pace. I have even been using my contacts to help me get a job and still...NOTHING! I feel confident that if I could get an interview I could land a job, but I can't even get in the door. I've tried calling a day or two after I've submitted applications and NOTHING. I've tried going by the facilities to HR and NOTHING. I've tried leaving messages with OR Directors and NOTHING.

I just don't understand. I really enjoyed learning this and want to pursue it, but I feel I have no other choice but to go back to school and live on grants and loans. What an absolute JOKE! I just wish I found it to be somewhat funny!!!

I ABSOLUTLY FEEL YOUR PAIN !!!

When the hospital prefers surgical tech graduates to have one year experience, what do they want exactly?

Does that mean our dedication during our clinical training at school doesn't count?

How about volunteering? Do hospitals allow us to have something to do in surgical field if we volunteer? Does this count as an experience?

Hmmm.....maybe I should have complained earlier! After writing what I did earlier today and I still feel that way. I received two phone calls today. One for a PRN position that I applied for before I graduated in May, they want me to start this coming Monday and I have two interviews for next Tuesday for two full-time positions. Maybe my door is opening, I sure hope so!

MinhYên in Oakland, California said: When the hospital prefers surgical tech graduates to have one year experience, what do they want exactly?

Does that mean our dedication during our clinical training at school doesn't count?

How about volunteering? Do hospitals allow us to have something to do in surgical field if we volunteer? Does this count as an experience?

First, I haven't heard of a place where the clinicals last for 1 year. If the hospitals are asking for 1 yr, I guess its a hit or miss depending on HR and filtering.

Clinicals are hand's on experience. "Hands on homie! As my preceptor use to say, hehe.

As far as volunteering as a surgical tech or central service tech, I don't know anyone or read anything from here that you can volunteer for that. Gift shop, or clerical volunteering work may be available.

Lol, so I guess we are going in a circle back to that phrase, Catch-22. My so-called life.

Paul_E_Tech in So Cal, California said: First, I haven't heard of a place where the clinicals last for 1 year. If the hospitals are asking for 1 yr, I guess its a hit or miss depending on HR and filtering.

Clinicals are hand's on experience. "Hands on homie! As my preceptor use to say, hehe.

As far as volunteering as a surgical tech or central service tech, I don't know anyone or read anything from here that you can volunteer for that. Gift shop, or clerical volunteering work may be available.

Lol, so I guess we are going in a circle back to that phrase, Catch-22. My so-called life.

Hello, Paul
From what you say, it seems like my life will be doomed too after I graduate. I'm sorry that I don't understand what you mean catch-22. I'm not born American, so apparently I don't understand American innuendos.
Do you think if I volunteer at a vet clinic in an animal shelter, I may have a chance to practice some surgical tech skills?

MinhYên in Oakland, California said: Hello, Paul
From what you say, it seems like my life will be doomed too after I graduate. I'm sorry that I don't understand what you mean catch-22. I'm not born American, so apparently I don't understand American innuendos.
Do you think if I volunteer at a vet clinic in an animal shelter, I may have a chance to practice some surgical tech skills?

Thats hilarious. You got me. Rofl! I get it, so if you get some experience with animals, then it may account for humans. LOL. Made my night. Thanks.

Paul_E_Tech in So Cal, California said: Thats hilarious. You got me. Rofl! I get it, so if you get some experience with animals, then it may account for humans. LOL. Made my night. Thanks.

Actually, Paul, I ask you that question. I don't know how experience with animals can help in human medicine. What I'm saying is whether it's possible that we can gain some surgical experience when we help veterinarians or vet technicians. Is there any surgical tech graduate doing that in this forum?

jaidee in Oakland, California said: any bay area peeps here? i wanna hear their input about ST

I graduated with great ref's from a respected SF Bay Area accredited program, searched for years, and found nothing. The vast majority of my peers had the exact same experience. Sutter Health, in particular, is certain to shut you out completely as a new grad. And Sutter has its tentacles around nearly every Bay area hospital. Any/all gov't hospitals are dead ends, too.

Well wow, I read through this thread today and am SEVERELY bummed. I have been really interested in pursuing a mid-life career change from IT to ST, but from all I read today it seems there are no jobs once you get certified. I am 48 and have been in IT for 26 years, BUT have always wanted to actually be in medical. Is it really as bad as most of the posts on here make it sound?? The worst point being spending $25K to get certified and then not have a job... but also reading about back surgery being needed due to heavy lifting, barely being able to hobble out of the OR from standing so long...
HELP! I hike 2-3 hours daily, cycle 1 hour daily - IOW, I have tons of energy that I would gladly use at work, so my age would hopefully not be a deterrent to get hired.

Um... I hit "Reply" before I was done -- PLEASE give me any adivce on whether this is a dead-end pursuit!!

Also, if it's not a dead-end, I was wondering if there is any good resource of where I could get some course text books used at any of the ST schools so as to get a head start before signing up for the program. I live in the Denver area and was contemplating going to Concorde (we also have Allied, and Everest College in the area) for the course.

Thanks,

dorothy

I graduated 2 years ago at 44 and have been scrubbing at a local hospital ever since. You can get hired, but the climate is a bit tighter today than when I graduated. I got lucky and was hired on the spot straight out of school. I also had previous management experience and alot of experience dealing with "difficult" people. The OR is alot like customer service...keep the patient safe while making everyone happy. Use all your work and life experiences to your advantage. Put your clinical experience, in great detail, as your first job on your resume, and then add everything else. Hope this helps and good luck.

Interview each school in-depth. On-site visits with a complete tour of the campus, with an opporutnity to speak with current students. All schools are not created equal. Make sure the one you select is CAAHEP accredited so you can get certified. The schools provide your books as part of the sizable tuition you pay. I went to 3 separate schools in my area and found one with a complete OR suite for labs to practice skills.

Thanks Scrub4U -- that is encouraging! I have been working the past 9 years in Tech Support dealing directly with clients and engineers, and that has taught me a GREAT amount on dealing with difficult people. By God's grace that is a huge strength of mine, but when it comes to upper body strength I have zippo -- I am skinny and can lift about 30 lbs. -- yet I am a BUNDLE of energy, so I need to get to a gym so as to be able to lift 50 lbs.

Concorde is def CAAHEP accredited, and out of the 3 schools it had the most impressive classrooms - the OR lab was as real looking as could be.

Again, I truly appreciate that you had positive things to say, it is SO refreshing compared to all the downer posts on here.

Thanks!!

dorothy

Annie in Whittier, California said: Hi, Romy I got a job today as a sterile processing tech not surgical tech. I guess this is my way towards working in the as a surgical tech. Pay was very little but hopefully I can get in the or soon as a surgical tech.

Hi Annie.
Congrats !! I'm doing the same, I applied for SPD, Transporter, Core tech ...Anything to get my foot in the door. Since beginning of June, and no response, getting so frustrated already. Also door to door to SSurgery Center too. When did you graduate before you got the job? are you certified yet?

You've tried the Registry?

Ashley in Hollywood, Florida said: Stay focused. I know North shore, UM, baptist , and aventura are looking for techs. Aventura just hired my girlfriend right out of school for $17 a hr!

I sure know how you feel !! California the same. Started looking since June and so frustrated already

Try Newport Crest off of Campus...they are looking for PT techs...not sure of experience or not, but give it a try. Word of mouth from an employee. Ask to speak with Dr. Jeff or dr. Kamer

Registry won't take you without min of 2 years exp

Scrub4U in Los Angeles, California said: Try Newport Crest off of Campus...they are looking for PT techs...not sure of experience or not, but give it a try. Word of mouth from an employee. Ask to speak with Dr. Jeff or dr. Kamer

thank you much Scrub4U

Newport Crest in what city please

I assumed New port Beach, ok.

it's that or Costa Mesa...close to city border

Hi scrub4u
I found it it's Newport beach and I did fax my resume. The receptionsist wasn't aware of the openining but will pass on my resume to the docs. Thanks for your help. You're so kind

The school I will be attending, starting date is in August, is ABHES certified, not CAAHEP certified. According to the AST site both CAAHEP and ABHES are eligible to sit for the certification. I have read several comments on here that says to attend a CAAHEP certified school. What is the difference if both can sit for the certification?

so I just started school and will be done with my surg tech program in about 2 years. 6 months though I will have completed a material handeling certification- sterlization tech. Would going to work doing that while still in school make getting a job easier once i am ready to jump in as a surg tech?

It might make it easier to get a job at that particular facility as an existing employee transferring to another department, but lots of hospitals require a min of 1 year in present position before you can transfer.

Andrea in Mission Viejo, California said: When you were going to CNI did you ever hear anything about their LVN program? I can't find any ratings from past students but I'm a little nervous because their NCLEX pass rate is only 70%. If you've heard anything I would appreciate the info. Thank you!

It is unfortunate that some people believe posting a blatant falsehood lends itself to promoting goodwill for others. Be very careful about statistics being misrepresented on this blog. For example: The over zealous person that reported a surgical technology program in Orange was able to offer over 90% success in job placement...this is a violation of human decency...it is a falsehood...a misrepresentation of fact...check the facts...double check the facts...don't believe everything you read...

Great advice but terribly UNDERSTATED !!!!! If you can tell me of ANY surgical tech school that has graduated at least 20 ST's in the last 10 months here in the LA - OC area that has placed 20% of their graduates as a full time ST , or even one that 20% of their graduates have jobs as full time ST's I'll give you $100 ...
The school I graduated from in November said the same thing ...over 90% of our graduates are employed within 6 months of graduating . It was actually true - they just left out one important fact.... not ONE of them was employed in the medical field . Truth is , if you don't get hired on by your extern site you will not get a job as a Full time ST , those days are LONG GONE.....
If you are considering going in the ST field DON't if they didn't graduate another ST for the next 5 years there would still be a glut of qualified ST's for any opening here in So cal . Don't be a sucker for the school shills ( who just need students to be employed ) or the old timers that have been in the field for years and don't have a clue as to the folly of a new grad trying to get a job in TODAYS job market as an ST.

I agee with you ovstampco... I graduated here in Indiana back in October 09. Couldn't find a job. I wouldn't advise anyone to waste their money going to ST school. I owe back 20 grand in student loans and not wrking in that field of study. I decided to go back to school for my RN. It is going good so far.

I think scrub4u is affiliated with promoting ST schools , along with surgerygirl I remember when I was still looking for a job as an ST (I'm not anymore) they were always trying to knock my posts about the folly of people going into the ST field , they speak as if you try hard you will get a job as an ST as a new grad - almost no one is , actually you have a better chance of winning american idol.....
Its ok if you don't believe me , and I'll say right up front...most of the accredited schools DO A GOOD JOB of preparing the students to do the work of an ST..its not their fault people are not getting hired - there are too many jobs, so many that even good ST's with years of experience are not finding jobs -
I am going to repeat what I was saying before in my posts - IF YOU ARE considering going to an ST school before you sign away 16 months of your life , your dreams and get $25k in debt...DO YOUR HOMEWORK and talk to hospitals , HR depts , surgery centers , private surgeons etc. and ask them if they will hire a new grad , if they have hired any new grads and when was the last time they hired a new grad as an ST - they will tell you right up front ... not to pursue this field !!!! If anything they will tell you to become an RN if you want a chance to get a job - NOT an ST , not an ultrasound tech , not a phlembotomist none of the allied positions have openings for new grads - Again, I apologize to you people affiliated with the schools and the AST... but I'm trying to protect the innocent people that have been misinformed about the hiring prospects for the allied health occupations - it has caused grief and misery to countless people over the last year or two - Do your homework - don't believe the schools - ask the employers FIRST before you take the expensive and possibly regretful decision to enroll ....

I think scrub4u is affiliated with promoting ST schools , along with surgerygirl I remember when I was still looking for a job as an ST (I'm not anymore) they were always trying to knock my posts about the folly of people going into the ST field , they speak as if you try hard you will get a job as an ST as a new grad - almost no one is , actually you have a better chance of winning american idol.....
Its ok if you don't believe me , and I'll say right up front...most of the accredited schools DO A GOOD JOB of preparing the students to do the work of an ST..its not their fault people are not getting hired - there are too few jobs, so few that even good ST's with years of experience are not finding jobs -
I am going to repeat what I was saying before in my posts - IF YOU ARE considering going to an ST school before you sign away 16 months of your life , your dreams and get $25k in debt...DO YOUR HOMEWORK and talk to hospitals , HR depts , surgery centers , private surgeons etc. and ask them if they will hire a new grad , if they have hired any new grads and when was the last time they hired a new grad as an ST - they will tell you right up front ... not to pursue this field !!!! If anything they will tell you to become an RN if you want a chance to get a job - NOT an ST , not an ultrasound tech , not a Xray tech - none of the allied positions have openings for new grads there is a 5 year glut of qualified , unemployed people - Again, I apologize to you people affiliated with the schools and the AST... but I'm trying to protect the innocent people that have been misinformed about the hiring prospects for the allied health occupations - it has caused grief and misery to countless people over the last year or two - Do your homework - don't believe the schools - ask the employers FIRST before you take the expensive and possibly regretful decision to enroll ....

ovstampco, you're from California like I am. CAn you please tell me which school did you graduate? Is it a community college?

From the posts I see here, it seems like graduates from technical or vocational private schools have more difficult times to find a job.

What if I graduate ST from a community college such as Skyline, Las Positas, Fresno city college. Fresno and Skyline surgical tech is accredited. Las Positas will be soon. Do you think that graduating from one of these school can help me find a job more easily? Not mentioning tuition is cheap, too.

Minhy;
I am sorry , you are missing the whole point of my comments. It does not matter which school you go to , as long as it is accredited you would learn the basics and be competitive with the other new grads- an employer would interview you and see if you know your stuff. The reality is IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE to an employer which trade school or community college you attended ! Its not like applying for a corporate job with a degree from Harvard vs. a degree from Fresno state...where your school would make a difference - ST schools (in spite of what some of the other posters say) if accredited should prepare you to be able to do the work of an entry level ST. The problem is there are no jobs for entry level ST's - Let me repeat - There are no jobs for entry level/new graduate ST's .I have talked with people from several other schools here in Socal and over the last year they are not finding jobs (in the medical field) so let me say : it does not matter which school you go to employers are not hiring new graduate ST's OR SPD clerks or any basic allied health jobs now without years of experience , and there is NO SUCH THING as volunteering to work as an ST - every single new grad has had that idea .
If you have not chosen a school yet I advise you to start talking to potential employers before you enroll in any school they will tell you not to pursue this fi. I don't know why people will not do this before being conned into enrolling in a school...
Having said all that , and since you will probably enroll somewhere anyhow I will say that I would recommend the junior college as you will be well prepared and it costs a lot less money . If you want to attend a private school just make sure they have very large extern hospitals because on the remote chance you find a job after you complete your school - it will be at the hospital site that you extern at

ovstampco in Huntington Beach, California said:
Having said all that , and since you will probably enroll somewhere anyhow I will say that I would recommend the junior college as you will be well prepared and it costs a lot less money . If you want to attend a private school just make sure they have very large extern hospitals because on the remote chance you find a job after you complete your school - it will be at the hospital site that you extern at

Thank you for your info
I will attend Las Positas, a community college in Livermore, where Valley Health hospitas is located. According to what you explain to me, I will be well prepared and won't pay much. But career chance is poor, isn't it?