Have you considered entering the fast-paced world of healthcare as a surgical technologist? As a vital member of operating room teams, surgical techs prepare operating rooms, pass instruments, and assist surgeons during medical procedures. It‘s an exciting profession that launches go-getters into rewarding, stable careers that make a difference in people‘s lives every day.
Charlotte and the surrounding region offers aspiring surgical techs acclaimed training programs, strong job prospects upon graduation, and room for advancing your career over time. This guide takes a comprehensive look at surgical technology as a career path – from insight on accredited programs in Charlotte to a glimpse into a day in the life as a surgical tech. Let‘s get started!
What Exactly is a Surgical Technologist?
Surgical technologists, also called operating room techs or scrub techs, play a critical behind-the-scenes role supporting surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and other operating room personnel before, during and after surgeries. As trusted members of surgical teams, responsibilities include:
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Prepping operating rooms – Surgical techs systematically inspect rooms and equipment, stock necessary supplies, and sterilize/disinfect tools and surfaces to ensure safe, sanitary conditions. They also prepare patients for procedures.
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Assisting during procedures – During operations, techs pass instruments to surgeons in proper order, hold retractors, cut sutures when needed, and complete other key tasks. They closely monitor procedures and anticipate needs of teams.
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Handling specimens/equipment – Surgical techs maintain strict chain of custody of any specimens removed from patients. They also operate sterilization equipment and restock operating rooms after procedures.
It‘s fast-paced work with long periods of standing/bending that requires stellar attention to detail and ability to handle pressure. In return, surgical techs gain immense satisfaction using their specialized skills to help surgeons heal and save lives every day.
Where Do Surgical Technologists Work?
Certified surgical techs are employed in various medical settings requiring operating room teams like:
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Hospitals – Most surgical techs work in hospital operating rooms and delivery rooms assisting with critical procedures. Their duties span a wide range of specialties – from open-heart surgery to joint replacement and emergency trauma care.
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Outpatient surgical centers – These smaller specialty facilities focus on scheduled daytime procedures like eye surgery, kidney dialysis, or endoscopies. Surgical techs prepare single operating suites and assist nurses with patient prep/recovery.
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Obstetrics/gynecology offices – OB/GYN practices employ surgical techs to aid doctors providing reproductive care with duties like setting up examination tools. Labor/delivery nurses may also have surgical tech training.
Why Get Formal Surgical Technology Training in Charlotte?
While some hospitals train surgical techs on the job, completing an accredited program is highly preferred and required by most employers today. Formal training at community colleges and technical schools near Charlotte offers major advantages like:
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Prepares graduates for certification – Graduates qualify to take the national Certified Surgical Technologist exam offered through the NBSTSA. Earning the CST credential proves competency and boosts job prospects.
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Learn in simulated OR environments – Programs provide extensive hands-on labs with working surgical equipment to hone job-ready skills. Some even have partnerships with hospitals for training space.
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Gain clinical experience – Late in programs, students complete clinical rotations working alongside real surgical teams to acclimate to healthcare workplace settings and bolster resumes.
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Enjoy strong job placement – Thanks to developing expertise and connections, over 96% of graduates secure surgical tech positions or continue education within a year of finishing accredited programs.
While exploring programs, verify which offer guaranteed clinical rotations and career placement assistance. Developing real-world experience and professional contacts in school can make launching your career smoother.
Spotlight: Surgical Tech Programs In Charlotte, NC
Charlotte students have access to highly-regarded accredited programs earning either an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or certificate in surgical technology. Here are just a few excellent options:
Piedmont Technical College
Piedmont Tech‘s 65-credit AAS degree arms graduates with baseline knowledge and specialty skills to begin careers as certified surgical techs. The program includes over 1,200 hours mixing classroom instruction, lab simulations, and clinical rotations. Students train using the college‘s mock operating rooms furnished with industry-standard tools and technology. Graduates consistently see 100% job placement.
Davidson-Davie Community College
Those seeking quicker training can complete Davidson-Davie‘s flexible certificate program part-time over 3 semesters including one summer. Students take core professional courses and participate in over 400 hours of clinical experiences. Many graduates continue for one final semester to convert their certificate into an AAS degree.
Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont‘s 69-credit AAS track contains curriculum aligning to recommendations from the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology, 6th Edition. After simulations in the on-campus surgical lab, students complete clinicals across various specialties for real-world experience. Central Piedmont students historically achieve 100% job placement soon after graduation.
Reputable programs like these have excellent community relationships that create clinical training and job placement opportunities for students.
Inside Surgical Technology Programs
While program lengths and formats vary, students can expect certain consistent elements:
Science Foundation – Early courses cover human anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and microbiology to impart foundational medical knowledge. Programs later tie these concepts to surgical applications.
Surgical Instruction – Central courses dive into surgical instrumentation, equipment, fundamental practices/principles involved in surgical procedures across medical disciplines. ASEPSIS protocols preventing infections are also covered in-depth.
Technical Skills – Through assignments in on-campus laboratory spaces mimicking operating rooms, students get abundant hands-on practice with tasks like surgical prep, sterile gloving, setting up instrument trays, laparoscopic simulation, and suturing.
Clinical Rotations – The later phases of programs give students experience in hospital operating rooms across areas like general surgery, labor/delivery, orthopedics, cardiovascular and more. Faculty and hospital preceptors mentor and evaluate students on technical skills and decision-making capabilities.
Upon completing all required credit hours (60+ on average), graduates have the knowledge and expertise for certification exams and entry-level surgical tech jobs. Some credits may also transfer towards earning more advanced nursing degrees later on.
Chris R. – Surgical Tech Graduate Now Working in Charlotte
Chris R. completed Central Piedmont Community College‘s Surgical Technology program and now works as a certified surgical tech at Atrium Health in Charlotte. He provided some advice for succeeding in this career path:
"Getting formal training and certification was crucial for quickly getting hired at a major hospital like Atrium. The clinical rotations also let me experience workflow and environment at such facilities. Now on the job, the hands-on labs and science courses really help me anticipate instrument needs, ensure sterile fields, and communicate with surgeons as skilled assistants."
Chris adds that surgical techs should be ready for fast-paced, physical work:
"It‘s a very active role where you‘re on your feet for hours – you have to enjoy that aspect. Being part of a cohesive OR team is also vital, so brush up on communication and people skills before finishing school."
Vital Signs: Job Outlook for Surgical Techs
The job outlook for surgical technologists looks extremely promising across North Carolina fueled by an aging population requiring more procedures, and surgical center expansion amid rising rates of chronic conditions.
Projections show 15% growth in surgical tech jobs in NC through 2026 – more than double the average for all occupations. Open positions exist across urban and rural regions offering geographic flexibility.
Average pay reaches nearly $50,000 annually for surgical techs in Charlotte hospitals – higher than national rates. With possibilities to move into specialty procedures, management or teaching later on, six-figure salaries become attainable for some over their career lifespan.
Countdown to Launching Your Surgical Tech Career
Once you‘ve researched programs and narrowed down top choices, what‘s the general timeline for starting your surgical tech training and career? Here‘s a step-by-step overview:
1. Prepare applications – Designated program application periods normally run Jan – June for Fall enrollment. Have transcripts, test scores, essays ready to meet admission requirements.
2. Start courses – Programs generally span 5-7 semesters including summers with clinicals occurring later on. Upon accepting offers, secure reliable transportation for potential off-site training.
3. Do clinical rotations – During your second year, complete 200-500+ hours of hands-on clinical experiences across hospital departments under professional guidance.
4. Pass certification exam – Sit for the NBSTSA‘s CST exam shortly before or upon graduation. Programs help set up tests.
5. Get job ready – Leverage career centers at schools to polish resumes/interview skills and apply for surgical tech job openings in desired cities.
6. Land exciting OR job! – With degree, certification, interview prep and persistence, connect with your dream hospital, surgery center or obstetrics office to launch your healthcare career!
The entire journey from starting school to securing that initial surgical tech job generally spans 18-24 months. While intensive, it‘s immensely rewarding helping surgical teams perform life-saving work.
How Much Does Surgical Tech Training Cost?
Surgical technology programs offered at North Carolina community colleges and technical schools provide affordable tuition plus assistance accessing federal and state funding resources.
Published 2022-2023 annual tuition and fees for top Charlotte-area programs break down as:
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Piedmont Technical College – $5,616 total for NC residents to complete 65-credit AAS degree
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Davidson-Davie Community College – $2,384 total for NC residents to complete initial certificate program
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Central Piedmont Community College – $5,816 total for NC residents to complete 69-credit AAS degree
These costs span 5-7 semesters of full-time enrollment. Many students attend part-time to balance work/life demands which extends timeframes but costs remain similar.
Surgical technology students also have excellent chances of qualifying for financial assistance through channels like:
- Federal Pell Grants (up to $6,895 annually based on financial need)
- North Carolina Community College Grant Program – ($700+ per semester for NC residents)
- North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship – (Covers remaining tuition/fees for Pell Grant recipients)
- Institutional scholarships and tuition discounts
Don‘t let money concerns deter you – significant aid opportunities exist! Schools also offer advising to help students access funding and develop reasonable budgets for completing training.
Ready to Learn More? Reach Out Now!
If a career as a surgical technologist appeals to your interests and strengths, Charlotte‘s exceptional training programs await motivated applicants like you. These accredited programs serve as direct pipelines into rewarding, stable work environments at hospitals and surgery centers across the region.
As the first step on an exciting career path, contact program directors to discuss enrollment requirements, explore curriculum details, schedule tours, and get questions answered.
Top Charlotte programs welcome your interest and are happy to guide prospective surgical technologists like you towards success! Reach out today to jumpstart your healthcare journey!