How to Become a Surgical Tech in Florida

The surgical arena in Florida is staffed with proficient professionals ready to respond swiftly, particularly during critical moments.

These teams consist of various vital roles:

• Surgeons
• Anesthesia Specialists
• Surgical Nurses
• Surgical Technicians

The essence of their teamwork begins even before a surgical procedure commences and continues through to its conclusion.

You might hear these skilled professionals referred to as operating room (OR) techs and scrub techs, reflecting the multifaceted nature of their responsibilities.

Surgical Technologist Role and Responsibilities

Surgical technologists play a pivotal role in the surgical environment.

Their responsibilities encompass a wide array of tasks, including:

• Preparing patients for surgery
• Transporting patients to and from the OR
• Preparing the OR with surgical equipment and supplies
• Monitoring the instrument count throughout surgery
• Handing the surgeon medical instruments
• Closing wounds and bandaging patients

It’s crucial to acknowledge that these duties are just a fraction of the extensive scope of responsibilities handled by these dedicated healthcare professionals.

Training and Education for Surgical Technologists

Becoming a surgical technologist in Florida involves a well-defined path.

Although they are not subject to regulatory oversight from a specific institution, aspiring surgical techs must navigate a rigorous process.

Their journey typically commences with high school graduation or obtaining a GED.

From there, students must enroll in specialized training programs designed to provide the requisite education and clinical experience.

The core curriculum of these programs encompasses a variety of subjects, including:

• Microbiology
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR),
• Basic Life Support (BLS),
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification

Specific admission prerequisites may differ depending on the institution.

In most cases, applicants are required to have a high school diploma or GED and may need to pass placement exams such as the Accuplacer.

Some programs consider military service and prior medical experience, if applicable.

Health insurance is commonly required due to the profession’s nature.

Hands-on experience is an essential component of the training process, involving the completion of a minimum of 120 clinical cases, including 30 in general surgery, with 20 of them in a first scrub role.

Additionally, students may be expected to meet specific academic criteria, like:

• A minimum composite score on the ACT,
• A Writing score on the Accuplacer,
• A Math score on the Accuplacer.

Florida boasts numerous institutions offering programs tailored to aspiring surgical technologists.

I’ll provide you with an overview!

Bevill State Community College

This school offers:

• An Occupational Certificate in Surgical Operating Room Technology
• An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Technology.

These programs incorporate general education classes and specialized training in surgical technology.

The course covers critical areas like:

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

Completing this course means you have accumulated 29 credits.

Calhoun Community College

It offers a comprehensive training program encompassing classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

To earn an AAS degree, students must complete additional general education credit hours.

Please be aware that program duration and admission requirements may vary across these institutions.

Prospective students are encouraged to explore these options in detail.

Earning a Certification as a Surgical Technologist

While Florida does not legally require surgical technologists to obtain certification, many employers prefer hiring certified professionals.

Aspiring surgical technologists have several certifying bodies to choose from, including:

• 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

Among these, NBSTSA certification is particularly distinguished for its nationwide recognition.

Testing centers for these certifications can be found in various cities across Florida.

The certification exam typically comprises 200 questions, with a minimum of 119 correct answers required to pass.

There is an associated fee, which varies depending on membership in relevant professional organizations.

Certified surgical technologists must renew their certifications every four years.

Renewal can be achieved through two methods:

• Retaking the certification exam
  • This involves repaying the associated fee.
• Completing continuing education classes
  • A total of 60 education credits must be earned during the renewal period.

Certification renewal also necessitates the payment of a renewal fee.

Surgical Technologist Salaries

While surgical technology may not be the most glamorous profession, it offers respectable earning potential.

In Florida, surgical technologists can expect an average income of $48,900 per year.

For a more detailed overview of how salaries differ across different regions within Florida, refer to the provided table.

Regional Salary in Florida

Surgical Tech Programs by State