A Surgical Technologist (ST), often called a surgical scrub, is a skilled allied health professional working within the operating room alongside surgeons, registered nurses, and anesthesiologists. Their function is to ensure a safe, sterile environment and to facilitate the smooth execution of a surgical procedure. The technologist is responsible for preparing the operating room by sterilizing and arranging surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies before the patient arrives. During the operation, the ST anticipates the surgeon’s needs, passing instruments and supplies, maintaining the sterile field, and accounting for all items to prevent foreign objects from being left inside the patient.
Required Credentials for Surgical Technology
The most common educational paths to become a surgical technologist are an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, a Certificate program, or a Diploma program. All three credentials prepare graduates for entry-level employment, but they differ primarily in their length and the inclusion of general education coursework. Certificate or Diploma programs are generally the most focused and can often be completed in a shorter period, sometimes as quickly as 9 to 12 months. These programs concentrate almost exclusively on technical surgical skills, surgical procedures, and the principles of asepsis (maintaining a sterile field).
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree typically takes about 18 to 24 months to complete because it includes a broader range of general education classes. These courses often cover subjects such as English, humanities, and mathematics, alongside the core curriculum of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. The AAS degree may offer more long-term career mobility. However, both the certificate/diploma and the associate degree make a graduate eligible to sit for the national certification exam.
Program Quality and Timeline
Accreditation Requirements
Regardless of the credential type chosen, a program’s accreditation status determines its quality and the graduate’s eligibility for certification. Programs must be accredited by a recognized national body, most commonly the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accreditation ensures the curriculum meets nationally established standards for content and quality, guaranteeing proper instruction in areas like patient care, surgical instrumentation, and sterile techniques.
Clinical Experience and Certification Eligibility
Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program is the standard requirement to be eligible to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Without graduation from an accredited program, a person is generally ineligible for the CST exam, which can severely limit job prospects. All programs, regardless of duration, include intensive supervised clinical experience in operating rooms, providing necessary hands-on practice.
Certification to Practice
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam
After completing an education program, obtaining professional certification is the next step. The most recognized credential is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This certification requires passing a rigorous national examination, which is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge and competency across the entire scope of surgical technology practice. The exam typically consists of 175 questions and demonstrates mastery of the foundational scientific principles and technical skills required for the role.
Importance and Maintenance
While education provides the academic credential, the CST certification is a professional credential highly valued by employers. A number of states regulate the profession, making certification mandatory for employment. Even in states without such regulations, the CST credential serves as a mark of professionalism and competence, often making certified candidates more competitive in the job market. Maintaining this certification requires the surgical technologist to complete a set number of continuing education credits every two years or to retake the certifying examination.