Career Options as a Surgical Technologist Program Grad
Published - October 2, 2024
Did you know you have options when you graduate from a Surgical Technologist program? There are many specialties to choose from. But first, let’s quickly look at what a surgical technologist does, and then we will talk more about the career options available to program grads.
What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?
A surgical technologist supports surgeons during operating room procedures. They are responsible for preparing the operating room and helping surgeons during the hygiene portion of a surgical procedure. The surgical technologist prepares the surgical table and equipment and preps the patients with shaving, disinfection, and draping. They support the procedure by handing instruments to the surgeon while monitoring the patient’s vital signs.
What Career Options are Available for Surgical Technologist Program Grads?
A surgical technologist who has graduated from an accredited Surgical Technologist program and has some work experience can move into a specialization within the role. This is a step forward in their career and often comes with increased compensation. Some of the specialties that are common for surgical technologists include:
Cariology – the surgical technologist supports the cardiologist who performs surgical procedures on the cardiovascular system. This system includes the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. Procedures can include heart valve repair and replacement, heart defect repair, bypass surgery, laser revascularization, and heart transplant.
Neurosurgery – while performing surgical procedures on the nervous system, the surgical technologist can monitor the patient’s vital signs and anesthesia reactions. Procedures in neurosurgery focus on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Some of the disorders a neurosurgeon may repair include congenital anomalies, tumors, brain infections, stroke, and other diseases.
Organ Transplantation – the surgical technologist can be on either side of the organ transplantation. They either help the surgeon remove an organ from a donor or replace a malfunctioning organ in a patient recipient. The most transported organ is the kidneys.
Orthopedic – during orthopedic surgery, a patient may have a surgical procedure on a joint condition. These conditions include bursitis, torn cartilage, arthritis, and tendonitis. Some additional conditions that surgical technologists may support include repairing a fractured vertebrae or herniated disc.
Pediatric surgery – the surgical technologist can support the pediatric surgeon, who diagnoses and performs surgery to treat fetal abnormalities, and birth defects, diseases, and injuries. The pediatric surgeon focuses on fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents.
Plastic surgery – most plastic surgical procedures are performed to improve a person’s appearance or reconstruct tissue defects. These can be for cosmetic purposes or to reconstruct tissue defects due to illness, trauma, or birth disorders.
Emergency surgery – a more intense role is working in the emergency room with surgeons who perform many lifesaving surgeries. You will see a wide variety of procedures and support the emergency room surgeon in saving lives. It can be gratifying.
Final Thoughts
So, now you know you have options when you graduate from the Surgical Technologist program at CBD College. Which role is best for you? The good news is that during the training program, you will learn about different parts of the body and a wide variety of procedures, which will help you make a more informed decision. You also have the opportunity to move into different specialties throughout your career. When you graduate from CBD College, the sky’s the limit.
Surgical Technologist Program
In our Surgical Technologist Program, you can get trained in as little as 14 months, working with doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists. Train on your feet with professionals in our state-of-the-art mock surgery centers and get real on-the-job experience through our extensive network of clinical externship sites so you can be ready to tackle the field after you graduate.
Contact us now to learn more.