TOP 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A SURGICAL TECH | prereqs, certification exam, lifestyle

[@amyc4406]

Hello everyone…I am a CST. I graduated August 2021. I wanted to tell everyone while doing the surgical tech program…I worked full time. It was NOT easy! My job allowed me to study on my downtime and thank goodness I had a lot of downtime! I wouldn’t have passed otherwise. I worked 3-11pm and had to be at class by 8am. On clinical days I was up at 5am and was at the hospital by 6:45am-3pm THEN worked 3-11pm at my job (as an aide in assisted living). I was VERY disciplined! I didn’t do anything other than study. Nope…no social life. I got very little sleep too. But I did it! I made it work. I graduated top of my class and passed the national board. If you have any questions for me, feel free to leave them❤.

[@MzSeptember]

Thank You, Amy. 🤗🙌🏾

[@amyc4406]

@@MzSeptember Your welcome☺️. I was on autopilot while balancing school, work and clinical. I literally use to get only 4 hours of sleep! It was like a nap really (oddly your body gets used to it. I knew it would be temporary). At one point, I believe I was taking 5 classes at once. BTW…I had all my prerequisites done prior to the surgical tech classes. Highly recommend!!!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

LOVELY!!!! Thank you for sharing! It's rough working while in school and it takes a lot of DISCIPLINE. Hard but not impossible. You gotta want it bad.

[@ruthsmith5756]

Wow, I am starting my st program in Janurary .. I'm fresh out of high school since I just graduated in june . Do you have any study tips that might work for me once I start my semester? Also can you give me some advice for when I go into the working world after I complete my program? Thankyou!

[@danielleparker4774]

Wow any pointers on scheduling? Currently sinking without my balance, my grades are good and I’m all caught up on work but I’m always overwhelmed or exhausted or both, but I really wanna be in this field as I’ve always had a passion and want to be in the OR

[@AngieDhkymom]

Its easier if you work as a sterile processing tech before you go to school for a ST cuz then you get to know all the instruments and trays blindfolded:)

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Nope. You learn em on the go.

[@YoungE591]

I totally agree, both of you are right, but I do agree about working as a sterile processor first because I'd you know your instruments then learn how to setup for the case its easy intensipate for what need and bam, hand off.

[@nicolesimms2652]

Exactly what I am about to do. Take the sterile processing class to get a jump start and then enroll in the class ❤❤

[@kimtukieusi4982]

Thanks for mentioning this

[@HipHopOnTheRocks]

That’s what I’m thinking too is there any math classes as a sterile processor?

[@luellamarchany3038]

I just came across your page . I love ❤️ your attitude. I have worked in a hospital setting for 23 years. A major well know hospital in California as a CNA and a few other positions. I started there when I was in my late 20’s now I am 55 and live in Texas. I am scared but I like the way you said don’t be scared. I love ❤️ your humor and I’m going to do it. I like when talked about math. I hate math. And some of the other subjects will be hard for me as well. I’m still going to do it and continue to follow you. You are inspiring me for real. Thank you 😊

[@sashagriffin711]

I have a bachelors degree and just decided to make a HUGE change and applied for the ST program! I am super excited! I just subscribed to your channel and looking forward to watching ALL your videos and getting all the tips! Thank you! This was great! As a mother of 3 and 35 years old, I can use all the help I can get! :)

[@jennifermaravilla9229]

Same!! I got my bachelors in Biology and was ready to start Med school and decided to change my career choice.

[@tymeshiac]

Same! I also have my bachelors degree in Recreational therapy! For various reasons, I want to make a change. 🤗

[@Shar138]

Same here, I have my Bachelor's in Heathcare Admin. I'm looking for a career change. Mother of 2, grandmother of 3.

[@kasymzairov8168]

Hey, did you finish the program? Updates? :)

[@slime-gz5kk]

I'm currently a certified pharmacy technician and I think I'm ready for a change. Surgical tech has also been on my career of interest. I'm 42 and I am so done with pharmacy.

[@maylynnpenix5966]

Honestly anything in medical will be hard asf but this should definitely be easy compared to nursing

[@nannygirl25]

I came across your page, and am 38 with older kids and really wanting to go back to school. I know medical field is where I want to be! Thank you for your encouragement I really feel like the OR is somewhere I need to be 🥰 especially after watching your video . Awesome idea for the flash cards going to purchase them just to get a head start and call my local community college to see what all I need to do to get started I’ve been out of school for 20 yrs sooooo yea pray for me lol 😂

[@evansquires727]

I'm 42 and am with u HUNEEE!!!

[@bradleyhampton1915]

I bought the surgical guide and believe me guys it did help a ton!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Thank u!!!!!!! How was ur clinicals?!?!

[@bradleyhampton1915]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK It's going great! I'm actually still in clinicals now. I'm don't with clinicals the first week of December, I'm so close to being done I can see it lol.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@bradleyhampton1915 I LOVE IT!!!! Ur almost there!

[@vncgrc468]

Hi ate! I got accepted sa school as a ST! I’m gonna start at jan 3, 2023. I just wanna say na you are helping me so much!!! I can’t wait to start this journey with you! After becoming a CST i wanna be a surgical assistant! I’m gonna keep watching you because you’re a great motivation 💖 Salamat ate!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Ayyyy!!!! Congrats beh! I'm sure your fam wanted u to be a nurse lol di ko keri nurse. Mas ok sakin ung program na to. I wish u the best! Andito lang aketchi! 😄

[@vncgrc468]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEKomg yes ate 🤦‍♀️ lalo na being a nurse runs in the family din 😩 pero good thing my sister is gonna be a nurse, so she fills that filipino expectations sa family namin 😂 thank you ate im gonna keep watching and i will buy your merch 🥰

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@vncgrc468 salamat gurrrrl. U can be a travel tech with ur nurse sister and make money traveling one day. My little sis is a traveling nurse, and another one is a dental hygienist. Tatlong medical field. Keri naman itong career so u got this!

[@robertpennington7737]

I start this August. I’m excited as well.

[@courtneywoelk5977]

Just finished my first 8 weeks of my program!! Got A’s in my first 2 8 week courses! Great video 😊

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yassssss ur on a role!!!!

[@chrisvalle7249]

Keep it going 🎉

[@jasminevelasco3506]

Trying to decide between this and diagnostic medical sonography- I know neither is easy but I’m ready for my life to have purpose and I want a career I love ❤

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I hear pros and cons for sono but I can only speak for scrubs.

[@katrina7636]

me too!! for months now ive been set on ultrasound but until yesterday i was thinking about surgical tech bc one of my coworkers wanna be in this program too. i like how i dont need to take physics for surgical tech too :/ aaaaa

[@Ashley-og9ti]

Same! It was such a hard decision and even considering rad tech. Local institution offers Sonography and ST, and I wanted to somehow do both!! I decided surg tech but something still makes me think about Sonography still. Hope I'm making the best decision for me. 🙏🏾💛

[@FishNChixx]

I have my first interview today for a surgical tech program & I am super nervous, but your video made me feel a lot more confident. I really appreciate your information!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Goodluck girl! Update me!!

[@Benjamin-tw1gw]

How was it

[@Mario.XXVVII]

signed up for my CST 18 month associates course starting january 2nd. looking forward to the schooling and even more to get into the medical field

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yay!! I'm proud of u!

[@maylynnpenix5966]

“More bloody the better” love this lol I also think it’s so interesting

[@bebita113]

Loved this video & her truthfulness!! My goal , pray I get to do it , get threw it , be certified & work at an amazing hospital. Amen 🙏🏼

[@karinabandera1337]

Yes they will test you lol I was tested last week during clinical and thank god I got it right lol glad I paid attention in A&P l and ll

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

lol I was too!!!! thank God i got it right 🤣 that would be embarrassing. I remember when a resident was asked about the sternum and she said ribs lol I mean yes partly correct but specifically sternum was the right answer.

[@nessa444_]

Ahhh in an ST program right now. I finished all of my pre reqs before and I start my core classes right after thanksgiving. Im so nervous but excited as well. Thank you for your informational videos!!

[@Gainzville55]

I completed all my pre requisites and now I'm starting the ST program in a couple days. Kind of nervous but I know It will be all worth it once it's completed

[@abby_reviews]

This was excellent. Thank you for the comprehensive, personalized overview of both education and career experiences. I am 37, a mom, and a breast cancer survivor. I've always been drawn to STEM, technical, and first and foremost, healing professions, however did not pursue them for either of my undergraduate degrees. I'm particularly drawn to the anatomy and physiology core, and also the proximity to life and death and the opportunity to alleviate major suffering.

[@whitneycraddock4546]

You couldn’t have said in no better way. I truly appreciate this video, thank you so much. I will conquer my fears.❤

[@monicamorton6092]

I love your sense of humor 😂 it makes your videos interesting to watch😊

[@yeseniaromero1211]

I worked 12 hr night shifts plus school plus clinicals it was super super stressful 😭😭😭

[@yakeannarose9137]

I am currently a dialysis technician I just finished all my prerequisites courses and start clinicals Aug 19th I’m nervous and excited at the same time.. but will definitely subscribe and watch your videos thanks 😊

[@alyssajones4368]

I just began my clinicals on Monday. I began in SPD. I have one more week in Sterile Processing and then it's off to the big OR 👍🏼

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Whewwwww!!!!! Excited for you! You're gonna learn a lot in spd!

[@Brittanskylan]

Oh wow dope so u went to school also if surgical tech?

[@bradygamble214]

Thank God we have someone making surgical tech study products that are easily understood compared to the books we have to order. Keep on making us more study stuff board game and cards are awesome way to study

[@queenhayden7060]

I’m currently at Amazon with 2 small children. They’re going to pay for my school I want to get into to the medical field and be a surge tech. I live in OK glad to hear the info on pay. I’ve always wanted to be a orthopedic surgeon. Especially since finding out years ago my dad has arthritis. This info was very helpful. I’ve also had 2 c sections so the set up and to just be helpful is amazing to me. I believe I can do it 😊

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

If you wanna be a surgeon, you gotta go to med school! I might go to this ortho surgical convention next year! I forgot what it's exactly called but it's in Houston!

[@queenhayden7060]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK ooh that would be fun and interesting

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@queenhayden7060 It does!!!!!

[@ramoff1015]

Heyy did Amazon pay for you school and how is the program going

[@MitchellBryant-mz6sz]

Your videos have been so helpful. I have been wanting to do this for years and I’m finally taking the plunge to go to school to become a CST.

[@javannaburrell1187]

😂😂😂 a lot of things don’t maths with me omg so true

[@katherineayala2541]

I am soooo excited and nervous. I start the program in December but love your content and just makes me more excited to start this journey! 😊

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I'm so happy that you're gonna be in my field!!!! Excited for you!

[@sesayftw]

I just received my acceptance letter yesterday. I'm super nervous. Please also post your website on your description.

[@Brittanskylan]

Omg I loveeee your video I just finished spd school and I want to be a surgical tech

[@imagodei6552]

Amazing content lol. Informational, yet entertaining.

[@sarahdaudt6929]

Love how educational your videos are! Could you make a video going over what materials you used to study for the CST cert test? Plus what were some questions or material that were hard for you to understand?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I only used one book and it was the yellow lange cst preparedness.

[@GloriaJones-kz6ud]

Please can you share with me the yellow book you referring to if you don’t mind

[@joiecelriviera4134]

Thank you!!! I start in a week. I have had medical background as a medical assistant, but I wanted a challenge so I went here so I can become a pa later. But you did mention other options and now I’m eyes wide open 100%

[@Queengemi5]

How’s it going, I am a RMA/CPT as well trying to transition to CST

[@YvenieAlexis]

Thank you so much for the information. I learn a lot from your video. I appreciate it 👍🔥🔥🔥

[@sharsmith5539]

You are an amazing individual 💐 you’ve inspired me to research a potential new career. I was writing this as you began to sing😂 love it!

[@Missbayka]

Lol that math skit, agreed 😂

[@jusolaz8220]

Thank you for the video!

[@Evija7]

Thank you ! Very informative and helpful!

[@meganwamsley2211]

Thank you!! I go in for my final interview tomorrow and I’ll find out if I’m accepted. Eeeeekk

[@katherineb3060]

Thank you! Consider going back to school. Scary! ❤

[@surgtechbae]

Love the video!!!

[@BombshellZaneTV]

Thank you so much for this ❤ you’re so motivating.

[@marcusrobinson5218]

You are awesome I’m going to go ahead and sign up

[@Vefalove90]

Lmao at y=mx+b 🤣 I hella felt that

[@__Bacchanalia]

Hi!!! I am currently a CRCST, and I start school for my CST January 10, 2024!! I will be full time working 11pm to 7am, thank you for this video and the comments underneath this video !! I will come back and update once I start clinicals !! Happy Happy New Year & Good Luck to EVERYONE !! 🙌🏽

[@Naz_0304]

How is it? I am starting next month with a fulltime job too 😅

[@memeking5017]

I'm gonna start in September do anyone have any notes paperwork Homework I can have? Best books to read and study on? I really really wanna do this and know it takes me a second to learn. And wanna get a head start

[@ebonyhyde1966]

Omg I’m nervous! I just got my acceptance letter

[@momentomariart]

Thank you, this was so helpful! I'm considering this career path; looks like the closest program to me requires at least an associates degree. Also, I love your head wrap; could you share where you got that from?

[@lidiatejada824]

Thank u for this amazing video ❤

[@aussiebae4100]

How do you feel about a 50 year old changing careers to become ST?

[@chelsey1657]

Had a 52 year old in my class. We loved her!

[@trevunstoppable4875]

Go for it!!!!!

[@thescentofawoman4436]

Thank you for posting this video

[@lorenzo6899]

Hey just love your videos thinking about this program and the sterile tech undecided right now

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I'd go the surg tech route :)

[@lorenzo6899]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Thank you for that. I work part time 8:30 to 12:30 . All surg tech schools are all day or 9 to 3 doesn’t fit my schedule will keep searching. @surgicaltechgeek do you feel this program is better than sterile tech?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@lorenzo6899 absolutely!!!!

[@promiseibeabuchi6537]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Please what’s the difference between surgical tech and sterile tech? I’m trying to understand. Thanks

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@promiseibeabuchi6537 scrub tech they do the surgeries. Sterile techs cleans and disinfects the trays.

[@JessicaMachiavelli]

those cards are very useful. I am a visual learner.

[@youreanonshareer]

Hey! CST student here. Love your videos, especially the opening and set up ones, I find them very helpful because you don’t see a lot of those types of videos here on youtube. In addition to schoolwork, do you think it’ll be useful to get to know surgical procedures/steps and (irl) anatomy of body parts really well prior clinicals?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes u need good anatomy and physiology really good. Up to this day, I still use that technique to see what type of instruments I'll use based on the body cavity. And ty for ur support! Hardly ever post those anymore because of how fast paced this job is.

[@lisbeth6090]

Hey everyone! I'm just started my career as a medical assistance on podiatry specialist, every time the provider is coming back of a surgery just make me think and feel the necessity to go for my ST on podiatry too. Should I have to?

[@adventurousbee1072]

Great video! Where did you attend school? How did you feel about the program there?

[@GCXperts]

Hope you can answer what shoes do you recommend for standing long period of times? Also do you wear stocking to alleviate the pressure off of your legs? Thank you again looking into becoming a ST

[@BetsySor]

Hi, Where you buy your flash card at? I can’t find it at Amazon.

[@behindclosedcovers]

So I am thinking about this career path. The only thing is I have a 5 year old and I know that I need the time to study. I am a very disciplined person. I am still thinking about it.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

You got this! It's just discipline.

[@jethrelim-pb7te]

Hi there, love ur videos, how’s the pay rate for surgical tech, I live in NY

[@rudylenelouhandan2739]

How to order this pocket book.

[@alial-haris6090]

What if I were to take an accelerated Surgical tech program not accredited by the CAAHEP. But rather accredited by the COE. Both accreditation agencies are recognized by the Department of Education. Would there be any issues if I went the COE route?

[@sergiogarcia7171]

I'd say call the employer you're looking to work for and if they accept your certification. Some care some don't, but the CAAHEP is most recognized by all employers. Although lately I've seen some positions that will aceept the Ncct certification.

[@living_dead_girl1990]

I work in a hospital as a housekeeper been there 4 years and out of the whole hospital my favorite place is the OR it's a passion , so after 4 years I have decided to take the step to becoming a surgical tech I seem to eat ,sleep, breathe the OR I have a lot of experience cleaning the OR each and everyday in my opinion it most definitely intrigues me and I want to know more and more , which is good and luckily enough my hospital pays for schooling and grants iam so excited eeeek !! Any advice for this first step? Thanks

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

GIRRRRRLLLL speaking into its existence! This is ur sign! Do it!

[@fernandoc2546]

Hi, you are an inspiration to me , I am switching programs and going to start surg tech next month, I am a little nervous about anatomy , I am currently in DA program and am learning the head and neck anatomy for radiographs, I kind of have an idea of what to expect for anatomy , also I saw that psychology is part of the program at my school

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Hey how come da didn't work out? My sister was a da and did dh.

[@nazish.freelancer8568]

I am surgical technologist , I am going to give interview for govt job as surgical technologist, what should I covered for surgical technologist interview?

[@shayflo3678]

I am currently a OR TECH im not certified but got back in ST when the pandemic hit (After 3 years off being out of school with no job offers). I started in OB and transferred to the OR I wanted to know do you have any tips for passing the CST

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Go heavy on anatomy and positioning. I remember they ask a lot of of those that pertains to surgery.

[@chetlynn]

Is it best to get a certification or associate degree for a surgical tech?

[@maylynnpenix5966]

Right I’m saying

[@kurbicksan4917]

Is getting infected with HIV or HEPATITIS C very common? Needle sticks are the only thing holding me back. Thanks I love your channel

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

There's a vaccine for hepc. But obviously you need to be very careful. You're dealing with sharps. I keep an eye on all my sharpest all times.

[@paulinacardenas3008]

Hi 💕 by any chance were you required to take a wonderlic test prior to getting into the program? My school is and I was just curious if anyone else had to. Thanks 🤗

[@jenewalk]

My school in Denver requires everyone take it

[@ravnwilliams1645]

I have to for a school here in AZ

[@Nefertititheegoddess]

I’m currently work in sterile processing i sat in for a transplant surgery and I’m back in school To finish only have microbiology and human anatomy 2 to do until i start clinicals … main goal is to be a cvor tech im a cvor specialist for cvor

[@evansquires727]

Hope u still check the comments! Im 42 and ready to start!!! In Illinois...any tips?

[@stephanierauba4887]

I’m wanting to expand my training & begin to work in the surgical setting before applying to medical schools in a few years (just got my B. S. in premed biology) as I am highly interested in and passionate about neurosurgery. What are your thoughts? I’d love to be a CSFA for a while and go back for my MD later if I’m not fulfilled

[@kitsunefaye1661]

I start January 17th. Nervous and stoked.

[@pikaluv1186]

I start on January 17 too

[@kitsunefaye1661]

@@pikaluv1186 Now ACCESS VR wants me to do a 10 day evaluation smh.

[@tyywitdalocs]

I have a few question, is there a age restriction ? im 17 but I graduated early, what things must I do before I can apply such as, Do I have to go to college or can I just go straight into the program from highschool ? is there any classes I must take while in highschool other than algebra?

[@robertpennington7737]

How do I order your surgical guide book? I have the flash cards but I would love to have the guide book?

[@marianak742]

I'm in LA area , do I have to have prerequisites BEFORE going into surgical tech program? I have an AA from Pierce college.

[@khrystynaarrowsmith2859]

Where is I find these card and the book?

[@yadiragarciasantos3579]

For the final certificate exam. How many times can you retest? or just one time?

[@emmanuelsarmiento5419]

Planning to get surg tech program here at Illinois ate. Good thing is meron itong mga video mo so may mga ideas na ako. Pero ask ko lang po kasi may school dito na nag ooffer 14months and that is diploma. Ask ko lang kung okay din po ba yang diploma compare sa associate degree? Thanksss godbless!!

[@moorenatasha58]

I live in the Tampa Bay area. I heard you mentioned living g in florida I believe. Do you recommend any achools?

[@maykelgaming8064]

Hi am in the tampa bay area did you find a program yet ?

[@ambitiousbeauty1013]

Whats the best kind of facility for a new surgical tech to take up clinicals at?

[@tylerwilliams9792]

Hey just curious. With this profession, do they mandate vaccines?

[@leahw9203]

Hello! I would like to pursue this after extensive research and watching your videos. I have background in nursing prerequisites but never finished. I now manage an Oral Surgery office but I’d really like to get back to hands on medical field work. HOWEVER, I am a mama and I need to keep working. In your opinion, is it really do-able for my situation and is it worth it all? Thank you!! 😊

[@kerabarnett8040]

Can I have the names for the books used please? I would like to preparing myself even though I won’t be enrolling until 2024 as I will be migrating to the US at the end of 2023.

[@JR-oz8se]

what the step you have to take as a high school students??

[@perlacampos562]

What do you think about online courses for this? Are they legit? Are they any good??

[@mayebere56]

I’m 35 and I’ve always dream of becoming a st but now I’m sevens guessing when I saw the “feces” part 😭😂

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Lol it doesn't smell cause most of our patients are cleaned out before surgery. They're npo

[@Chula92]

With a degree as a surgical technologist can you work as a wound care technician.. Do ST’s help with any wounds ? Love the video thx so much

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Hmm probably not

[@Chula92]

Thx so much for your help n reply

[@aishagalore]

So do I need to have a degree before going into a surgical tech program ?

[@krunchykarrot6537]

In the career growth area you mention a "Neuro rep"...what is that? .I searched a bit and couldn't find anything other than med sales reps and stuff. Thanks.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Theyre medical sales rep for neuro related products.

[@DebbieTurner-ob2dp]

Just like Nursing you have to put your life into it with studying

[@luellamarchany3038]

I wanna follow your IG BUT I’m not sure I got what it was. Please post it thank you.

[@tttman4385]

What is the full tuition for this? You didn't tell us

[@HazelMwangi]

Amy i would love to see ur exams and i would gladly share mine

[@Violettinypony]

what do think of preppy for surg tech

[@duhduh14]

ate I'm deciding between ST or an RDH as a career path, what do you think's going to be better?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Both are good!!! Idk much about rdh but my sis bf is RDH.

[@AmandaCook-vj4ob]

Hello, I am in a class where I have to ask questions to a surgical tech. Would you be able to do this?

[@kaiolohia1]

Hi! What’s the difference between a associates program and a certification program?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

One has a degree in case u want to progress the ladder. The other doesn't so u have to start over when u go back to school one day

[@amritadesai9848]

can an international student enroll for it??? can u suggest good college or university

[@nicolecato634]

What is travel cvor?

[@chetlynn]

How much does a surgical tech program cost?

[@SMarie5541]

How does someone become a CVOR Technician?