Surgical technologists, often called surgical techs, assist surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures. They are involved throughout the entire surgery process, providing essential support during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases.
For those interested in a healthcare career that involves hands-on patient care in a team-oriented environment, becoming a surgical tech in Texas can be a good choice. Understanding the role and its responsibilities as well as its education, experience, and certification requirements is a good start in pursuing this unique profession.
What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
A surgical tech’s primary responsibilities are preparing the operating room, ensuring all necessary equipment and instruments are ready for use, and assisting the surgical team during procedures.
Other surgical tech duties include the following.
Before surgery:
Sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment
Setting up the operating room with sterile drapes, supplies, and instruments
Preparing patients for surgery by cleaning and disinfecting their incision sites
Ensuring that operating rooms are safe, sterile, and organized
During surgery:
Passing instruments and supplies to surgeons and their assistants
Maintaining a sterile environment by adhering to strict aseptic techniques
Assisting with retracting tissues, cutting sutures, and other tasks as directed by the surgical team
Counting sponges, needles, and instruments to ensure nothing is left inside the patient
After surgery:
Cleaning and restocking the operating room with supplies and tools
Transporting patients to the recovery room and helping with their postoperative care
Ensuring that all surgical instruments and equipment are properly cleaned, sterilized, and stored
Surgical technologists must be detail-oriented, have excellent manual dexterity, and work well under pressure in fast-paced environments. They typically work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and private practices.
Steps to Become a Surgical Tech in Texas
Surgical techs must complete relevant coursework and training to qualify for the role. However, education and training requirements vary by state. For example, some states require candidates to have a college degree to work as a surgical tech while others only require they have a certificate.
The following sections break down the specific requirements to become a surgical tech in Texas.
Complete an Accredited Surgical Technology Program
According to Texas’ government website, individuals must complete an accredited educational program and maintain certification to work as a surgical tech in the state. Education programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and universities. Depending on the institution, it usually takes one to two years to complete the program.
Surgical tech programs include:
Classroom Instruction: Students take coursework covering anatomy, physiology, microbiology, surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, and patient care.
Laboratory Training: Students engage in hands-on practice in simulated operating room settings, learning how to handle instruments, operate equipment, and perform sterilization techniques.
Clinical Externship: Students gain real-world experience in a healthcare facility, where they work under the supervision of experienced surgical techs and gain practical skills in a surgical environment.
When choosing a program, individuals interested in becoming surgical techs in Texas should confirm that it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Graduating from an accredited program is essential for certification eligibility.
Obtain Surgical Tech Certification
After completing a surgical tech program, candidates should obtain relevant certification. The most widely recognized certification is the certified surgical technologist (CST) credential, awarded by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Candidates may alternatively pursue the tech in surgery-certified (TS-C) credential, which is issued by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Each certification option requires the surgical tech candidate to sit for a formal exam that tests their skills, knowledge, and competencies. After obtaining certification, candidates can apply for open surgical tech roles in Texas.
Apply for Jobs and Gain Experience
After completing an accredited program and obtaining certification, candidates should update their resume and apply for surgical tech jobs. Entry-level positions provide valuable experience, and surgical techs can advance their careers by specializing in a specific surgical area, such as cardiothoracic surgery, neurological surgery, or pediatric surgery.
Job Outlook for Surgical Techs in Texas
The job outlook for surgical techs in Texas is positive, with employment expected to grow in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Houston area ranks fourth nationally among metropolitan cities with the highest employment level of surgical techs. The BLS projects that employment of surgical techs will increase by 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is slightly faster than the average growth rate projected for all occupations.
In Texas, however, surgical techs are expected to see significant job growth. Projections Central, an economic reporting project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, projects that surgical techs in Texas will see a 15.4% increase in employment between 2022 and 2032.
Get the Training You Need to Become a Surgical Tech in Texas
Becoming a surgical tech in Texas offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to work in a dynamic and rewarding healthcare environment. Surgical techs play a critical role in ensuring surgical patients are safe and surgical procedures are successful, making their work both meaningful and impactful. Additionally, the profession offers long-term job stability and opportunities for career advancement.
With the proper education, certification, and experience, you can embark on a fulfilling career that offers personal and professional growth opportunities while contributing to the health and well-being of patients in Texas and beyond.
Take the first step in your journey by evaluating your education options, such as the surgical tech programs offered at the Fortis College Houston South and Fortis Institute Houston North campuses. Led by industry professionals who bring a wealth of experience to the classroom, the Fortis programs teach students all the competencies, techniques, and in-demand skills physicians look for in their surgical techs.
Learn more about these programs so you can see how they support your journey of becoming a healthcare professional capable of making a valuable contribution in the operating room.
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Surgical Assistant vs. Surgical Tech
Why I Love Being a Surg Tech