Surgical Technologist
Role of a Surgical Technologist
Surgical technology careers combine hands-on technical skills with direct patient care in high-stakes environments. Surgical technologists play a critical role in ensuring safe and efficient surgical procedures by preparing operating rooms, maintaining sterile techniques, and assisting surgeons. This guide outlines clear steps to enter the surgical technologist profession from high school to employment, certification, and professional growth.
Step 1: High School Preparation
GOAL: Build a strong foundation in science, communication, and teamwork for surgical environments.
Recommended Courses:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Algebra or Statistics
- English/Communications
- Take the ACT and/or SAT
- Speak with your guidance counselor about:
- Dual credit opportunities
- Financial aid
- Local college partnerships
- Contact Human Resources departments at local hospitals and health care facilities to learn more about job shadow or observation opportunities and entry-level positions offered for high school students.
Resources:
- Explore key information about a surgical technologist career including job duties, education requirements, salary, and job outlook: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Step 2: Complete a Hospital-Based Training Program or Enroll in an Accredited Surgical Technology Program
GOAL: Complete on-the-job training or an accredited surgical technology program.
- May vary per employer
- Hospital-based, on-the-job training program, or
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology
- Accreditation by CAAHEP (via ARC/STSA)
Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) campuses offering Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology degrees:
- Ashland Community and Technical College (Ashland)
- Bluegrass Community and Technical College (Lexington)
- Hazard Community and Technical College (Hazard)
- Hopkinsville Community College (Hopkinsville)
- Jefferson Community and Technical College (Louisville)
- Madisonville Community College (Madisonville)
- Owensboro Community and Technical College (Owensboro)
- Somerset Community College (Somerset)
- Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (Bowling Green)
- Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (Cumberland)
- West Kentucky Community and Technical College (Paducah)
Sullivan University (Louisville)
Surgical Technologist Training Programs
Search for college programs in Imaging near you.
Step 3: Work in the Field
GOAL: Gain knowledge and experience after high school or while obtaining your surgical technology education.
Job Opportunities Throughout a Surgical Technology Career Pathway
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- Shadow or volunteer
- Entry-level positions for high school students
- Some high school health science programs and/or hospitals may offer formal central services/sterile processing technician training
- Summer health care camps for students
Entry-Level hospital roles may include, but are not limited to:
- Food Services
- Environmental Services
- Patient Transport
- Some hospitals may offer specific patient transport roles in the Surgery department
- Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician
- Some hospitals may offer specific patient care tech roles in the Surgery department
- Central Services/Sterile Processing technician
- On-the-job training or certification available
- Certification is not required in Kentucky, but some employers prefer formal training and/or certification
Hospital Career Search
Visit the Kentucky Hospital Job Center
Search for current positions open at Kentucky hospitals, leading to exceptional careers
Step 4: Obtain National Certification
GOAL: Earn certification required or preferred by most Kentucky employers within a specified time frame.
Certification Options:
- Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C)
- Obtained through National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
- Obtained through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Resources:
- Find NCCT eligibility details, an exam application, and continuing education requirements: https://www.ncctinc.com
- Find NBSTSA eligibility details, an exam application, and continuing education requirements: https://www.nbstsa.org
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Step 5: Understand Kentucky Regulations
GOAL: Understand state requirements for practice.
- Kentucky does not require licensure for surgical technologists
- Employers may require or prefer one certification over another
Step 6: Pursue Professional Growth and Continuing Education
GOAL: Continue professional growth and expand career opportunities.
- Required annually to maintain TS-C certification
- Required every two (2) years to maintain CST certification
- Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
- National advocacy, continuing education, and networking
- Students are eligible for a discounted membership and are eligible to save on the certification exam.
- Kentucky State Assembly of AST
- State advocacy, continuing education, and networking
- Specialization (e.g., orthopedics, cardiovascular, neuro)
- Lead surgical technologist or preceptor roles
- Transition into surgical assisting or leadership
From Classroom to Operating Room
A Surgical Technologist Career Pathway
Step 1: High School Preparation
- Take college preparatory courses
- Take the ACT and/or SAT
- Speak with your guidance counselor
- Contact HR at hospitals to job shadow
Step 2: Training
Complete a hospital-based training program or Enroll in an Accredited Surgical Technology Program
Step 3: Begin Working in the Field
- Surgery Orderly/Transporter
- Central Services/Sterile Processing Technician
Entry Level Roles – Generally on the job training is provided
Examples include:
- Food Services
- Environmental Services
- Patient Transport
- Nursing Assistant
Step 4: : Obtain National Certification
(generally required by Kentucky employers)
- Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) obtained through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), or
- Certified Surgical Tech (CST) obtained through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Step 5: Start Career as a Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technologist settings after Training/College and Certification
- Hospital Main Surgery Department
- Hospital Labor and Delivery Department
- Outpatient Surgical Centers
- Specialty Surgical Practices
Advanced Roles may include, but not limited to:
- Specialization
- Orthopedics
- Cardiovascular
- Neuro
- Preceptor or Education Roles
- Surgical Tech First Assistant
- Leadership Roles
Step 6: Professional Growth & Engagement
- Maintain Continuing Education (CE) credits
- Get involved in Professional Organizations
- Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
- Kentucky State Assembly of AST