How to Become a Surgical Tech in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to a dedicated team of healthcare professionals working in surgical settings, and they play a vital role in ensuring the success of surgical procedures.

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

These last professionals are often referred to by different titles, such as operation room (OR) techs and scrub techs.

Their collaboration begins before the operation commences and extends beyond its conclusion.

Surgical Technologist Job Description and Duties

The role of a surgical technologist involves a variety of responsibilities during their work shifts, which 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 essential 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 Mississippi

Prospective surgical technologists in Mississippi initiate their journey by graduating from high school or obtaining a GED.

Their next step involves enrolling in a specialized training program tailored to this occupation.

While there is no specific institutional jurisdiction, students should seek comprehensive education and clinical training.

Several institutions offer such training across Mississippi, each with slightly varying enrollment requirements but common core classes:

• Microbiology,
• Pathophysiology,
• Pharmacology,
• Anatomy,
• Physiology,
• Medical terminology.
• CPR and/or BLS and/or AED

Prominent institutions providing surgical technology training in Mississippi include:

Bevill State Community College

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

Admission prerequisites may include having a high school diploma or GED, passing the Accuplacer placement exam, and possibly having previous medical-related experience.

Completing at least 120 clinical cases is required, with at least 30 cases in General Surgery, 20 of which should be in the first scrub role.

Admission may also require meeting specific ACT scores, Accuplacer scores, or course prerequisites.

The program comprises 29 credits.

Calhoun Community College

This college’s training program has a duration of around two years or four semesters, incorporating classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

If you aim to earn an AAS at this college, you’ll need to complete an additional 18 general education credit hours.

To be accepted into the program, you must apply online, attend a program information session, complete a Manual Dexterity Exam, and meet the college’s admission requirements.

Meridian Community College

Meridian Community College offers a one-year surgical technology certificate program spanning three semesters.

At the end of the summer semester, students receive a certificate.

The first semester focuses on classroom instruction, while the final two semesters involve clinical labs.

To progress to the next semester, students must successfully pass a skills test at the end of the first semester.

Upon program completion, students will be well-prepared to undertake the national certification exam, which is administered at the Meridian CC campus.

Pearl River Community College

At Pearl River Community College, prospective students have the option to select either:

• A one-year surgical technologist technical certificate program
• A two-year Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program in surgical technology.

Admission to this program requires a minimum ACT score of 16.

To graduate from either program, students are required to actively participate in a minimum of 120 surgical cases during their clinical training.

The certificate program spans 46 credit hours distributed over three semesters, while the AAS degree program encompasses 65 credit hours.

In addition to the coursework included in the certificate program, students pursuing an AAS in surgical technology must complete courses in:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Math/Natural Science elective
• Social/Behavior Science elective
• Humanities/Fine Arts elective

Class sizes are limited to 20 students.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College provides an AAS degree program in surgical technology, consisting of 64 credit hours and achievable within two years.

Students in this program engage in regular classroom instruction and participate in clinical labs within the on-campus operating suite.

Prior to commencing program-specific courses, students must complete general education prerequisites

These include:

• Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2
• Public Speaking
• English Composition
• College Algebra
• General Psychology
•  Humanities/Fine Arts elective

Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist in Mississippi

While certification is not legally mandated, many employers in Mississippi prefer certified surgical technologists.

Various certifying bodies offer recognition in this field, 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

The NBSTSA certification holds the most national recognition.

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

The associated exam fee varies based on membership status.

Certification renewal, required every four years, can be achieved through either retaking the exam or completing continuing education requirements, along with a renewal fee.

Surgical Technologist Salary in Mississippi

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

In Mississippi, the average annual income for an operating room technician is approximately $45,900.

Some cities in Mississippi offer the potential for higher salaries compared to other regions.

Regional Salary in Mississippi

Surgical Tech Programs by State