How Do I Choose the Best Surgical Technology School?

There are five items to consider when choosing a surgical technology school: equipment, accreditation, faculty, specialized programs, and reputation. Surgical technology programs are widely available from community and career colleges. This program is typically one to two years in length, and provides the training necessary to become a surgical technician. Upon graduation, technicians find employment opportunities in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and day surgery centers.

A surgical technician is a member of the health services team. They are responsible for preparing, operating, and maintaining surgical equipment, both before and during surgery. The complexity of machines and technology has significantly increased, and the technician plays an increasingly important role in medical procedures. The technician is usually required for large, complex surgical procedures. For example, a surgical technician is required for prenatal heart surgery, but not for a standard knee surgery.

The best surgical technology school will have the latest surgical technology available for student use. Computer simulation programs, human mannequins, and other tools can be used to help students gain valuable experience with this complex equipment. Check the availability of the equipment to ensure that there are opportunities for every student to practice.

When looking for a surgical technology school, check the accreditation status. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent third party. Courses from an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary institutions. Only accredited schools are able to offer students access to government student aid programs.