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In Indiana, the surgical room is staffed with a dedicated team of healthcare professionals who stand ready to respond swiftly, especially in emergencies.
This team consists of various specialists, each playing a crucial role:
- Surgeons
- Anesthesia specialist
- Surgical nurse
- Surgical technician
Their collaboration begins before the surgery commences and continues until its successful conclusion.
The surgical technicians are also recognized by alternative titles, such as Operation Room (OR) Techs and Scrub Techs.
Article Table of Contents
Surgical Technologist Job Description and Duties
Surgical technologists bear a significant responsibility, as they carry out several vital tasks during their shifts, ensuring the seamless operation of the surgical process.
These responsibilities 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 this list does not cover all the duties performed by these medical professionals.
Training and Education for Surgical Technologists
In Indiana, individuals aspiring to become surgical technologists must first graduate from high school or acquire a GED certificate.
The subsequent steps include enrolling in a specialized training program tailored for this occupation.
These training programs encompass a broad range of subjects, such as:
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical terminology
Students are also trained in crucial life-saving techniques like:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) operation
Various institutions across Indiana offer such training programs.
Although the specific requirements for enrollment may vary, many have common prerequisites.
Prospective students are generally expected to hold:
- Pass the Accuplacer placement exam
- Meet the other requirements
- Complete their military service
- This is not mandatory but it will be taken into consideration
- Having previous medical-related experience, if possible
- Have health insurance
Clinical training is a vital component of the curriculum, and students must complete a substantial number of clinical cases, with a specific focus on General Surgery cases, including a minimum number in a first scrub role.
Various institutions may require specific standardized test scores, such as a minimum composite score on the ACT or a minimum score on tests like Accuplacer ENG 101 or MTH 116.
Indiana University Health 
At Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, aspiring surgical technologists can embark on an accelerated journey.
The surgical technology certificate program offered here is designed for efficiency, requiring just 11 months of full-time coursework.
As a testament to their commitment to their employees, IU Health staff enjoy a reduced tuition rate, contributing only $2,111.16 to join the surgical technology program.
External students can expect a tuition fee of $4,135.56.
University of Saint Francis 
For those seeking to establish a solid foundation in surgical technology, the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne offers a comprehensive program.
Students enrolled in this program not only acquire valuable theoretical knowledge but also gain hands-on experience.
As they pursue their education, they earn an associate degree, preparing them for a successful career in the field.
In addition, they engage in clinical work at various medical centers and hospitals in the local area, ensuring they graduate with practical skills that are highly sought after in the industry.
Ivy Tech Community College 
Ivy Tech Community College offers accredited surgical technology programs at several campuses across the state.
The application to this college is different, as candidates use a general college application, and then choose the program they’re interested in.
Students benefit from an extensive 900 hours of hands-on practice in a clinical setting and operating room environments.
For the associate degree, students must attend 5 semesters of education, accumulating 62 credits:
- 13 general education course credits
- 49 program-specific course credits
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Indiana University Health | 10300 Illinois St #1500, Indianapolis, IN 46290 |
| University of Saint Francis | 2701 Spring St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Coliseum Campus, 3800 N Anthony Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 |
Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist
Although certification is not a legal requirement for surgical technologists, certified personnel are highly sought after by employers in Indiana.
Various certifying bodies provide certification options so let’s see them:
- 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’s certification examination is widely regarded as the most reputable, and it is available at testing centers in different cities across Indiana.
The exam comprises 200 questions, with a minimum of 119 correct answers required to pass.
Taking the exam involves associated fees, which differ for members of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and non-members.
Certification is subject to renewal every four years, and there are two paths to achieving this.
One option is to retake the certification exam, which necessitates repaying the exam fee.
Alternatively, individuals can opt to complete continuing education courses, which mandate the accumulation of 60 educational credits during the renewal period.
The certification renewal process also requires a renewal fee.
Surgical Technologist Salaries in Indiana
While surgical technology might not be the most glamorous career, it offers substantial earning potential.
In Indiana, surgical technologists earn an average annual salary of about $50,200.
The following table provides insights into the cities where surgical technologists receive higher compensation compared to the state average.
Annual Salary by Location:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wheeler | $51,400 |
| Tefft | $51,100 |
| Roselawn | $51,100 |
| Shelby | $51,100 |
| Westville | $50,500 |
| Indianapolis | $50,100 |
| Zionsville | $50,000 |
| Oldenburg | $50,000 |
| Advance | $49,500 |
| Ora | $48,400 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 50 | $55,900 | $26.88 | $67,920 | $32,430 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 220 | $56,900 | $27.35 | $65,290 | $44,300 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 250 | $56,150 | $26.99 | $67,090 | $44,810 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 850 | $59,380 | $28.55 | $73,360 | $47,060 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 150 | $59,680 | $28.69 | $67,190 | $46,890 |
| Muncie, IN | 60 | $56,290 | $27.06 | $69,790 | $47,440 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 150 | $69,810 | $33.56 | $106,090 | $46,840 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 50 | $50,220 | $24.14 | $62,660 | $41,390 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Possible Career Options Available For Surgical Techs In Indiana?
Surgical techs have many job options to choose from.
Here are some of them:
- Certified Surgical Technologist
- CST Educator
- Instrument Room/Central Processing Manager
- Medical Industry Representative
- Tissue Procurement Manager
- Central Sterile Supply Specialist
Where Do Surgical Technologists from Indiana Find Work?
These technologists usually work in a hospital’s surgery wing.
Furthermore, these other places also hire such specialists:
- Children’s hospitals
- Cosmetic surgery centers
- Specialty clinics for surgical procedures
What Sills Do I Need To Work As A Surgical Tech in Indiana?
Here are the most important skills this profession requires:
- Able to work as part of a team
- Detail-oriented
- Take direction
- Understanding medical terms
- Understanding medical methodology
- Good communication skills
Read the full guide: How to Become a Surgical Technologist
Surgical Tech Programs by State