Have you considered launching an exciting and meaningful career in healthcare? As a surgical technologist in Charleston, South Carolina, you would play a vital role in life-changing operations. But you likely have questions:
- What degree programs in Charleston can set me on this career path?
- What exactly does a surgical tech do day-to-day?
- Where could I find jobs after completing training?
This in-depth career guide answers all those questions and more on entering the lucrative surgical technology field specifically in the Charleston area. Let‘s get started!
Charleston‘s Thriving Healthcare Sector Needs Surgical Techs
The greater Charleston area has emerged as a regional healthcare hub. An aging population and influx of new residents has fueled expansion of major hospital networks like Roper St. Francis Healthcare and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). In fact, MUSC‘s flagship hospital completed a $400 million renovation just last year to accommodate skyrocketing patient demand.
With Charleston medical facilities conducting over 50,000 surgeries annually, demand for surgical support staff keeps growing. Qualified surgical technologists earn strong salaries right out of accredited college programs while enjoying low cost-of-living expenses in South Carolina. The career outlook for Charleston surgical techs also shines brightly – the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 16.4% nationwide surgical tech job growth by 2030.
In other words, Charleston presents an ideal city to launch your surgical technology career!
Which Charleston Surgical Tech Programs Make the Cut?
While on-the-job training was once common, completing an accredited surgical tech college program better prepares students for certification exams and career success.
Here are two reputable Charleston-area picks:
Trident Technical College – Trident’s advanced 68-credit surgical technology diploma track provides everything you need succeed. Course topics span instrumentation, sterilization, anatomy and surgical procedures. You’ll also complete over 650 practical clinical hours for hands-on experience.
Southeastern Institute – Conveniently located in North Charleston, Southeastern Institute confers an Associate of Science degree in surgical technology. The 73-credit curriculum covers operating room protocols, medical terminology, pharmacology, microbiology and clinical practice.
Both Trident Technical College and Southeastern Institute will equip you with the training necessary to confidently begin your surgical technology career in Charleston.
A Day in the Life: Surgical Tech Responsibilities
Ever wondered what it‘s actually like to work as a surgical technologist? Let‘s explore some of your core duties:
Before surgery, you will sterilize operating rooms and layout specialized instruments like scalpels, retractors and sutures. It’s crucial to have the appropriate equipment for the surgery type at hand when the surgeon needs it.
As the surgery kicks off, you’ll fulfill essential assistant duties like prepping incision sites, helping anesthetize patients and handing tools to surgeons. Your vigilant support ensures procedures run smoothly. During minimally invasive operations, surgical techs even operate advanced equipment like video cameras and robotic surgery systems.
After the surgery concludes, you’ll account for all materials and specimens, restock supplies and carefully clean operating rooms. Precision and safety is key!
The fast-paced hospital environment keeps surgical techs on their toes. But it’s extremely fulfilling to enable life-changing operations.
Where Could You Find Surgical Tech Work in Charleston?
Given the breadth of Charleston‘s healthcare network, surgical tech graduates enjoy no shortage of job options, such as:
- Major health systems – Roper St. Francis Healthcare, MUSC Medical Center, East Cooper Medical Center
- Ambulatory surgery centers – East Cooper Surgical Center, Physicians Day Surgery Center
- Orthopedic and specialty clinics – Charleston Knee & Hip Center, Vision Eye Institute
- Emergency/trauma hospitals – MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital
Many surgical techs start their careers at large community hospitals to build foundational skills. Later they may transition into specialty surgery centers for exciting new challenges!
How Can Surgical Techs Move Up the Ranks in Charleston?
Surgical technologists play such a vital support role that extensive room exists for advancement, which boosts income potential.
With further certification surgical techs can reach new heights as lead techs, surgical equipment representatives and technologists specializing in coveted sub-fields like cardiovascular surgery.
Additionally, Charleston surgical techs can propel their careers by becoming:
- Surgical assistants – First assistants take on expanded duties like suturing, sponge counts and camera operation during procedures.
- OR managers – Oversee operating room administrative functions, coordinate teams, enforce safety protocols.
- Surgical tech instructors – Share hard-won knowledge and mentorship with the next generation of students.
The opportunities are wide open in Charleston!
How Much Do Charleston Surgical Techs Typically Earn?
Surgical tech compensation reflects the specialized, in-demand skillset they bring to the table. According to 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average annual pay for surgical techs nationally lands at $48,300.
However, Charleston surgical techs tend to earn more thanks to South Carolina‘s low cost of living:
- Entry-level surgical tech average salary – $38,000
- Surgical techs with 5+ years experience – $58,000+
And bonuses, overtime pay, seniority increases and benefits packages can bump total compensation even higher!
What Steps Should You Take to Become a Certified Tech?
While South Carolina has no statewide certification requirements, the gold-standard Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential is highly recommended by most hospitals.
Here’s how to obtain it:
- Graduate from an accredited surgical tech diploma or degree program
- Pass the CST exam covering surgical principles/practice
- Complete 50 hours continuing education every 4 years
Gaining this certification demonstrates the knowledge and dedication to provide top-tier patient care during surgery. It will set any Charleston surgical tech apart in the job market!
Launch a Rewarding Career as a Charleston Surgical Tech
Now that you know accredited training programs, job duties, work settings, advancement opportunities, salary expectations and steps to gaining certification – are you ready to start your Charleston surgical technology career?
The thriving Charleston healthcare sector offers incredible stability with extensive room for career development. And making a direct difference in life-saving operations brings immense reward.
Reach out to surgical tech diploma and degree programs in the Charleston region today to get the ball rolling!