How To Become a Surgical Tech in 2023 | Recommended Online Surgical Tech Program

[@SurgicalTechTips]

📌📌Click Here To Know More About Preppy: StartSurgicalTech.com

[@andreavanhoof6047]

How do I volunteer as a surgical tech?

[@CindyOnell]

Wow. I enrolled in Preppy's Surgical Program some time ago, and I absolutely love it. I was looking for an online program and Preppy is miles ahead. Not surprised you recommended it. 😁

[@Keith-xc9wf]

That's great but did they really find u the externship and rotations you need to rack up your hours? Or did u find the externship yourself? Wondering how hospitals or surgery centers feel about online students?

[@kellyd1831]

How was the course I’m debating taking the course. Is this accredited? Were you able to find an externship ? Thank You

[@Keith-xc9wf]

@@kellyd1831 she never answers probably a robot

[@markroman9007]

@@kellyd1831did you end up doing it ?

[@kariaglow1482]

How’s the program going

[@MonthsBestProduction]

I’m taking online and in person classes and I love it so far!

[@elliemayochozero5838]

What school

[@elimelechs.l3246]

What school

[@Angel-gk3jt]

I remember watching your first “how to become a surgical technologist video” and all your other videos before deciding to go to school for it, a few month later I’ve taken my pre-reqs and have been accepted into a program! I start clinical in 2 months. I missed your videos, glad to see you’re back!

[@calvin4959]

Did you graduate yet? How is it going?

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@Angel-gk3jt]

@@calvin4959 I graduated from my program but I test for certification tomorrow! And I actually have a position at a hospital once I pass certification. :)

[@calvin4959]

@@RyanGlass4 I'm so sorry this has happened to you. I do thank you in advance for providing us with insight on your experience. I pray you receive job offer swiftly.

[@RyanGlass4]

@@calvin4959 Thank you so much! I really appreciate that

[@moniquem3738]

I am looking forward to Lord willing taking this program. I have been looking into this program on and off for about 10 years.

[@elimelechs.l3246]

Me too

[@MadHunt95]

I was so so happy to see you post! I had been watching your videos for a while now and I finally managed through my generals and got into the Surg Tech program! I'm learning so much and enjoying all of it! I wanted you to know your videos are such a great resource!❤

[@SurgicalTechTips]

I'm so glad!

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@cori3394]

⁠​⁠@@RyanGlass4 thanks for posting this. I have been interested in becoming a surgical tech but have a full time job now so wanted something mostly online but don’t want to get stuck in a situation where I do all the time and find out I can’t get a job bc of those reasons. Is the only way to get NBSTSA to get a degree or are there other options?

[@andrewveitch8515]

This is a good resource for hospitals who want to train their own techs and need an online didactic portion of the training. I think the biggest obstacle is showing up to do ones clinicals (as you mentioned) and not having ever set foot in a hospital , let alone an OR environment before. I frequently precept Surgical tech students as a scrub RN here, and when they come to my specialty service line they already know how to glove, gown, drape , set up a basic back table and mayo independently so I only have to teach them the specifics of the speciality (neuro) . I think it would be VERY hard for preceptors to find time during a busy list to teach and demonstrate all the basic principles when they are expected to keep the case moving and lists getting done unless taken out of the count and using a room which is not in use and dedicating time to teach all of this to the new student. This concept really puts the onus on the hospital staff (CSTs and RN preceptors) to ensure the success of the student and most would be unlikely to want to invest the time etc when the student was not being brought on as an employee.

[@Keith-xc9wf]

Yes I can totally see that but for someone who doesn't have hospital job or connections I do wonder how they will be accepted for an externship as just an online student with no hands on labs . 🤔 Hmmm

[@SurgicalTechTips]

I mean, RN's have 0 experience in scrubbing and most have never entered an OR, but some have to learn on the job...

[@psalmsurfer1]

@@Keith-xc9wf the externship will be the hands on labs lol

[@angelgirl3188]

@@SurgicalTechTipsthis!!! Exactly!!!! And people take the time to train them of what to do. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@silkstrings]

When I was in high school I was interested being a surgical tech and I’m enrolled in Concorde’s surgical tech program and they have online for prerequisites and it’s so great thank you for getting me interested in this field

[@rebeccamarsh-n2p]

Here in the uk you just study a 3 year operating department practice course. Alternatively you can just do your degree in nursing then theatrd nursing is on the job training with 6 months anaesthetic training. Also you can do a degree as a surgical care practitioner after your degree. You dont have to do a nurse degree to become a surgical tech. The hospitals here in the uk are know employing you are a care assistant then after 1-2 years you are allowed to apply for a degree as an apprentice the hospital pays in full. Here in uk you also have to specify which speciality you would like to take child, adult, mental health, maternity. Adult is the most popular route.

[@jodydille8612]

The route I took almost 25 years ago was through a navy school. I spent alot of time as a bullet sponge on security while standing watch when on deployment with the marines.when I got out I had to relearn to be a surgical tech....

[@X420BlazeNoScope]

Leave the dead end job and be one of those black water guys that makes 100 something k a year

[@erikalynnn4440]

After working in a level 1 trauma then a non trauma hospital, I am so happy I switched to a surgery center! An the no call is a plus lol

[@ARAVance]

Lot less money I’m sure call adds up and makes a difference

[@erikalynnn4440]

@@ARAVance actually I’m making more now than I was with call. I like not having to live my life around call. To each their own

[@SurgicalTechTips]

Not having to live your life around taking call is huge. The amount of call I was taking was equivalent to around 20k a year, it hurt to take the hit leaving that, but you reach a point in life where what you do outside of work starts to matter more than the money.

[@X420BlazeNoScope]

Call fucking sucks, get called in the middle of the night for some stupid shit that could've waited for regular hours. But what do I know I'm just a stupid cst

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@billyrubin3108]

Experience is everything with scrubbing surgical cases. It’s a highly skilled job that requires utmost effort and time to learn all specialties of surgery.

[@InsideSurgery]

Nothing better then that live & direct hands on experience in the O.R.

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@mixxxothernandez9643]

@@RyanGlass4Thanks you ❤

[@hanton741]

I love seeing you again after a long time. Thank you for being an inspiration and a good teacher.

[@SurgicalTechTips]

Thank you! 😃

[@Keith-xc9wf]

I really hope Auburn/ Preppy works because CSTs are amazingly short here in Minnesota. Many facilities offering $5,000 sign ons!

[@SurgicalTechTips]

Yeah, its quite short in a lot of places right now!

[@psalmsurfer1]

sign me up! I;ll do Preppy tomorrow! lol

[@ryancaffrey7600]

@@psalmsurfer1how is it

[@qbrichness9840]

​@psalmsurfer1 did you do it?

[@Keith-xc9wf]

No

[@karinapulido1056]

Can you make a video for new grads about applying to jobs, what to add on resumes, and give advice on the interview process please? I am two weeks away from finishing clinical’s 🥳

[@Keith-xc9wf]

Can't your school career center or your teachers or clinical mentors help you with that? 😅😅😅

[@patnelson2091]

You forgot one other option--military experience. I joined the Army Reserves back in 1981 and got my training through them, while getting paid. I have not worked in the hospital in 20 years but I just got my certification through NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting), who told me that I was qualified to sit for their exam because Military training in the OR doesn’t have an expiration date!! Hallelujah!

[@LindsayC-LVT]

This was super helpful for me. I am a licensed veterinary technician who is looking to get into the human medical field. I have experience in both imaging and surgery at my current equine clinic. I was hoping to become a radiology technologist, but all of the programs are full time, 2yrs long and very expensive. I cannot afford a 3rd round of school without working while i go! I think the online program might be a good solution for me since I am familiar with being inside of an OR (even if the patient isn't human) and understand sterile fields and techniques. I appreciate your insight into this and am going to strongly consider trying Preppy.

[@jacindalugo2827]

Same. RVT trying to get into human health care with spending 2 to 4 years or lots of money.

[@X420BlazeNoScope]

Don't do it, cst is literally a dead end job

[@nataliavillalobos3184]

This is a great news for me! I went to college in Colombia for Surgical Assistant Training. When I came to the US I realized that i had to go to school again which was unfair because I got my degree and i had 10 year of experience in the field. But now I have a hop bc i really did not want to study again from the beginning. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@gyoung185]

Thank you for sharing. Ive been looking into surgical tech. The college in hawaii ( Kapi'olani Community College) dont offer certification for surgical tech anymore..They're short on instructors. Glad I ran into your video.

[@abigailsolivar1915]

Hey, kinda weird for messaging. I get it if u don’t respond but I live on Oahu and I was just really curious.. did you end up enrolling to the online program he mentioned? and how is that going for you if you did?

[@itsmissyd7]

Has anyone went through Preppy for this? I'm a bit skeptical because I went through an online sterile processing technician program that claimed to offer clinical placement but once I passed and completed the course, passed the national exam provisionally, they said that they couldn't help me with an externship because I was not located in a state that they had hospital affiliations with. I can't move out of state so I wasted $ for nothing and no hospitals in my area ever heard of the place so they wouldn't give me a chance. My ultimate goal was to become a surgical tech. I ended up a physical therapy aide for now.

[@SurgicalTechTips]

There was another comment on the video here of another person that's gone through preppy with success. Talking with the owner of preppy he stated a high percentage of students placed at externship sites ended up with a full-time job there as well. Before paying any money at all, I would reach out to preppy to make sure they have an affiliated externship site close to you. I would never sign up for a course if I didn't know I had somewhere to do an externship.

[@latrendadriver]

What the number we call for preppy

[@psalmsurfer1]

to piggy back on STT's comment I talked to a rep for Preppy the other day and she said because they are affiliated with Auburn Univ. Auburn staff are the ones responsible for setting up your externship once you pass the exam

[@psalmsurfer1]

@@latrendadriver the link is in the description like he said

[@sirensorceress93]

​@@SurgicalTechTipsis that the best we can do? Take their word for it? How can I do my due diligence? Should I contact local facilities near me? I don't want to harass potential employers.

[@OrbitalEccentricity28]

I’m trying so hard to get into a surgical tech role as clinical experience for med school and it’s sooo challenging.

[@snakesonn3590]

More interviews with some surgeons would be awesome to see on this channel

[@sunnybearbuds]

My AS was about $8,000; it was accredited by CAAHEP and the exam fee was included.

[@Lo_gic]

Great, which school?

[@sunnybearbuds]

@@Lo_gic It's in Miami

[@nicoleanderson3435]

I’m not sure I could do an online program in this field. The hands on training is a must to learn set-ups and flow. It’s awesome though that it’s an option because my program is $37,000.

[@psalmsurfer1]

yea..not every person has an extra 37k under the bed in a tin box lying around lol

[@nicoleanderson3435]

@@psalmsurfer1 Lol, I’m definitely gonna take advantage of my hospitals student loan payoff program.

[@PaullHutchh]

Great video thank you!!! Hoping to become a surg tech one day!

[@SurgicalTechTips]

Best of luck!

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@MarcJacob-do4dh]

Thanks for your video very informative..only question I have for you is I’m a young 52 year old man looking to change careers and working in the healthcare field especially O.R excites me..I’m just a little hesitant cause of my age and I would have to take an online course because of my circumstances I would still have to work to support my family. Do you my age playing a factor? Do you see others starting later in life at this career ? Your feedback would be appreciated and also your brutal honesty would be even more appreciated. Thank you sir for your time and videos

[@SurgicalTechTips]

I've seen career changes in the mid 40's to this, but not 50's. I would say if you're a very active 52 and would have no issues standing and lifting things for potentially very long periods you would be fine. A hospital may be hesitant to hire at that age, but surgery centers and clinic's wouldn't.

[@psalmsurfer1]

@@SurgicalTechTips why would surgery centers and clinics be more willing to hire at that age vs.hospital setting? demand?

[@keepitapostolic.]

Do you know anyone who has used Preppy and gotten a job? I did some research, and the program is through Auburn University which is accredited, but I'm still skeptical. I just don't want to waste money.

[@rickhaynes2734]

Awesome tutorials, sir! Do you happen to know of any Pre-1977 CST's that are still current and actively employed?

[@zubaidahdexter1242]

Thank you for your honest opinion.

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@KeishlaMariex3]

im interested in becoming a CST im hoping i can get into School of health science they are the only school in my area, please wish me luck Also would you be able to do a video on the school on there qualifications etc it would be good help, your channel is very educational keep posting more videos please we are here for it lol

[@ejpitts22]

Hi there - any guidance out there about the size of the needle driver vs the size of the needle?

[@ashleyyorgason1518]

So helpful, thank you!

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@stephanieabdul8860]

Thank you

[@JayHarvey_]

Is preppy an accredited program, and would you have any information on Health tech academy thanks a lot.

[@angiefolks-k8p]

Hi! Can you give us books or test question books to buy to study. Thx

[@evansquires727]

Yessss!!!

[@pghcraig]

If your state requires certification - DO NOT DO PREPPY - their certification would not be recognized. Even then, most hospitals would never hire you - especially if they at Joint Commission Accredited. You will get no clinical practice either. I've seen lots of hurt and wasted money.

[@nickr2714]

Does this count for CA?

[@Wallyka1007]

Thank you!

[@ricardobrown18]

That's not true

[@Wallyka1007]

@@ricardobrown18 explain

[@ricardobrown18]

@@Wallyka1007 preppy is accredited

[@DollEllaBell]

Do you think health tech academy is a good program? They offer a surgery tech program that's accredited by the NCCT.

[@rquinn0111]

Not all programs are accredited, which is necessary for certification. And in some states, you must be certified or grandfathered in. It's important to do you research into these programs.

[@SurgicalTechTips]

100% Ill be doing another video on the differences between the NBSTSA, NCCT, and NCST certifications.

[@KevinBeza.]

Has anyone done the preppy program? I’m looking into it but would like some feedback I’ve heard mixed reviews on it, I’m currently an SPD tech at a surgery center but was looking into surgical tech! Thank you in advance

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@ihabmidhat]

I did you ever heard about the certification they offer. The AhA

[@jessariianelson9521]

How is the math aspect of it? I’m not the best at math and I very interested in this career or sterile processing tech?

[@SurgicalTechTips]

No math involved at all. I always hated math and was terrible at it.

[@ButterflyEffect3258]

Can you list accredited states? What programming is used most in robot assist surgery? Can you tell me what company works on these machines? Ty

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@smuend]

I started ST prog in fall of '21 after watching these vids. clinicals were fun. intro jobs are not local and require moving to be on call...now I'm bending steel for a living. Learned a lot, but ultimately a waste of time and money.

[@RyanGlass4]

Do your research before paying for the preppy course. I have completed it and then passed my Certification exam through American Allied Health and I have applied to so many jobs and have only gotten two offers and one of the jobs is an hour and a half away from me. To say that this was a let down and misleading is an understatement. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. My best bet now is to take my NCCT exam in hopes that it will open up more doors but the NBSTSA is the certification that employers hold in highest regard. So it looks like even if i get the NCCT certification that it still comes second to the NBSTSA and where i'm living the NBSTSA is the only one that is accepted which is why im having so much trouble landing a job. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH

[@jasmineh2741]

How was the program and the externship?

[@RyanGlass4]

@@jasmineh2741 did you not read my comment?

[@jasmineh2741]

@RyanGlass4 Yes I did. You had a bad experience because you didn't do your research, but you did not explain how the program actually was. The issue you had seems to have nothing to do with the program.

[@ThegreatIAm444]

Do preppy accept international application for online. We do have hospitals in my country i can do my practicals. I live in the Caribbean. Or maybe i could get a student visa to come over for clinicals Also, where can i do my externship as i do live in the Caribbean

[@abelalvarez9500]

Soy un-International Medical Graduated and Urologist. Quisiera saber si hay cursos en línea aquí en USA de surgical tech.Que recomienda . Solo necesito la certificación ya que tengo experiencia de 20 anos operando en la especialidad de urología Tengo la Certification de Certified surgical First Assistant por ABSA pero es deficit aquí en Austin buscar trabajo como surgical assistant. Hay muchas vacantes de CST Certified Surgical Tech ,por eso estoy interesado en su orientation

[@dorotheadixon9294]

Si usted ya es médico, por qué buscas estudiar para ser un instrumentista (surgical technician)? Se puede hacer eso como médico? Yo pregunto porque yo también soy International Medical Graduate y estoy ahora trabajando como un instrumentista (surgical technician) y estoy pensando en tener este título hasta lograr ser médico. Pero como usted ya es médico, igual, vale la pena tener este título?

[@youareaccepted9473]

Preppy's accreditation(Auburn Univ) is currently only accepted by NCCT.

[@YouTubechannel-fy9lb]

What does that mean?

[@janinepolanco319]

I called and they said it’s accepted by NCST or am I confusing what you’re saying?

[@madisonm623]

@@janinepolanco319 People with the TS-C credential are prohibited by law from working in some states. There are many states that require graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program and the Certified Surgical Technologist credential from the NBSTSA. The CST is the only credential recognized by the American College of Surgeons, the Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety, and the Association of Surgical Technologists.

[@elimelechs.l3246]

Is that good or bad

[@michaelbaker7938]

Do you have to pay for this stuff up front or do they have a selection where they take it out if your salary once you start working?

[@amritadesai9848]

what are the prospects for international student???

[@kurbicksan4917]

Can you tell people to stop getting into surgical technology if they can't handle stress, people giving you orders, I'm tired of training new grads who only last a week because the job is to much for them.

[@BrennanJspencer]

Dr's need a lesson in manners.

[@Janay23]

@@BrennanJspencer exactly!! I changed departments not because I couldn’t handle the stress, and pressure, but because the staff were a$$holes, including the doctors. Being told “if you want us to care about you, be an RN” can get to you. 😂

[@InsideSurgery]

Agreed, its just not only in the medical field certain job sectors & departments you may run into people & situations like that. Tis life everyone has different tolerate levels

[@jkwalia2121]

Being a doc is also stressful lol

[@PaulPirlot]

@@Janay23 - Unfortunately, due to disabilities suffered on active duty I cannot tolerate the physical demands of being on my feet in the OR. Instead, I perform tasks as an administrative/clerical assistant in the OR as well as PACU/POHA units. The difference between OR & PACU/POHA are night and day.

[@julespenny5445]

Not all online Surgical Technology programs provide hospitals to get the required clinical cases at. They leave that up to the student. Not all states allow this.

[@SurgicalTechTips]

Agreed! That's why I was surprised with the Preppy people, they find the externship site for you which I thought was great.

[@stephanielake1359]

Not to mention some places just done have the ability to train well rounded techs. The smaller hospital I relocated to Hawaii to work in 3 years ago does not do CV or neuro. Needless to say the junior college on my island doesn’t teach surgical technology.

[@Keith-xc9wf]

​@@SurgicalTechTipsbut do they really find the externships? I'm skeptical. U can't even sit for the exam without at least 125 hours of hands on clinicals. I can't imagine hospitals taking on an online student for clinical rotations hmmm

[@madisonm623]

Some states require graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program and the Certified Surgical Technologist credential from the NBSTSA. An externship site won't get around this requirement.

[@SeekTruth70x7]

I just graduated from an FA school, anything else i could study before taking the big exam?

[@SurgicalTechTips]

I just dove hard into the book resources I had from school.

[@lloydpetrie366]

Do you need to a be registered nurse or nursing graduate to be able to take the surgical technology certification?

[@amywaltermyer4242]

No

[@sunnybearbuds]

For NBSTSA, your school needs to have been accredited by CAAHEP while you were in the program, then you can sit for the exam.

[@crickeditzz]

00:01 Three ways to become a surgical technologist in 2023 01:14 Consider online surgical tech programs for flexibility and accessibility. 02:31 Certification programs for Surgical Tech now require associate degree programs. 03:44 Online surgical tech programs offer flexibility and cost savings. 04:55 Preppy offers an opportunity for formal education for aspiring surgical techs. 06:12 Online surgical tech programs are affordable and provide externship opportunities 07:22 Hands-on training is essential for success as a surgical tech 08:37 Research online surgical tech programs before choosing

[@X420BlazeNoScope]

Don't become a surgical tech, it's a dead end job! No advancement! After a couple years you'll get capped on pay! Nothing from cst will transfer over! You get treated like dog shit from literally everyone , ie: surgeons,pa,RN you get the idea. If you want to do something medical there are better options. Seriously I've been doing this shit for 10+ years now. Yes I've tried leaving this dead end job several timea, nothing has panned out for me

[@andreavanhoof6047]

without going to school

[@sylviemcritchie6258]

*Promo sm*

[@Lo_gic]

Can anyone please talk about the program in relation to international students. Thank you