SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY AND HISTOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN

Surgical Technology and Histological Technician

Surgical Technology and Histological Technician

Surgical Technology Careers

Surgical technologists directly assist the surgeon during operations. Before the surgery, they sterilize instruments and set up instruments, supplies and equipment. They work alongside the surgeon throughout the operation, passing instruments and supplies, maintaining the supply of fluids and keeping an eye on patient monitors, such as electrocardiograph machine and other equipment. Minnesota surgical technology salaries vary a great deal by location.

Surgical technologists, key members of surgical teams, are supervised by a physician or nurse. They prepare operating rooms and equipment prior to surgery and transport patients to and from the operating theater. During surgery, the technologist monitors equipment, passes instruments to team members and performs other duties. After surgery, the technologist cleans and resupplies the operating room. Training ranges from certificate to associate degree programs. There are no four-year degrees offered in surgical technology (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010).

Surgical Technology Certificate

In some cases, current surgical technologists can earn certificates if they have had alternative training and experience. An associate degree is typically required to be a surgical technologist. However, for individuals who have been trained on-the-job, in the military or are licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working as surgical technologists, there are certification programs available. For example, Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio offers a certificate program that requires proof of participation in at least 125 surgical procedures, including gynecological, orthopedic, genitourinary and otorhinolaryngology surgeries as well as general surgeries. LPNs must have a current LPN license and proof of graduation from an accredited LPN program. Similarly, former military technologists need proof of experience. Programs may also require letters of recommendation.

Associate Degree

The associate degree is the primary pathway to becoming a surgical technologist The associate degree in surgical technology is the most common path to becoming a surgical technologist. Courses cover biology, human anatomy and physiology as well as technologies, surgical areas of specialization and surgical techniques. Students will learn about medical terminology and instruments, equipment assembly, medical ethics and other key subject areas. Niagara County Community College in Sanborn, New York offers a typical surgical technology program, blending classroom work with laboratory training and clinical experiences in area hospitals. The campus labs provide simulation training on state-of-the-art equipment that prepares you for real-world experience in hospitals.

Comparisons

Salaries for surgical technologists in Minnesota have a wide range. These techs in Bemidji, for instance, have median annual salaries of $29,450 as of 2011, while those in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area earn a median salary of about $42,950 per year, according to Salary.com. Surgical technologists in Winona have a median annual pay rate of $36,230, in Moorhead $37,410, in Duluth $38,960, in St. Cloud $39,470 and in Rochester $39,750. In comparison, the nationwide median annual salary for surgical technologists is $39,820.

Salary Range

For this group of Minnesota cities, the middle 50 percent of surgical technologists have salaries ranging from $26,870 to $47,460 per year. The bottom 10 percent are making $24,530, while the top 10 percent have ...