How To Become A Traveling Surgical Tech: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you a surgical tech who loves to travel? If so, then becoming a traveling surgical tech could be the perfect career for you. Not only do you get to work in your chosen profession, but you also get to see the world while doing it. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about becoming a traveling surgical tech.
First, let's discuss the basics of what a traveling surgical tech is. Essentially, a traveling surgical tech is a healthcare professional who travels to different healthcare facilities to assist with surgeries. This could be for a short-term assignment or a long-term contract. The goal is to provide surgical tech services to facilities that need them, whether it's due to a shortage of staff or an increase in patient volume. As a traveling surgical tech, you can work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to outpatient clinics to ambulatory surgical centers.
Now, let's dive into the steps you can take to become a traveling surgical tech.
Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a traveling surgical tech is to complete an accredited surgical tech program. These programs typically take 9-24 months to complete and result in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. During your program, you will learn about surgical procedures, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and patient care. You will also complete clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience in a surgical setting.
After completing your program, you will need to pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam to become certified. This exam is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and covers topics such as patient care, surgical procedures, and sterilization techniques.
Experience
In addition to your educational requirements, you will also need to gain experience as a surgical tech. Most traveling surgical tech positions require at least 2-3 years of experience in a surgical setting. This experience will help you develop your skills and become comfortable working in different surgical environments.
You can gain experience by working in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or ambulatory surgical center. You can also seek out opportunities to work in different surgical specialties, such as orthopedics, neurology, or cardiovascular surgery. The more experience you have, the more attractive you will be to potential employers.
Licensure and Certifications
Once you have completed your educational requirements and gained experience, you will need to obtain any necessary licensure and certifications. This varies by state and employer, so it's important to research the requirements for the areas and facilities you are interested in working in.
For example, some states require surgical techs to be licensed or registered, while others do not. Some facilities may also require additional certifications, such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Make sure you are aware of all the requirements before applying for a traveling surgical tech position.
Conclusion
Becoming a traveling surgical tech can be an exciting and rewarding career choice for those who love to travel and work in healthcare. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can position yourself for success in this field. Remember to complete an accredited surgical tech program, gain experience, obtain any necessary licensure and certifications, and stay up-to-date on industry trends and advancements.
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Complete an accredited surgical tech program |
| 2 | Gain experience in a surgical setting |
| 3 | Obtain any necessary licensure and certifications |
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