Take the First Step Toward Your Health Care Career Now!
There’s common confusion between the difference between a surgical technician and surgical technologist. But actually, there isn’t a difference; they are the same thing. Surgical techs are part of a medical team. You mainly:
You’ll work alongside the anesthesiologist, circulation nurse, registered nurses, and the surgeon. But basically, the surgeon will be your boss, unless otherwise stated either through state or hospital regulations.
If you’re in high school right now, and you’re thinking about becoming a surgical technologist, then you can get a head start by taking loads of science classes, computer technology, and basic math like algebra and geometry. These types of courses will leave you prepared for the college or trade school curriculum you’ll be doing. Find a surgical technology school.
You can advance your career by becoming a registered nurse. Or, you can choose to teach health services in a trade school or community college.
The average wage for surgical technicians in 2021 was $57,500, and the top 10 percent earned $78,560 annually (bls.gov).
You’ll find that the highest paying industries are outpatient centers, doctors' offices, and hospitals, which pay a bit above or right around that median salary. If you’re working in a hospital, expect irregular hours with nights, weekends, and holidays on the schedule. Also, some of your shifts will be more than eight hours.
Between now and 2031, the employment growth for surgical technicians is projected at 6%, which is as fast as the national average for all occupations (bls.gov). As long as the program you’ve completed is accredited, and you earn the required certifications, you should be on track to a fulfilling career as a surgical technician.
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