What is a Surgical Tech?
Surgical Technicians, also known as Surg Techs or Scrub Techs, is a healthcare professional who works with surgeons and a surgery team to facilitate smooth and safe surgical procedures. They perform a variety of tasks such as:
- Preparing surgical suite setup, opening instruments and supplies
- Transporting preoperative and postoperative patients
- Performing safety checks on equipment and fixtures
- Assisting anesthesia staff with patient positioning and anesthesia administration
- Applying principles of asepsis, infection control, and medical ethics
- Receiving, decontaminating, and cleaning soiled patient care items
- Performing scrub duties
- Preparing and maintaining sterile field
- Counting sponges, needles, instruments, and related items in accordance with current standards of practice
About the Program
Singing River Healthcare Academy is accredited to provide you with classroom time and hands-on training in our one-year Surgical Tech apprenticeship. At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll possess the knowledge and skills to work in surgery. The program follows the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) curriculum, providing 52 weeks of classroom study and clinical instruction.
Prerequisites
- Candidates must have at least two years of patient care experience (or approved medical field work) or have earned a passing grade in college-level Microbiology and Anatomy & Physiology
- Two letters of recommendation with at least one from a supervisor
- No attendance or disciplinary actions on file
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to do the following:
- Understand the importance of the sterile environment and the surgical tech’s role in preventing contamination
- Have a thorough grasp of pertinent surgical anatomy
- Identify instruments, their function, and how to use them properly
- Pass instruments to another team member comfortably and in a way that does not slow the progression of surgery
- Understand bloodborne pathogens and the impact they can have on the health system if not handled properly
- Properly handle and dispose of sharps
- Sit for the Tech in Surgery Certified (TS-C) exam
Surgical Tech Career Path
Beginning your healthcare career as a Surgical Tech Apprentice, you will perform surgery-related functions, including but not limited to preparing the back table for surgery and creating and maintaining a sterile field.
Certification is voluntary, but the choice to become certified exhibits pride in the profession, the desire to be recognized for mastery of scientific principles, as well as an ongoing commitment to quality patient care.
Becoming a Tech in Surgery Certified (TS-C) demonstrates that the individual meets a high standard for knowledge that underlies surgical tech practice and possess mastery of a broad range of skills related to surgical procedures, aseptic technique, and patient care. This credential opens the door to Surgical First Assistant programs, upward mobility, and higher pay.
