How to Become a Surgical Tech in Nebraska

The operating room at healthcare facilities in Nebraska is staffed by a dedicated team of professionals who are always prepared to respond swiftly, particularly in emergency situations.

This team comprises of:

• Surgeons
• Anesthesia specialist
• Surgical nurse
• Surgical technician

The last professionals on the list are sometimes referred to as “operating room (OR) techs” or “scrub techs.”

Their collaborative efforts span from the preoperative phase to postoperative care.

Surgical Technologist Job Description and Duties

The role of a surgical technologist encompasses a wide array of responsibilities during their shifts.

Some of their duties 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 essential to note that the role of a surgical technologist extends beyond this list, encompassing a broader spectrum of responsibilities.

Surgical Technologist Training and Education

To embark on the path of becoming a surgical technologist in Nebraska, your journey commences with high school graduation or obtaining a GED.

Subsequently, enrolling in a specialized training program tailored to this occupation is the next step.

This career path necessitates both classroom education and clinical training.

Numerous institutions across Nebraska offer such training, each with slightly varying enrollment requirements.

However, they share some common core classes like:

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

CPR and/or BLS and/or AED certification may also be required.

Here are a few Nebraska institutions that offer training programs for surgical technologists.

Bevill State Community College

The school offers a curriculum covering topics such as:

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

There are 29 credits to accumulate with this course.

Here are some of the requirements to be accepted into the program:

• Pass the Accuplacer placement exam
• Having previous medical-related experience, if possible
• Have health insurance

Calhoun Community College

This school provides a comprehensive program with classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

This includes the completion of 18 general education credit hours for those pursuing an AAS degree.

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

Northeast Community College

This school offers a unique Surgical Technology program in partnership with Southeast Community College (SCC) in Lincoln.

The program integrates both general education and surgical technology courses, blending in-person classroom instruction with online learning and practical clinical experience.

Clinical practice is conducted at local hospitals in Nebraska.

Upon program completion, graduates will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

The entire program spans eight semesters, roughly equivalent to two and a half years.

Southeast Community College 

The college provides an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology.

The program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience.

The program accepts 22 local students and 16 distance (online) students.

In addition to general education prerequisites, admission requirements include:

• Holding current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Passing a comprehensive criminal background check
• Successfully clearing a drug screening

Online students should reside within 400 miles of Lincoln to attend lab sessions every other week, during the initial two semesters.

Final exams for online students are proctored at preapproved nearby locations.

Clinical practice is also arranged locally, accommodating the needs of the students.

The program’s duration is eight semesters, encompassing the general education courses.

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health

This provides an Associate of Science (AS) degree program in Surgical Technology.

This comprehensive program encompasses classroom instruction, hands-on training within on-site surgical suites, and clinical practice at nearby Omaha hospitals.

The curriculum spans 63 credit hours and can be completed in 22 months, equivalent to five semesters.

Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist in Nebraska

While certification isn’t a legal requirement in Nebraska, many employers prefer certified surgical technologists.

Various certifying bodies, such as the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA), the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), and the National Center for Competency Training (NCCT), offer recognition in this field.

Among these, the NBSTSA certification is the most widely recognized nationally.

Certification involves passing a 200-question exam, with a minimum passing score of 119 correct answers.

The exam fee may vary based on membership status.

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

Surgical Technologist Salary

In terms of salary, surgical technologists in Nebraska earn a respectable income for their crucial role in healthcare.

The exact salary figures can vary, with some cities offering higher salaries compared to others.

In Nebraska, a surgical technologist usually earns about $48,300 per year.

Regional Salary in Nebraska

Surgical Tech Programs by State