How to Become a Surgical Tech in Missouri

Within the surgical room, a dedicated team of professionals is readily available at all times, especially in emergency situations.

This team includes:

• Surgeons
• Anesthesia specialist
• Surgical nurse
• Surgical technician

Their collaboration begins before the surgical procedure commences and continues even after the surgery’s conclusion.

Operation room (OR) techs and scrub techs are other names for surgical technicians.

Surgical Technologist Job Description and Duties

A surgical technologist is responsible for a range of tasks during their work shifts.

These tasks include:

• 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 of duties is not exhaustive, as the role of a surgical technologist encompasses a broader range of responsibilities.

Surgical Technologist Training and Education in Missouri

Surgical technologists in Missouri are regulated not by any single institution but by their employers.

However, obtaining this role is not straightforward, so let’s delve into the process.

The journey to becoming a surgical technologist begins with high school graduation or obtaining a GED.

The subsequent step involves enrolling in a training program tailored to this profession.

It’s crucial to remember that both education and clinical training are essential for this role.

Several institutions across Missouri offer such training.

While enrollment requirements may vary slightly, many of them include common classes like:

• Microbiology,
• Pathophysiology,
• Pharmacology,
• Anatomy,
• Physiology,
• Medical terminology.
• CPR and/or BLS and/or AED

Prominent institutions providing surgical technology training in Missouri are detailed below.

Bevill State Community College

The program here covers various topics, such as:

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

Classes are conducted within the college itself.

Prospective students must meet specific criteria, including:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass the Accuplacer placement exam
• Having previous medical-related experience, if possible
• Have health insurance
• Completing at least 120 clinical cases
• Complete at least 30 cases in General Surgery, with 20 of them in the first scrub role

Calhoun Community College

The training program here spans around 2 years or 4 semesters and includes classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

To earn an AAS at this college, you must complete an additional 18 general education credit hours.

Admission requirements include applying online, attending a program information session, passing a Manual Dexterity Exam, and meeting the college’s specific admission criteria.

Franklin Technology Center

This school provides a comprehensive Associate in Applied Science Degree program in Surgical Technology, strategically designed to be accomplished within three semesters.

Apart from medical coursework, this program also includes classes in political science and speech/communications.

The total cost for this educational endeavor amounts to $12,352.

Midwest Institute

Midwest Institute extends an Associate Degree program in Surgical Technology, requiring two years for completion.

A distinctive feature of this program is an invaluable unpaid externship that offers hands-on experience within operating rooms alongside professional surgical teams.

Currently, the program bears a total cost of $39,374.

Ozarks Technical Community College

This institution offers a flexible choice with both a certificate program and an Associate in Applied Science Degree program in Surgical Technology.

The certificate program can be successfully fulfilled in approximately one year, while the pursuit of the AAS degree entails a two-year commitment.

The current annual tuition for this program stands at around $5,362.

Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist in Missouri

While certification is not legally mandated, many employers in Missouri prefer certified surgical technologists.

Several certifying bodies provide recognition in this field, such as:

• 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 national recognition, is highly reputable.

The certification exam comprises 200 questions, with a passing threshold of 119 correct answers.

The associated fee for the exam varies based on membership status.

Certification renewal, required every four years, can be accomplished by either retaking the certification exam or completing continuing education requirements, along with a renewal fee.

Surgical Technologist Salary in Missouri

Surgical technologists play a vital role in healthcare, and their salaries reflect their importance.

In this state, the average annual income for an operating room technician is approximately $49,000.

The following table illustrates the cities in Missouri where these professionals earn higher salaries compared to other regions.

Regional Salary in Missouri

Surgical Tech Programs by State