Surgical Technologist Certification
Become a Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technologist Resources…
- Surgical Technologist Certification
- Duties and Statistics: Surgical Technologist
- Related Patient Care Careers
Certification is an outside validation that your skills are well developed and up-to-date. As such, it can be to your advantage in the job market. Probably the most rigorous certification process is the one offered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. In order to sit for exams, you must supply proof of graduation from an accredited program. Once you feel sure you are ready, you can schedule an exam session. You can find a content outline and recommended texts on the NBSTA site. A practice examination is also available for a small fee. Passing the exam confers the title Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Certification must be renewed every four years. You may renew by retaking the exam or providing evidence of having completed the necessary continuing education units.
Certification is also available through the National Center for Competency Testing. Education and clinical experience will qualify you to take the certifying exam. There are some alternate routes to eligibility through the NCCT. The organization will allow you to sit for exams if you have seven years of recent experience or are licensed in another health care field and have extensive experience in surgical technology. If you are not sure of your eligibility, you will want to contact the board. Successful completion of NCCT standards confers the title Tech in Surgery-Certified. Recertification is required every year. You must do 12 clock hours of continuing education.
Realize that employers may not look at all certifications equally. Check job ads in your geographical region to see if they specify a particular certification.
You may use your educational and work experience to acquire advanced competency in a particular field. Some techs specialize in open heart surgery or neurosurgery. A surgical technologists can also advance by taking additional classwork and becoming a surgical first assistant.
