How to Become a Surgical Tech in Kentucky

In Kentucky, the surgical team is composed of a group of dedicated professionals ready to act swiftly, particularly in critical situations.

This team includes:

• Surgeons
• Anesthesia specialist
• Surgical nurse
• Surgical technician

Their collaboration begins before the surgical procedure commences and extends beyond its conclusion.

The surgical techs are skilled individuals also known by alternative titles, such as operation room (OR) techs and scrub techs.

Surgical Technologist Job Description and Duties in Kentucky

Surgical technologists play a pivotal role in the operating room.

They have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• 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

This list is not exhaustive, as surgical technologists undertake various duties vital to patient care.

Training and Education for Surgical Technologists in Kentucky

Becoming a surgical technologist in Kentucky requires a combination of education and clinical training.

While the profession is not institutionally regulated, employers often seek certified individuals.

Here’s an outline of the typical path:

• Graduating from high school or obtaining a GED
• Enrolling in a specialized training program for surgical technology

Several institutions across Kentucky offer such programs, though specific admission criteria may vary.

Common courses include:

• Microbiology
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Medical terminology

CPR and other relevant certifications are also part of the curriculum.

Let’s have a look at some institutions!

Bevill State Community College

While located in Alabama, the school provides a comprehensive program that covers topics like:

• Sterile processing,
• Infection control
• Sterilization,
• Instrumentation identification,
• Safety

Applicants must meet various prerequisites, including a high school diploma or GED, and demonstrate proficiency in core subjects.

Clinical experience is taken into account and health insurance is mandatory.

Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College provides a program spanning approximately two years.

The course involves classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

Aspiring students seeking an AAS must meet additional general education credit requirements, attend a program information session, and complete a Manual Dexterity Exam.

Your application must be completed online.

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

The Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College offers a comprehensive two-year associate degree program.

This program consists of 60 to 65 credits of coursework.

It also features a clinical practicum, providing essential hands-on experience required for certification.

The total program cost, including all fees, amounts to approximately $13,000.

Jefferson Community and Technical College

For students in the Louisville area, Jefferson Community and Technical College offers a certificate program in surgical technology.

The duration of this program ranges from one to two years.

The estimated costs include tuition and fees at $7,650 and books and supplies at $2,500.

American National University

In Lexington, American National University presents a two-year associate degree program focused on surgical technology and central sterile processing.

This program incorporates a balanced mix of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

Graduates of this program consistently achieve a 100 percent pass rate on certification exams.

Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist

While not legally mandated, certification is highly sought after by employers.

In Kentucky, individuals can pursue certification through various organizations, including:

• 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 exam is especially renowned, and testing centers are available across Kentucky.

Successful candidates must answer a minimum of 119 out of 200 questions correctly.

The exam has an associated fee that has to be paid.

Certified surgical technologists must renew their certification every four years.

Renewal options include retaking the certification exam, which involves repaying the exam fee.

Surgical techs also have the option of completing continuing education classes, accumulating 60 education credits within the renewal period.

Additionally, a renewal fee must be submitted.

Surgical Technologist Salaries in Kentucky

While surgical technology might not be the most glamorous profession, it provides respectable income opportunities in Kentucky.

In this state, surgical technologists earn an average salary of around $48,400 per year.

Many consider this occupation an entry-level one.

As you gather experience, you have the possibility of earning more.

To gain insight into how salaries vary across Kentucky, refer to the following table.

Regional Salary in Kentucky

Surgical Tech Programs by State