MY SURGICAL TECH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Did we really just reached 6k subscribers????????? STOP. BRB. tears of joy
I graduated tech school 2015 so it's been awhile atleast for me! A lot has changed and even though I only have 6 years experience, I did learn quite a few tricks! I don't have to be in the field to be fluent in my work. Some people learn differently and some senior techs here really be coming for me lol. Relax guys. I don't claim to know everything. I feel like I relate to many students because up to this day, I still haven't yet to learn as much so we're all in this together!
I am overwhelmed with a lot of support from you guys and I will be making more videos in the future that will answer all your questions! I am very excited! I am also working on a project that I hope to launch soon to help students be more confident with their set ups in clinicals! I'm working really hard to get it out there so please be patient!
Thank you all for giving me spark of joy! It's been rough during the pandemic and this right here gives me hope.

[@wesleycarson9917]

Love the content, thanks for making!!!

[@notreally5763]

I love your story! This is so cool and exciting

[@Lela_Emily]

Thank you SO much for your honest and real experience and emotions you were feeling through all of this. I have related with almost everything you’ve said ❤️ surgical tech student here starting clinicals tomorrow. Also really looking forward to your next videos!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I was terrified of school but don't let the fear keep you from doing great. It's all a mindset. Once you pass the hurdle, you'll look back and be thankful! 👌

[@karsyn2]

I loved this video so much!

[@rodrigorangel7632]

Awesome ! thank you for sharing

[@KOGxDREAMx]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I am so glad I found you! Your content is great and i look forward to watching more of it. Keep it up girl! 😊

[@AmoreMiu]

I did three years of Biology pre-med but ended up with an associates in allied health to transfer to nursing school. Turns out I had to take courses from the new school that had nothing to do with medicine but it was a private school so... Now I'm realizing that nursing may also not be for me. Being in the OR is what started my dream of working in the medical field. Looks like I will be choosing the route of Surgical tech and wish I would've known more about it sooner. But I believe things happen at the right time for a reason :)

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

So happy for you! Sometimes what we think is for us might not be for us at that time. There's a reason for everything and I hope that you find what you're looking for.

[@brandiemills8182]

I start classes this Fall!!!

[@laura.lugoaponte_]

Just passed my last practical exam at school today. Going to to clinicals next semester!!!! Your videos help me a lot. Thank you !

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Woohoooo!!!!! Congrats! Now go do ortho and be a bad ass on it! Trust me!

[@jlwright9468]

Praying to get into surg tech school. Ironically, I want to do ortho. I love tools!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

You go get em!

[@derlinrosas7906]

I'm starting school August 30th! I'm so excited! What should I do to prepare for the first week? What should I take? 😬😬 Also I just bought your book from Etsy😭💓

[@Tomas-js8iq]

Orthopedics is one of the more common procedures. Nothing wrong with repairing a bone fracture to ensure he or she will be able to walk or eventually be out of pain. If I learned anything from my time in the the army medical corps is that often we are tasked with duties we do not like but these are an opportunity for growth. Have a blessed day.

[@the-witness8811]

I can't believe someone would love their "pretty nails" more than surgery... Crazy! lol thanks for the story.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes I've heard a few that dropped out because of this lol

[@inkosiyamakhosi6841]

Divine guidance 🙏🏾

[@marquiswilliams1616]

First thank you for your videos. I just started my first week of school omg the math is my worst subject. Any advice??

[@catjuice8420]

I remember when I started, I said the same thing. They are all scissors and they are all alike. At the end of the program I knew it all. LMFAO.

[@LORDVADER1008]

Hey! First off, I want to say I really love your videos and really appreciate you making this channel. Not many people decide to make a channel. I also follow Surgical Tech Tips so I really appreciate you. I am a 17 year old Junior in highschool (I'll be doing college classes in my senior year) I plan on going to a community college to get my associates I believe in surgical technology. I want to become a surgical tech and then become First Assistant. Is there any advice you can give me? Also any recommendations on what to learn on my own right now. Any help/suggestions would really mean alot to me. I'll be the first male in both sides of my familly to go to college and probably the first ever to get into the medical field. @Amy C I also see you comment alot and would appreciate your tips as well. Thankyou so much and keep up the good work! :)

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Omg congrats!!!!! I'm so happy you're getting into the program. Here's a plan that I suggest: go do an associate deg with surgical tech. I think you should shoot for the stars and go for the highest. Go for physician assist. After associates, find a tech job and then go back to school at the same time and I need you to research PA programs around your area, get a copy of the curriculum and then get a bachelors degree in science in a public school that matches with the PA curriculum so that when you go get your masters, your credits will transfer! Trust me. You need connections with doctors first and they'll pave the way for your PA job. I was offered to be a PA from a surgeon a worked for but I'm not a PA yet so.

[@LORDVADER1008]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK That's funny you mention PA because I've actually been thinking about being a PA after as well. So your saying I could get a job as a tech and go to school at the same time? I didn't know that was possible tbh, in my mindset I was thinking becoming a tech and working my way up to first assistant and go back to school at the age of 30 for those 6 years to become a PA. I also had 20 surgeries and know A LOT of doctors so I have lots of connections with doctors/surgeons lol

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@LORDVADER1008 Yeah not a good route, at least for me cause I scrubbed for 2 years and I got bored so I went back to school at the same time to get bachelors. Now I can pick to go to PA school or nursing school. It's up to you but don't work and wait for school. You can def do it!!!

[@pb4ugo19]

What are lab practicals like? Are they like nursing labs, where you study a skills book, and then go in and complete the lab?

[@leefleming6524]

I love your content, thank you so much! Can you give more of your opinion on certificate courses vs associate degrees? It's cheaper to go to a certification class but do the good jobs go to people with their associates? What do you see the most out there in the field? Thanks in advance.

[@amyc4406]

Hi I’m a surgical tech student who is 9 weeks away from finishing my program. I am getting the certification, as the associates costs more money and with the degree you will NOT make any more money. That’s what helped me make my decision. I feel if I’m paying more money fir some type of degree...I need to be making money money that someone with a certification. Sadly, that isn’t the case.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@amyc4406 agreed. And you get paid more if you have a degree. It'll also help you in the long run if you'd like to progress further in the future.

[@opens11]

Go with an associate's degree program, most hospital's are now requiring an associate's.

[@amyc4406]

@@opens11 Not where I live. I’m getting my certification. If something changes then the hospital can pay for the rest...I’m done taking out loans for school.

[@tm4465]

Well that is it for me I can’t even get an AA I can’t pass history or math.😫

[@joluisanne]

Hi can you tell me what school did you go to and what school can you recommend? My son is currently freshman College @ Sac State and Nursing course is so impacted , my son is thinking to go private school instead so he can finish his course fast and his thinking of taking surgical tech. instead.

[@veniar1561]

How did you study for A&P I am struggling any tricks to remember anything?

[@karsyn2]

Is there any time in a surgical technologist’s career to have hobbies like painting?

[@rudylenelouhandan2739]

Thank you for sharing your experience😊 maam. what school you enroll for surgical tech.

[@aliakram5107]

Hello dear,I am from Pakistan.I see your videos, which one degree is used operation theatre technologist or operation theatre Technician In your and other countries.

[@yellowtrain3161]

Which school did you attend??

[@yunno3992]

Where did you go to school at for CST? I am having a hard time finding one that's best.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Search surgical tech schools

[@colejstyles]

What happens when there's an emergency surgery? Are trays for certain surgeries already set up and on standby?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

You gotta pull them. So if there's an emergency perforated bowel, you'd have to pull a major tray that is already assembled but you have to set it up.

[@brandiemills8182]

What is best or what is allowed wearing your contacts or glasses in surgery? I wear both. What will be allowed?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

You're allowed both. I wear my glasses cause I don't wanna be the one who's contacts fall out my eye and drop inside a patients abdomen. Highly unlikely but it happened to a resident student.

[@nwednesday707]

How hard was the program? I know it’s not going to be easy or a breeze but I did nursing a couple years back and it was so difficult and just felt like no matter how much I studied it just was never enough. Does the surgical tech program leave you feeling like that? I want to go back to school but the nursing program kinda of traumatized me😂

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

It's not that hard to me to be honest. Nursing is military boot camp lol. Idk why I'm even considering it this fall but CST is doable. I recommend it!

[@nwednesday707]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK that makes me feel a lot better!! And good luck to you with Nursing!!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@nwednesday707my worst classes were anatomy and physiology and microbio. Thats it. Not even math. Basic algebra. It's gonna be overwhelming learning the instruments but most schools only have minor trays with like 20 instruments. You learn it all at the job and clinicals. You got this! I'm coming out with a pocket book for clinicals to help you guys set up your mayo for the top 20 cases in the OR. Hopefully it'll make a difference! More videos to come!

[@zacharyshort384]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Were you able to enter your surgical tech program without satisfying the anatomy and physiology / microbiology as prereqs before admission into program? Were these courses you took while in the ST program? I'm trying to get a feel for prereqs I do or don't have to knock out of the way before entering an AAS ST program ^_^ *currently work in sterile processing. THanks for any insight!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@zacharyshort384 how long has it been when u did a and p and micro? Because if it's not fresh I recommend taking it again bec it's very important.

[@Eveeee490]

Hi I was wondering how long is clinicals and are there scrub techs you’ve met that have kids ?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes all my mates have kids.

[@opens11]

Anatomy and physiology 2 has been difficult as heck for me. Also, you say nursing wasn't for you, but you have listed in bio on here you plan to go back for nursing, what changed?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Good catch! I was forced to be a nurse 6 years ago. Failed bec I didn't study. Didn't care. But now that I'm in tbe field where I work with OR nurses, I see what they do and I know I can do it. Just like I mentioned, had I not been shown what tech is, I wouldn't jump into it. I'm also in it for the long run. Theres so many branches to go into while tech stops at PA. I ultimately want to work smarter than harder. More money less work is the motto.

[@opens11]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK so if you could go back, would you just go to nursing school? I'm seeing it recommended alot and it makes me nervous for my choice to pursue CST

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@opens11 no I wouldn't bec I wouldn't form all these relationship with doctors that want to hire me for their individual practice. As a tech going into nursing to be an OR nurse, it allows me to negotiate my pay higher bec of my hospital and surgical experience. So a nurse straight out of nursing school would have a very low chance of getting into surgery. We rarely get nurses from other floors. They're all hired from outside. I can immediately get a job at my work.

[@apdroidgeek1737]

I barely passed it due to covid, i would've failed otherwise, covid made our test online and while its inadvisable that you cheat or use an open book, most of us did cheat anyway, but looking back it is actually very easy when your out of stress and pressure from passing, youll memorize how blood flow work, how fetus blood flow work, how they develop, layers of skins and types of white blood cells, it will all make sense when you review it.

[@apdroidgeek1737]

The thing ive been doing wrong that i have realized just now is that, Im trying to memorize it, but in reality its actually better to understand it, because when you memorize it, some of it will make sense some dont and youll be stuck saying " i thought bicuspid valve is the one that direct the flow to the aorta". If that make sense.

[@holidayerhard4237]

Can you do this program straight out of Highschool or do I need to go to college first ?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

U can see their curriculum and take some of their classes at a community College to save money or you go straight. Consult with the tech who's first so you'll know their program and find out which classes can be transferred. You'll need loans regardless but doing transferred courses could save you a couple thousands.

[@holidayerhard4237]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK thank you so much 🙌

[@veniar1561]

You said in your video we can’t have nails done . Can I just have my nails polished with gel and short a (normal manicure ) ?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Some facilities allows acrylic. But i personally don't do my nails at all. As a student, you should have nothing on your nails.

[@veniar1561]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK thank you for replying back 😊

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@veniar1561 always!!!! Have a great week bestie!

[@samanthaleoniemarks6441]

Do you do a lot of lecture and tests?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes of course. It's all a repetitive learning and understaniding concept.

[@penobby1]

I’m curious, does the surgeon say what tool they want next or are you expected to know the order of what tool is next?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Nope. Some doctors don't even know what they want lol or know the instruments. They be like, I need the thing that does the thing. And as a skilled tech, you know exactly what that means.

[@penobby1]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK no kidding lol! Well that makes me feel a little better, I’d like to go to school for this

[@amyc4406]

The doctors know when you are a student and will ask you for what they need. Sometimes they will grab it off your Mayo stand. Eventually after doing the surgery over and over and over with the same surgeon...they expect you to anticipate what they need. So...you need to pay attention. While your a student and once your hired, on orientation...Your preceptor is right next to you so if you hesitate to get a instrument they will point to the correct one for you. My suggestion is while gowning the doctor say, “hi, my name is xyz and I’m an surgical tech student from xyz, this is my 1st rotation (for example).

[@penobby1]

@@amyc4406 that’s some great advice right there. Seems like a job I’d love but I do see the stress side. And tips like this really help me see the vision clear and not so mysterious. Thanks!

[@amyc4406]

@@penobby1 your welcome It can be stressful but it’s so cool! You feel sO good after completing a procedure and you did well. Oh and the things I’ve seen and touched🤯

[@arielthofield1042]

I'm going to get my Associate's degree for two years so you know. Tell me what I need to do

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Do your pre reqs and we shall resume when you get to your real tech courses.

[@arielthofield1042]

What are the pre reqs?

[@amyc4406]

@@arielthofield1042 prerequisites are your english and science classes (anatomy and physiology 1 & 2, microbiology). Always take your science classes last as they “expire” after so many years. Whatever you do..DONT take science classes over the summer and take them ONE at a time...not all together. The science classes are intense and all have labs with them so it’s like taking 2 classes. So take the classes like this...A&P 1 with the lab (one semester), A&P 2 with the lab (the next semester) and then micro with the lab (the following semester). I hope this helps. I took my prerequisites before entering the Surgical tech program and I only have to focus on the Surg tech classes...which is enough in its self because most people don’t know the info you will learn. I am 9 weeks away from completing my program. Good luck honey.

[@opens11]

@@amyc4406 micro isn't used much from what I've been told, I'm cramming that with A&P2, ITS A STRUUGLE.

[@amyc4406]

@@opens11 From what I’ve seen not really. Good luck with a & p. I used to study all day for that class...literally!

[@dariorodriguez6157]

Do you know any bachelors degree programs for those who have an associates degree?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

What's ur end goal

[@dariorodriguez6157]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK to get a bachelors in something health related to become a PA

[@dariorodriguez6157]

But I would prefer to get an bachelors in something surgical tech related and just take additional courses to comply with any PA program I choose to apply too

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@dariorodriguez6157 there's no bachelors in surg tech. So maybe something science like biology to get INto PA

[@alaayyad7586]

First view

[@lenataweesuk2387]

I’m starting my first day of clinicals tomorrow, any tips?😁

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Be on time. Take notes. Listen to everybody. If they said you contaminated, don't say otherwise. Be assertive and be helpful. Ask questions.

[@amyc4406]

Yes...be on time. You will be very nervous. It’s okay...your preceptor will help you. Set little goals everyday. For example, first day be able to scrub in in under 5 mins and be able to gown and glove doctor. Another tip...when gown and gloving the surgeon say, “ Hi, my name is xyz...I am a surgical tech student from xyz..this is my first rotation. That way the doctor knows you are very new and kinda where your at (not to have unrealistic expectations of you). Another tip..SAVE your card (don’t throw it away) and write little notes on it. Another tip...after clinical go home and youtube the cases you did (bring a notepad and write the cases you did down). This will allow you to see it over again. I kinda like the animation ones the best. It gives me a good base. Lastly...ask questions if you aren’t sure. One surgeon told me, “ no question is a dumb question. The only dumb thing is to not ask a question.” I hope this helps. I am 9 weeks away from finishing my surgical tech program. I’m currently on my 2 of 3 clinical rotations. Best of luck to you...you can do this!

[@lenataweesuk2387]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Thank you so much😊

[@lenataweesuk2387]

@@amyc4406 Thank you so much, do you have any tips on memorizing the instruments for each procedure on when to use them specifically?

[@amyc4406]

@@lenataweesuk2387 For my program, I was introduced to certain instruments ( basic minor, major tray, d & c..etc.) prior to clinical. I bought instrument flash cards off Amazon (some serrations on clamps were a little different) and an instrument book the NBSTSA recommended. The book the NBSTSA recommended had instruments you will use on the DeVinci as well. As far as memorizing every special instrument...you won’t. It takes time. I’m on my second rotation and don’t have all the names down or know how to put them together. My preceptors told me new ST’s have a year or two learning curve. Don’t expect to know all the specialty instruments (plus learning to put them together). It will come in time. Know your basic instruments. Ask your preceptor the name if you don’t know. Write the name of the instrument in the Mayo stand under the instrument to help. It helps coming up with funny names too. For example, ortho cases use an instrument called a kerrison. It looks kinda like a gun. Surgeons use it to pull bone apart. My preceptor told me to remember ,” carry a bad bitch!” It’s weird but stuck. Your textbook should have pics too. Photocopy the pages, separate each instrument by cutting them apart and write the names of the instruments on the back. Go through them over and over and over. I hope this helps. Good luck tomorrow. Let me know how it goes! ☺️

[@maameakyere52]

I’m a Sterile Processing Tech. And I deal with 100% Surgical instruments. I want to upgrade myself by getting into this Field, but I’m lost I don’t know what school to go to or if there’s any prerequisite to get into the school. I just need a little bit of information concerning the schooling process.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Search in your area surgical tech school. Pls verify is they are accredited. Ask if it's 2 yr program associates. And most likely credits will transfer but probably not all.

[@maameakyere52]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Thank you very much

[@arielthofield1042]

Is Surgical Tech school hard?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

It could be if you don't study.

[@arielthofield1042]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK How hard is surgical tech school if you do study? I don't trust my parents and I can't even trust them. How much can I make as a scrub tech in the main operating room? What GPA do I need to maintain in scrub tech school?

[@amyc4406]

It’s hard but do-able if you study hard and have good time management. What makes it hard is it’s a lot of information you have never been exposed to before.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@arielthofield1042 varies by state and experience.

[@arielthofield1042]

I'm in Mississippi and I will have zero experience when I start out as a scrub tech at age 25

[@mayahmonroe5457]

Are you a OB surgical tech ?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

No I'm an OR Tech 😄

[@mayahmonroe5457]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK is this considered general ?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@mayahmonroe5457 what do u mean

[@mayahmonroe5457]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK is OR tech a specialty?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@mayahmonroe5457 huh? No. OR Techs can specialized in any surgeries.

[@ceciliadixon9076]

Do you have an Instagram?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Not yet! Soon!

[@lupeavalos9342]

Can you put makeup ?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes

[@Illinois.Idiots]

do you get paid for clinicals?