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Hawaii offers excellent opportunities for those aspiring to become surgical technologists.
Here, we explore the vital aspects of the profession and the educational journey within the islands.
Together, they collaborate seamlessly, commencing their teamwork before the operation begins and concluding their responsibilities after the surgery.
The core members include surgeons, anesthesia specialists, surgical nurses, and surgical technicians.
It’s worth noting that these professionals may be referred to by other names, such as operating room (OR) techs and scrub techs.
Article Table of Contents
Surgical Technologist Role and Responsibilities
Surgical technologists have multifaceted duties during their shifts.
These responsibilities include:
- 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
However, this list does not encompass all the tasks that a surgical technologist may be responsible for.
Training and Education for Surgical Technologists
Becoming a surgical technologist requires a systematic approach, ensuring that aspiring professionals are well-prepared for their roles.
The journey begins with a high school diploma or an equivalent GED. Following this, individuals must enroll in specialized training programs designed for this profession.
It’s crucial to emphasize that success in this field necessitates both educational knowledge and clinical training.
Several institutions in Hawaii offer such programs, each with its unique admission requirements.
Common courses include subjects like:
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical Terminology
Basic life support (BLS) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training are also typically included.
Bevill State Community College 
Their program covers various topics, including:
- Sterile processing
- Infection control
- Sterilization
- Instrumentation identification
- Safety
Students need to meet prerequisites like a high school diploma or GED, pass a placement exam, and demonstrate health insurance coverage.
Admission requirements include a minimum GPA, submission of transcripts, and attendance at a Health Sciences Information Session.
Calhoun Community College 
This program spans two years and encompasses classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.
Those seeking an AAS degree must complete additional general education credits and meet various college admission requirements.
The prerequisites include:
- Applying online
- Attending a program information session
- Completing a manual dexterity exam
Kapiolani Community College 
The program offered here doesn’t offer transferable credits upon completion.
Attending the surgical technology course counts as accumulating clock hours.
Speaking of hours, there are 175 in total in this program and they are spread over 2 semesters.
They cover:
- Lectures,
- Labs,
- Clinical practice
When you graduate from this 5-phase program, you’ll receive a certificate.
One must successfully complete a phase to move on to the next.
This course is accredited and allows you to take the national certification exam, unlike other similar classes in this state.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Kapiolani Community College | 4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
| Calhoun Community College | online |
| Bevill State Community College | online |
Earning a Certification as a Surgical Technologist
While surgical technologists in Hawaii are not legally obligated to obtain certification, employers often prioritize certified individuals.
Several certifying bodies are recognized in the field:
- 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 is especially esteemed, with national recognition.
The test consists of 200 questions, and to pass, a minimum of 119 must be answered correctly.
It’s important to note that there is an associated fee for taking the test:
- $190 for Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) members.
- $290 for non-AST members.
To maintain certification, surgical technologists must renew it every four years.
This can be achieved through either retaking the certification exam or completing continuing education classes.
Retaking the certification exam means you’ll pay for the exam once again as well as the renewal fee.
If you choose the continuing education route, you must accumulate 60 education credits during the renewal period.
These hours can be completed by attending seminars or by signing up for additional related classes.
This option involves only paying for the classes, where necessary, and the renewal fee.
Surgical Technologist Salary in Hawaii
While it may not be the most glamorous profession, surgical technologists in Hawaii can expect competitive salaries.
On average, an operating room technician in the state earns about $54,000 per year.
The next section outlines cities where these professionals tend to earn higher salaries compared to other regions in Hawaii.
Hawaii’s scenic beauty is complemented by its educational opportunities for future surgical technologists.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ewa Beach | $53,700 |
| Kaneohe | $53,700 |
| Pearl City | $53,700 |
| Waimanalo | $53,700 |
| Honolulu | $53,700 |
| Waipahu | $53,600 |
| Kaaawa | $53,500 |
| Haleiwa | $53,300 |
| Hilo | $53,300 |
| Kihei | $53,300 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 80 | $45,550 | $21.9 | $64,050 | $34,000 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 250 | $60,570 | $29.12 | $81,140 | $29,380 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Surgical Tech From Connecticut Choose a Specialty?
YES!
Just like surgeons can choose to operate on a specific body part, so can these techs.
Here are the most commonly chosen surgery niches:
- General surgery,
- Ob/gyn,
- Urology,
- Plastics,
- Neurology
Where Do Surgical Technologists from Connecticut Find Work?
These technologists usually work in a hospital’s surgery wing.
Furthermore, these other places also hire such specialists:
- Children’s hospitals
- Cosmetic surgery centers
- Specialty clinics for surgical procedures
What Sills Do I Need To Work As A Surgical Tech in Connecticut?
Here are the most important skills this profession requires:
- Able to work as part of a team
- Detail-oriented
- Take direction
- Understanding medical terms
- Understanding medical methodology
- Good communication skills
Read the full guide: How to Become a Surgical Technologist
Surgical Tech Programs by State