How to Become a Surgical Tech in Maryland

Maryland is home to a dedicated team of healthcare professionals working in surgical settings.

These professionals play a vital role in ensuring the success of surgical procedures.

The surgical team comprises various specialists, including surgeons, anesthesia experts, surgical nurses, and surgical technicians.

The latter are often referred to by different titles, such as operation room (OR) techs and scrub techs.

The collaboration of the team begins before the operation commences and extends beyond its conclusion.

Surgical Technologist Job Description and Duties

Surgical technologists handle a range of responsibilities during their shifts.

These 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

It’s important to note that these duties are not exhaustive, as the role of a surgical technologist encompasses a broader spectrum of responsibilities.

Surgical Technologist Training and Education in Maryland

The journey to become a surgical technologist starts with a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.

Aspiring surgical techs are required to enroll in specialized training programs designed to provide the essential education and clinical training needed for this role.

Numerous institutions in Maryland offer these programs, although specific admission criteria may vary slightly.

Common coursework includes subjects like:

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

Furthermore, students typically undergo CPR and/or BLS and/or AED training.

Several reputable institutions offer surgical technology training programs in Maryland, each with its unique features:

Bevill State Community College

This program covers topics such as sterile processing, infection control, sterilization, instrumentation identification, and safety.

Admission requirements may include a high school diploma or GED, successful completion of placement exams, and, optionally, prior medical-related experience.

The program comprises 29 credits.

Calhoun Community College

The program here spans approximately two years, including classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

To earn an AAS, students must complete an additional 18 general education credit hours.

Admission requirements include online application, attendance at a program information session, completion of a Manual Dexterity Exam, and meeting the college’s admission standards.

Community College of Baltimore County

This school provides a Continuing Education Certificate program for aspiring surgical technologists.

This program typically takes 13 to 18 months to complete.

Students will delve into various subjects essential for this role.

These include:

• Medical terminology
• Human anatomy and physiology
• Basic mathematics for healthcare professionals
• Surgical pathology
• Surgical technology

Program-specific requirements and details are available on the program’s official website.

Frederick Community College

The school offers both an Associate’s Degree and a Certificate program in Surgical Technology.

These programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

The certificate program has limited enrollment, accepting only 20 students per period, and follows a selective admissions process.

Aspiring students must meet various prerequisites, such as courses in biology, medical terminology, and communication, as well as maintain a minimum “C” average in each course.

The A.A.S. degree program, requiring 60 to 65 credits, also follows a selective admission process.

Those who aren’t accepted immediately can begin with the Pre-Health Professionals Pre-Surgical Technology Pathway to prepare for future applications.

Anne Arundel Community College

This college offers an Associate’s Degree program in Surgical Technology that can be completed in as little as two years.

This program is accredited by the CAAHEP.

Upon program completion, students are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam.

These institutions in Maryland offer comprehensive surgical technology programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the field.

Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist in Maryland

While certification is not legally required, employers in Maryland often prefer certified surgical technologists.

Several certifying bodies offer recognition in this field, such as:

• 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

Of these, the NBSTSA certification is the most widely recognized.

The certification exam consists of 200 questions, with a passing threshold of 119 correct answers.

A fee is associated with taking the exam, which varies depending on membership status.

Certification renewal occurs every four years and can be achieved by retaking the exam or completing continuing education requirements.

This process also entails a renewal fee.

Surgical Technologist Salary in Maryland

Surgical technologists play a crucial role in the healthcare system, and this is reflected in their salaries.

In Maryland, the average annual income for an operating room technician is approximately $53,000.

The following table highlights specific cities in Maryland where surgical technologists can potentially earn higher salaries compared to other regions:

Regional Salary in Maryland

Surgical Tech Programs by State