How to Become a Surgical Tech in Colorado

The operating room at a medical facility in Colorado is staffed with a dedicated team of professionals, always prepared to act swiftly, especially when an emergency takes place.

This team has the following specialists:

• Surgeons
• Anesthesia specialists
• Surgical nurses
• Surgical technicians

Their collaborative efforts commence prior to the surgical procedure and continue until its successful conclusion.

This team is also known by other titles, such as operating room (OR) technicians and scrub technicians.

Surgical Technologist Role and Responsibilities

Surgical technologists are responsible for a range of tasks during their shifts, including:

• Preparing patients for surgery
• Transporting patients to and from the operating room
• Setting up the operating room with the necessary surgical equipment and supplies
• Maintaining a meticulous instrument count throughout the surgery
• Assisting the surgeon by passing medical instruments
• Participating in wound closure and patient bandaging

It’s important to note that this list represents some of the duties performed by these medical professionals, but it is not exhaustive.

Training and Education for Surgical Technologists in Colorado

Individuals aspiring to become surgical technologists in Colorado should embark on the following journey.

High School Graduation or GED

The path begins with obtaining a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) certificate.

Enrollment in a Training Program

The next step involves enrolling in a specialized surgical technology training program.

This comprehensive training covers both theoretical education and hands-on clinical experience.

Common Educational Components

These training programs typically include courses in subjects such as:

• Microbiology,
• Pathophysiology,
• Pharmacology,
• Anatomy,
• Physiology,
• Medical terminology

Basic life support (BLS), CPR, or automated external defibrillator (AED) certification may also be required.

Let’s explore some institutions offering such training across Colorado!

Bevill State Community College 

To be accepted you’ll have to meet more requirements:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass the Accuplacer placement exam
• Having previous medical-related experience, if possible
• Have health insurance
• Completing at least 120 clinical cases
• Complete at least 30 cases in General Surgery, with 20 of them in the first scrub role

This program, among others, covers topics such as:

• Sterile processing,
• Infection control
• Sterilization,
• Instrumentation identification,
• Safety

It entails a total of 29 credit hours, with specific prerequisites, including:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Successful placement exam scores
• Clinical case requirements

Pueblo Community College

Pueblo Community College provides a full-time associate degree program in surgical technology that spans five semesters.

In addition to traditional classroom instruction, students engage in practical clinical experiences during:

• Daytime hours
• Evening hours
• Weekends.

Aims Community College

The program at Aims Community College offers an associate degree course lasting two years.

It offers a well-rounded education combining classroom studies with hands-on patient interaction in surgery centers and hospitals.

Graduates from Aims are thoroughly prepared to successfully pass the national certification examination, boasting a 100 percent pass rate in 2017.

Concorde Career College

This college presents a surgical technology degree program that can be completed in just 15 months.

It is a comprehensive program that integrates clinical practice with classroom instruction.

Furthermore, Concorde extends financial aid support to students as required.

Calhoun Community College

The training program at this college spans approximately two years or four semesters, incorporating classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

Pursuing an AAS degree requires fulfilling additional general education credit requirements.

To gain admission, applicants must complete various steps, including an application, program information session attendance, and a Manual Dexterity Exam.

Certification for Surgical Technologists in Colorado

Although not legally mandated, most employers in Colorado prefer certified surgical technologists.

Several certifying bodies offer qualifications in this field, including the following:

• National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA)
  • Provides the Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) qualification
• National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
  • Provides the Certified Surgical Technologist/Certified First Assistant credential
• National Center for Competency Training (NCCT)
  • Provides the Tech in Surgery Certification

The NBSTSA certification, in particular, holds high regard nationally.

Examinations for these certifications can be taken at various testing centers in Colorado.

To pass, candidates must correctly answer a specified number of questions, with associated fees for testing.

Certification renewal every four years is attainable through either retaking the certification exam or completing continuing education credits, along with a renewal fee.

Salary for Surgical Technologists in Colorado

While not the most glamorous profession, surgical technologists in Colorado can anticipate a competitive income.

The precise salary can vary, but it’s essential to consider regional differences.

The average salary in this state is around $51,800 per year.

Below is a table illustrating salary variations for surgical technologists across different cities in Colorado.

Regional Salary in Colorado

Surgical Tech Programs by State