How to Become a Surgical Tech in Connecticut

Many professionals are working in the surgery room and ensuring everything goes smoothly.

Some of them are:

• Surgeons
• Anesthesia Specialists
• Surgical Nurses
• Surgical Technicians

Their collaborative efforts span from the preoperative phase to the conclusion of the surgical procedure.

So, what are the duties of a surgical technician in Connecticut?

Surgical Technologist Role and Responsibilities

A surgical technologist shoulders a range of responsibilities during their work shift.

These duties encompass:

• Preparing patients for surgery
• Transporting patients to and from the OR
• Preparing the OR with surgical equipment and supplies
• Monitoring the instrument count throughout surgery
• Handing the surgeon medical instruments
• Closing wounds and bandaging patients

It’s important to note that the duties of a surgical technologist extend beyond this list.

Training and Education for Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists are primarily accountable to their employers rather than any specific institution.

However, securing this profession is not without its challenges, necessitating a closer examination of the process.

The journey to becoming a surgical technologist commences with a high school diploma or the achievement of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

The subsequent steps involve enrolling in a training program tailored to this profession.

It’s vital to recognize that success in this field relies on both educational and clinical training.

Numerous institutions offer such comprehensive training across Connecticut.

While specific enrollment prerequisites may vary, many of them share common coursework:

• Microbiology
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR),
• Basic Life Support (BLS),
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification

Let’s explore some of the institutions offering these programs!

Housatonic Community College

At this College, an exciting journey begins toward a rewarding career with an Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology.

This is a comprehensive program spanning two years.

Students delve into a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, accumulating a total of 640 clinical hours.

This ensures that graduates are well-equipped with the practical skills needed in the field.

Affordability meets quality education, with tuition currently set at approximately $4,052 per year for in-state students, making it accessible and cost-effective.

For out-of-state students, the annual tuition is $12,116, enabling a diverse community of learners to join this program.

Bevill State Community College

The program offered at this college covers a range of topics, including but not limited to sterile processing, infection control, sterilization, instrumentation identification, and safety.

These classes are conducted on-site at the college.

To be eligible to study in this program, prospective students must meet certain prerequisites, which include:

• Having a high school diploma or GED.
• Passing the Accuplacer placement exam.
• Meeting other specified requirements.
• Completing military service that is not mandatory but taken into consideration
• Possessing prior medical-related experience, if possible.
• Having health insurance.
• Completing a minimum of 120 clinical cases.
• Completing at least 30 cases in General Surgery, with 20 of them in the first scrub role.

In addition to the prerequisites listed above, one of the following criteria must be met:

• A minimum composite score of 16 on the ACT.
• A minimum Writing score of 4 on Accuplacer or completion of ENG 101.
• A minimum Math – Elementary Algebra score of 200 on Accuplacer or completion of MTH 116.

By the end of the course, you’d have accumulated 29 credits.

Manchester Community College

MCC hosts the Surgical Technology Hartford Hospital Consortium program, an academic journey that culminates in the award of an Associate Degree upon completion.

This program spans two years, with the initial year of coursework conducted on the MCC campus.

In the second year, students transition into a distinctive learning environment, combining classes with hands-on clinical rotations at the esteemed Hartford Hospital’s campus.

MCC strives to keep education accessible to a broad spectrum of learners, with tuition costs currently estimated at approximately $2,300 per semester.

Earning a Certification as a Surgical Technologist

While formal certification is not mandated by law, many employers seek certified surgical technologists for this role.

You can get a certification from the following organizations:

• National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA)
  • Provides the Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) qualification
• National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
  • Provides the Certified Surgical Technologist/Certified First Assistant credential
• National Center for Competency Training (NCCT)
  • Provides the Tech in Surgery Certification

The NBSTSA certification, known for its broad recognition, is administered in various cities across Connecticut.

This examination comprises 200 questions, necessitating a minimum of 119 correct answers to pass.

To sit for the certification exam, candidates must remit the associated fee, which amounts to $190 for members of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and $290 for non-AST members.

Certification renewal is compulsory every four years, and two methods are available for this purpose:

• Retaking the certification exam, which requires payment of the exam fee once more
• Completion of 60 education credits during the renewal period via continuing education classes

Renewal of certification further involves payment of a renewal fee.

Surgical Technologist Salaries

While not the most glamorous profession, it’s essential to acknowledge the potential income for individuals selecting this career path.

In Connecticut, surgical technologists can anticipate an average income of approximately $55,300 per year.

The following table provides an overview of cities where these professionals earn higher salaries compared to the state average.

Regional Salary in Connecticut

Surgical Tech Programs by State