How to Become a Surgical Tech in Rhode Island

The surgical operating rooms in Rhode Island are a place where we can find a team of highly-trained professionals.

These professionals are prepared to act in emergency situations.

These essential personnel include:

• Surgeons
• Anesthesia specialist
• Surgical nurse
• Surgical technician

Operating room (OR) techs and scrub techs are alternate job position names for surgical technicians.

The collaboration of the team begins before the surgical procedure starts and continues after its conclusion.

Job Description and Responsibilities of Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists are tasked with a range of responsibilities during their shifts, which 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 list above represents only a portion of the duties of a medical professional in this field.

Training and Education for Surgical Technologists in Rhode Island

Surgical technologists in Rhode Island are not regulated by a specific governing institution but typically fall under the jurisdiction of their employing institutions.

However, gaining employment in this field is not without its challenges.

Next is an overview of the educational and training process.

The path to becoming a surgical technologist in Rhode Island typically begins with a high school diploma or GED.

Aspiring surgical technologists should enroll in a specialized training program tailored to this profession.

These programs usually combine classroom education with clinical training.

While different institutions may have slightly varying requirements, common subjects include:

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

Certification in CPR, BLS, or AED may also be necessary.

Several institutions in Rhode Island offer such training programs.

In many instances, there are additional requirements candidates must meet.

Prospective students may need to meet specific prerequisites, such as:

• Passing placement exams
• Fulfilling health insurance requirements
• Considering factors like prior medical-related experience and military service.

Completing a minimum number of clinical cases, including those in general surgery and first scrub roles, is typically required.

Standardized test scores, such as the ACT or Accuplacer, may be part of the admission criteria.

The training program typically consists of a set number of course credits that students must complete.

Let’s see some training programs in Rhode Island for future surgery techs!

Bevill State Community College

This school offers a program that covers topics like:

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

Prospective students interested in studying here must meet specific prerequisites.

These are:

• Holding a high school diploma or GED
• Passing the Accuplacer placement exam
• Maybe having prior medical-related experience.

The program includes clinical cases and has a total of 29 credits.

Calhoun Community College

The school provides a training program with a duration of around two years or four semesters.

Students participate in classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

For those seeking an AAS at this college, an additional 18 general education credit hours must be completed.

Admission into the program involves various requirements, including attending a program information session and completing a Manual Dexterity Exam.

New England Institute of Technology

This school provides an Associate in Science degree program in Surgical Technology, designed to be finished in as short as 18 months.

As a vital component of this degree program, students will undertake a 20-week clinical externship.

To graduate and attain the status of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), students must successfully pass the national exam.

The current annual tuition for this program stands at approximately $27,000.

Certification for Surgical Technologists in Rhode Island

While certification is not legally required, many employers in Rhode Island prefer to hire certified surgical technologists.

Several certifying bodies provide relevant certifications, 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

Among these, the NBSTSA certification is highly regarded and nationally recognized.

The certification exam typically consists of 200 questions, with a passing requirement of answering a minimum of 119 questions correctly.

To take the exam, an associated fee must be paid, with different fees for members and non-members of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).

Certification renewal is required every four years and can be achieved through either:

• Retaking the certification exam (with an associated fee)

or

• Completing continuing education credits (60 during the renewal period) along with a renewal fee payment.

Surgical Technologist Salary in Rhode Island

While the role of a surgical technologist may not be the most glamorous, it’s important to consider the potential income associated with this profession.

In Rhode Island, an OR tech can earn an average annual salary of approximately $53,900.

The following table illustrates the cities within Rhode Island where surgical technologists earn higher salaries compared to the rest of the state:

Regional Salary in Rhode Island

Surgical Tech Programs by State