How to Become a Surgical Tech in Oklahoma

In the state of Oklahoma, surgical teams are constantly primed for action, especially in emergency scenarios.

These proficient teams are composed of:

• Surgeons
• Anesthesia specialist
• Surgical nurse
• Surgical technician

Their collaborative efforts commence well before the surgery’s initiation and extend beyond its conclusion.

These healthcare professionals are recognized by various titles, including operating room (OR) techs and scrub techs.

Job Responsibilities of Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists in Oklahoma carry out a myriad of critical responsibilities during their work shifts, 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 is important to note that this list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, as these medical professionals have a broader scope of duties.

Training and Education for Surgical Technologists

To embark on the journey of becoming a surgical technologist in Oklahoma, you must follow a structured process, beginning with obtaining a high school diploma or an equivalent, such as a GED.

The subsequent steps involve enrolling in a specialized training program.

This profession necessitates both formal education and hands-on clinical training.

Several institutions across Oklahoma offer training programs tailored to surgical technology.

While specific enrollment criteria may vary, the core courses typically include:

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

Let’s explore some of the institutions in Oklahoma that offer these programs!

Oklahoma State University

This accredited program includes courses like:

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

Classes are held on the campus of the college itself.

Aspiring students must meet prerequisites such as:

• Having a high school diploma or GED
• Passing the Accuplacer placement exam
• Meeting additional requirements
• Completing military service, which is not mandatory but is considered
• Possessing previous medical-related experience if possible
• Holding health insurance
• Completing at least 120 clinical cases
• Participating in a minimum of 30 cases in General Surgery, with 20 of them in the first scrub role

Additionally, one of the following criteria must be met:

• Minimum composite score of 16 on the ACT
• Minimum Writing score of 4 on Accuplacer or ENG 101
• Minimum Math – Elementary Algebra score of 200 on Accuplacer or MTH 116

The comprehensive program comprises a total of 29 credits.

Eastern Oklahoma State College

At this college, students can earn an Occupational Certificate in Surgical Operating Room Technology or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Technology.

Admission requirements may include:

• Passing English 101, Math 100, and the college reading requirement
• Maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA
• Submitting all high school and post-secondary transcripts before admission
• Attending a Health Sciences Information Session

Community Care College

The school presents a Surgical Technology Diploma program, boasting a swift completion time of under a year.

Additionally, students engage in a 500-hour externship at local hospitals as an integral part of the curriculum.

The tuition for this program currently stands at approximately $12,750.

National American University

The school features an undergraduate program for future surgical techs.

Its duration is two years and it’s offered online.

This program encompasses a clinical externship.

The tuition is approximately $13,000 per year but there are a few options available to help you pay the fee.

Tulsa Technology Center

The institution offers an expedited surgical technology training program that can be finalized in a mere 10 months.

The cost of tuition amounts to $4,800.

To be accepted into the program, students must possess:

• A current American Heart Association CPR for the Healthcare Provider card,
• Successfully pass a criminal background check
• Provide vaccination records.

Certified Surgical Technologist in Oklahoma

Though not legally mandated, many employers in Oklahoma prefer candidates with certification.

Various certifying bodies in the field include:

• 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 widely recognized and holds an esteemed reputation among these options.

Testing centers are available in multiple cities across Oklahoma.

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

It’s important to note that an exam fee is associated with taking the test, with varying rates for Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) members and non-AST members.

Certified surgical technologists must renew their certification every four years.

This renewal can be achieved either by retaking the certification exam, involving a fee, or by completing continuing education classes.

During this period, they must accumulate 60 education credits for renewal, along with a renewal fee.

Surgical Technologist Salary in Oklahoma

While not the most glamorous profession, it’s essential to consider the potential income when pursuing a career as a surgical technologist in Oklahoma.

On average, an operating room (OR) tech in Oklahoma can earn an annual salary of approximately $47,600.

The table below illustrates the cities in Oklahoma where these professionals earn higher salaries compared to the rest of the state.

Regional Salary in Oklahoma

Surgical Tech Programs by State