Surgical technologists are an essential part of the operating room team, often responsible for the flawless implementation of surgical procedures. They set up surgical equipment, pass instruments and supplies to the surgeon, help transfer patients after surgery and restock the surgery room after a procedure. There are several colleges in and around Orlando, Florida, offering programs in surgical technology. These programs prepare students to assist surgeons in the operating room before, during and after surgical procedures. Some programs lead to professional certification.
Locations
Programs are offered at several technical institutes in Orlando, including Orlando Tech, Herzing University and Lincoln Technical Institute's Fern Park campus. Brevard Community College in nearby Cocoa, Florida, also features a program.
Types of Programs
Surgical technology programs are offered at the postsecondary level. Some programs in the Orlando area lead to a degree, such as an Associate of Applied Science, while others may award a diploma or a certificate of completion. Only the programs at Brevard Community College and Orlando Tech have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, allowing students to become eligible for professional certification.
Program Requirements
A high school diploma is typically required for admission into surgical technology programs. Most programs last between nine and 24 months. Students study medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, sterilization techniques, safety procedures and basic surgical procedures.
Certification
Upon completion of a surgical technology program, students may be eligible for professional certification. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (formerly the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist) awards the certified surgical technologist (CST) designation to those who meet its education requirements and pass the national exam.
Continuing Education
To maintain the CST designation, surgical technologists must complete continuing education requirements. A total of 60 hours of approved credits must be completed within a four-year period. Alternately, technicians may retake the certifying exam.
Job Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for surgical technicians should be very good during the period between 2008 and 2018, and employment was expected to grow at a rate of 25 percent. The BLS reported mean wages of surgical technicians in the Orlando area at $34,340 annually as of 2008.
Member Comments